Scotch

The Ultimate Review: Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old

Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old is the highest age statement in the brand's portfolio. Today, Jeff Whisky reviews the iconic expression.

OVERALL RATING

9
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes

About:

The oldest age statement in the Johnnie Walker core range, this blend features up to 18 different whiskies all having spent a minimum of 18 years in the cask. This includes Speysides, Glen Elgin and Cardhu, the Highlands Blair Athol and more.
Appearance:
A rich amber with a yellow tint which has been enhanced with artifical colouring.
Nose:
A huge hit of apples and orchard fruits dominate the initial nose with lots of sweet peaches and pears. Plenty of malt, like Shreddies cereal, digestive biscuits and toasted almonds. There is a citrus sweetness reminiscent of orange based liqueurs adding depth to the aroma.
Palate:
On first sip there is a sugary orange marmalade combined with a sweet and slightly tangy peach juice. The smoke starts to appear after a couple of sips but it is very subtle and slightly herbaceous like an fire from an overgrown hedgerow.
Finish:
A mid to long finish which carries that sweet blood orange notes balancing chewy toffee and bitter smoke.
Comments:
Around half the price of the Blue Label this 18 Year Old release stands up and shows it is not a premium blend to be overlooked. There is plenty of citrus, honey and a soft smoke to be found in this easy to enjoy bottle.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash