Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:56 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Dewar’s 18 vs Johnnie Walker 18 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whisky is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Dewar’s 18 vs Johnnie Walker Platinum: Comparison
Dewar’s 18: Begins with inviting fresh bread, cherries, and spices but shifts to oak and sour apples on the palate, ending shortly with smoke and spice.
Johnnie Walker 18: Starts with soft vanilla and citrus, transitions to a rich blend of vanilla, caramel, and smoke, concluding with a medium, slightly smoky finish.
Verdict: Dewar’s 18 and Johnnie Walker 18 each offer unique experiences. Dewar’s presents a contrasting journey from nose to finish, while Johnnie Walker maintains a consistent smoothness. Both are worth exploring based on personal preference for aromatic allure or smooth, full-bodied enjoyment, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top 18-Year Malts
Dewar’s 18: A Tale of Two Worlds
- Nose: Fresh bread, cherries, orange, baking spice
- Palate: Oak, sour apples, ripe fruit, peat
- Finish: Short, smoke, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Dewar’s 15
Aromatic Allure: The first impression of Dewar’s 18 is undoubtedly captivating. Imagine your senses swept away by the warm aroma of a freshly baked Christmas cake – a delightful blend of fresh bread, juicy cherries, zesty orange, and a sprinkle of comforting baking spices. It’s an enchanting invitation, promising a festive flavor journey.
Palate Paradox: Sadly, the initial excitement takes an unexpected turn on the palate. Instead of the promised Christmas cake celebration, a distinct earthiness emerges, dominated by musty oak and tart apple notes. While subtle hints of ripe fruit peek through, they struggle to compete with the oak’s dominance. A faint whisper of peat lingers in the background, but it’s more like a shy suggestion than a bold statement.
A Short Farewell: The finish is like a fleeting goodbye, leaving behind a touch of smoke and a lingering bitterness from the oak spice. It’s neither warming nor memorable, leaving you wanting more in terms of depth and complexity.
A Recommendation Reconsidered: While the aroma holds immense promise, the overall experience doesn’t quite live up to the initial excitement. The pronounced oak and tart apple notes may not resonate with everyone, and the finish lacks the warmth and satisfaction many seek in an aged whisky.
Remember, taste is subjective:
- If you prioritize enticing aromas and enjoy oak-forward profiles, Dewar’s 18 might still hold some appeal.
- However, for those seeking a balanced flavor experience with a long, warming finish, there might be better options available.
Ultimately, the choice is yours: Explore, experiment, and discover the whiskies that truly resonate with your unique palate.
Johnnie Walker 18: Smooth Sailing or Lacking Depth?
- Nose: Vanilla, citrus, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, almond, caramel, smoke
- Finish: Medium, caramel, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Green Label
A Gentle Introduction: The initial aroma of Johnnie Walker 18 is like a soft whisper, offering hints of vanilla and citrus. A fleeting touch of ethanol peeks through, but quickly fades with time. It’s a gentle invitation, setting the stage for a potentially smooth experience.
Full-Bodied Embrace: This whisky doesn’t shy away from a satisfying presence on the palate. Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent cake – that’s the full-bodied mouthfeel that awaits.
Vanilla & Caramel Symphony: The initial flavors are familiar friends – vanilla and caramel take center stage, offering a sweet and comforting welcome. As you savor, hints of almond emerge, adding a touch of complexity. Then, a whisper of smoke appears, adding a subtle intrigue to the mix.
An Unremarkable Farewell: The finish is like a gentle sigh, leaving you with a lingering taste of caramel and a faint smokiness. While pleasant, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. It’s a bit short-lived, leaving some longing for more depth and complexity.
Water Unveils Secrets: Adding a dash of water unlocks a hidden layer of caramel and oak, notes that one might expect to be more present considering the 18-year aging process. It’s an interesting discovery, but begs the question – would it have been better without the water?
Smoothness at a Cost: Johnnie Walker 18 is undeniably smooth, bordering on being too smooth for some. While this makes it an effortless and approachable dram, it might leave those seeking bold character and pronounced flavors wanting more. It’s all about personal preference.
Ultimately, you decide:
- Smooth Sailing: If you prioritize a gentle, easy-drinking experience, Johnnie Walker 18 might be your perfect match.
- Seeking Depth: If you crave a whisky that explodes with complex flavors and leaves a lasting impression, you might want to explore other options.
What do they have in common?
These whiskies are blends, incorporating both grain and malt whiskies from various distilleries across Scotland.
It’s important to note that the superiority of a whisky is not solely determined by whether it is a single malt or a blend.
The quality and enjoyment of a whisky can be found in both categories, as each offers its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dewar’s 18 | $49 |
| Johnnie Walker 18 Platinum | $96 |