Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label

Sweet and easy to drink. Creamy and dry. Delicate. Notes of sweet cream, warm cinnamon rolls, grapefruit zest (which I normally despise, but find pleasant in this context). Smoke arrives quite late. The finish is soft, slow, and lightly smoky, with lingering malt notes and a hint of pipe tobacco. Conclusion: I would approach this blend with a note of caution; if you are drinking Johnnie Walker Platinum Label it should probably be the only dram you are drinking in order to get the full experience out of it. There are many whiskies for which this is true. (Looking at you, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, etc.) Whereas those heavier whiskies tend to kill the palate and make it impossible to truly enjoy more delicate drams, this release is the polar opposite. “Delicate” is precisely the word that comes to mind when describing Johnnie Walker Platinum Label. I would venture so far as to say even a clean Glenfiddich runs the risk of overpowering the nuances of the blend. While it may seem a bit demanding, I would venture that your patience and attention will likely pay off. To me, the release is most worthwhile when gifted to another, as intended. The price point and presentation certainly make a statement, while the dram itself is unlikely to offend the more novice of whisky enthusiasts. It is a very nice release. It is a friendly release. It is an easily enjoyable release. As for keeping a bottle in the rotation full time, I cannot see the label as necessarily being essential to any respectably stocked bar. FINAL SCORE: 90/100