We’re heading back into the Whisky In The 6 archive today, and taking a look at a whisky I reviewed over 5 years ago: the Johnnie Walker Celebratory blend. The recent hype around Johnnie Walker’s latest addition, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, got me reminiscing about this dram, and how much it surprised me (in a good way).
When a legacy brand like Johnnie Walker releases a 200th-anniversary bottle, a healthy dose of skepticism is natural. My first suspicion upon seeing the Celebratory Blend, with its red cap and screw top, was that it was simply a higher-strength Red Label in a fancy box. I was prepared to dismiss it as another marketing play. But the unique 51% ABV, a nod to the brand’s 19th-century history, intrigued me enough to put it to the test and find out if there was real substance behind the celebratory packaging.
The most compelling feature here is that 51% alcohol by volume. This is not an arbitrary number. It is meant to mimic the strength of whiskies Johnnie Walker bottled back in the 1860s. This historical context immediately elevates the release beyond a simple gimmick. It represents a return to their old ways of making whisky. Paired with a reasonable price point for a limited edition, my initial cynicism began to fade. It seemed they were genuinely trying to offer something special.
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On the nose, it presents classic Johnnie Walker characteristics, a pleasant mix that reminds me of their Green and Gold Label expressions. I found nice orange notes, a very small hint of peat, and some fresh apple alongside a sweet butterscotch aroma. The palate, however, is where it truly shines. It does not drink like a 51% whisky at all. The only giveaway is the excellent, mouth-coating texture. Flavors of butterscotch, honey, and apple come through with just a touch of heat, leading to a decent finish with a unique oatmeal quality. Honestly, it was a pretty surprising and enjoyable experience.
In the end, this is a great-tasting whisky. While it likely has color added and is chill-filtered, the quality of the liquid speaks for itself. The higher ABV is a fantastic move, and one I hope encourages them to release more bottlings like this in the future. I came into this review fully prepared to dislike another commemorative release, but I believe Johnnie Walker has done this one right. It’s an easy-drinking, impressive whisky that proves even the biggest names can still offer a pleasant surprise. What do you value more in a special release: a unique ABV or a clear age statement?
To see my full tasting, watch my YouTube video.
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