Johnnie Walker Gold Label vs Green Label: (Which Whisky Wins?)

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:11 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 Johnnie Walker Gold Label vs Green Label 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

Johnnie Walker Gold Label vs Green Label: Comparison

Johnnie Walker Gold Label: A smooth blend with honey, vanilla, and a hint of smoke. Appeals to those who value smoothness and sweetness.

Johnnie Walker Green Label: Offers a mellow yet rich profile with coffee, smoke, and balanced sweetness. Renowned for its exceptional value, it’s a blend of single malts aged for at least 15 years, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Key Differences: Gold Label focuses on a smoother, sweeter experience without an age statement, potentially appealing to those who prioritize easy drinking over complexity. Green Label, with its 15-year-old single malt blend, offers depth and a more pronounced range of flavors at a more attractive price.

Verdict: For those seeking a refined and smooth experience with a touch of sweetness, Gold Label is a compelling choice, albeit at a premium. Green Label stands out for its balance, complexity, and exceptional value, making it a preferred option for whisky aficionados looking for quality and character within the Johnnie Walker lineup, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label: Sweet and Smooth

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Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks
Similar to: Double Black

Initial Aroma:

A slight alcohol presence is noticeable at first, but it mellows out with time.

Flavor Profile:

The palate is sweet and smooth, offering notes of honey, malt, and a subtle hint of smoke.

Lingering Finish:

The finish is warm and balanced, featuring oak, honey, and a touch of smoke alongside a mild bitterness.

Smoothness with a Caveat:

Johnnie Walker Gold Label delivers a pleasant and smooth drinking experience, exceeding the smoothness of its Black Label counterpart.
While it’s easy to sip due to minimal heat, the price might be considered high for a blended whisky, especially considering single malts offering potentially better value at similar costs.

Exploring Alternatives:

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, exploring top Scotch whiskies under $100 might be a good alternative.

Gold Label: Unveiled:

Johnnie Walker Gold Label is a blend of various grains and single malts sourced from different regions in Scotland.
Unlike some other Johnnie Walker expressions, this whisky lacks an age statement, meaning the exact age of the whiskies used in the blend remains undisclosed.
Introduced in the US in 2013, Gold Label replaced the previously available Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old.
The specific sources and proportions of whiskies used in the blend are a closely guarded secret by Johnnie Walker, with only Clynelish distillery known to contribute significantly.

Johnnie Walker Green Label: A Mellow and Balanced Blend

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Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Blue Label

Aromatic Delights:

Bold Start: The aroma opens with rich notes of espresso, chocolate, and oak, hinting at a touch of smoke and iodine.

Flavorful Journey:

Balanced Blend: The palate is medium-bodied, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and flavors reminiscent of dates, walnuts, malt, and coffee, with a subtle mineral undertone.

Lingering Impression:

Smooth Finish: The finish is long and pleasant, carrying sweet smoky notes and a touch of oak spice.

The Green Label Advantage:

Mellow & Smoky: This whisky boasts a mellow character with subtle smoke, complemented by a warming spice on the finish.
Balanced Delight: A touch of peat adds complexity, ensuring no single flavor dominates, like sherry or fruity notes.
Exceptional Value: Green Label is arguably the best value among Johnnie Walker’s expressions, offering exceptional quality at an attractive price.

An Insider’s Secret:

Hidden Gem: Green Label is a favorite among whisky enthusiasts, known for its unmatched quality-to-price ratio. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank.

Behind the Blend:

Aging: Green Label is a blend of whiskies aged for at least 15 years, sourced from Diageo’s finest distilleries, including Caol Ila, Talisker, Linkwood, and Cragganmore.