Johnnie Walker Red Label has been the top-selling blended whisky in the world since 1945. It is a staggering achievement. Yet, among serious whisky enthusiasts, it often carries a reputation as little more than a cheap mixer. I recently decided to put this stigma to the test by comparing a freshly purchased modern bottle against a vintage expression from 1985. My goal was simple: to discover exactly how much this iconic blend has evolved over the decades.
At the princely sum of just £19 in my local supermarket, the modern Red Label sets modest expectations. I fully expected to be gagging at the taste, but it is honestly not the most offensive thing in the world.
The nose reveals gentle citrus and a sweetness reminiscent of hard toffee. While it is undeniably young and a relatively thin whisky on the palate, lacking any real smoke or depth, it serves perfectly well for its intended purpose. I would give it a solid five out of ten.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYPouring the 1985 vintage reveals an entirely different story. Immediately, the nose is richer. Those modern toffee notes are still present, but they are joined by brighter citrus, chewy caramel, and a distinctive trace of tobacco smoke.
It tastes maltier, displaying a gentle spiciness and classic green apple characteristics that suggest a much higher ratio of quality single malts.
The older bottling delivers a mellow, rounded finish that the modern counterpart simply cannot match, earning it a very respectable six and a half.
Trending Content
Beyond the flavour, this comparison presented a perfect excuse to experiment with E150A caramel colouring. Modern Red Label relies on this additive, whereas the 1980s version likely utilised Paxarete to achieve its hue.
After heavily dosing a dram with pure E150A to see how it affected the liquid, I discovered that while it drastically alters the visual appeal, it is practically odourless. Instead, an excessive amount merely makes the whisky feel unnaturally slick on the palate while leaving a faint trace of burnt sugar.
Ultimately, this side-by-side tasting proves that the historic blends of yesteryear possessed a fascinating richness we rarely encounter on supermarket shelves today. Have you ever had the chance to compare a vintage whisky against its modern equivalent?
For a more detailed head-to-head Johnnie Walker Red Label comparison, watch my YouTube video.
