Johnnie Walker 18 Review

Last Updated on: 19th August 2024, 04:21 pm

Discover everything about Johnnie Walker 18 Year Platinum in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Written by: J Highland

Johnnie Walker 18 Platinum Label: Smooth & Approachable, But Consider These Options Too

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Johnnie Walker 18 Year old Blended Scotch Whisky offers a refined and easy-drinking experience. Here’s a breakdown of its profile and some alternative suggestions:

Johnnie Walker 18 Platinum:

• Strengths:
  • Smooth & Sweet: This expression boasts a smooth and moderately sweet profile, free of any harshness. The subtle smoke presence makes it approachable for those who prefer a milder peaty influence.
  • Easy Sipper: The overall smoothness might appeal to some who prioritize a relaxed and uncomplicated drinking experience.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lacks Complexity: The smooth profile is perceived by some experts as lacking in depth and character compared to other Johnnie Walker’s bottles.

Alternatives to Consider:

• Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt: If you find the Platinum appealing but crave more complexity, the Glenlivet 18 offers a similar price point but with a richer and deeper flavor profile characteristic of single malt whiskies.
• Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Within the Johnnie Walker range, you might prefer the Blue Label, known for its luxurious blend and layers of flavor.
• Johnnie Walker Green Label: If value is a key factor, the Green Label offers a fantastic introduction to the Johnnie Walker smoky profile at a more affordable price point.

Verdict:

Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 is a pleasant and smooth whisky, particularly for those who enjoy a mild smoky character. However, if you prioritize bold flavors and complexity, consider the Glenlivet 18 or explore other options within the Johnnie Walker range, like the Blue Label for a luxurious experience or the Green Label for a budget-friendly introduction.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference for smoothness versus complexity and your budget, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

• Related: Top Johnnie Walker Whiskies
• Learn more: Johnnie Walker 18 Website

What’s unique about Johnnie Walker 18 Platinum Label?

This blended whisky stands out with its notable age statement, a feature that many blenders, including Johnnie Walker, have been omitting from their labels as a means to cut costs.

The whisky is crafted using a blend of whiskies aged at a minimum of 18 years sourced from 20-25 different distilleries across Scotland.

Tasting Notes

• 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: Johnnie Walker Gold Label

The nose of Platinum Label is understated, featuring hints of vanilla and citrus, along with a fleeting alcohol note that fades over time.

When tasted, this whisky delivers a rich and full-bodied experience, presenting flavors of vanilla, caramel, almond, and a subtle hint of smoke.

The finish is relatively short, with a gentle warmth and notes of caramel, and a touch of smoke.

Adding water to the whisky reveals unexpected nuances of caramel and oak that remain hidden upon initial tasting.

FAQ

A quick FAQ to address your doubts:

What type of Whisky is Johnnie Walker 18 Platinum?

• The Johnnie Walker Platinum is a blend of malt and grain whiskies crafted at 20 different distilleries across Scotland.
• The whiskies in the blend are aged for at least 18 years.

Is it smoky?

• Johnnie Platinum has a tiny whiff of smoke.
• It’s very subtle, scoring around 1 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest value.

Is it chill-filtered?

• Platinum is a chill-filtered Scotch.
• This process is the norm in the industry and prevents the whisky from becoming hazy.
• Some purists dislike chill-filtering as they claim it can impact the whisky’s flavors.

Does it use caramel coloring?

• Platinum, like every Johnnie Walker release, uses artificial caramel coloring.
• This is a common practice in the industry, although some whisky enthusiasts may have personal preferences against it.

Aging

• The whiskies in the blend are aged for at least 18 years.

How to drink it?

• Platinum is an easy drinker that can be enjoyed neat or with a dash of water to release some caramel flavors.
• Adding water is a traditional way of drinking whisky in Scotland.

Alternatives

• Talisker 18, Highland Park 18, and Lagavulin 16 are recommended alternatives to explore.
• Each offers a unique flavor profile and experience, with Talisker 18 being a personal favorite.

Is it good for beginners?

• Yes, Johnnie Walker Platinum is a good whisky for rich beginners looking for a smooth and easy introduction to Scotch.

Price

• In the United States, it is priced at around $120, while in Canada, it is around $150.
• In the UK, it is priced at approximately £97, and in Australia, it is around $165.

Alcohol content

• Johnnie Walker Platinum has an alcohol content of 80 proof (40% ABV).

Does it expire?

• Whiskies do not expire if stored properly in a cool place away from sunlight.
• However, it is recommended to consume the remaining content once it reaches around 25% as flavors may deteriorate over time.

Awards & Accolades

• Johnnie Walker Platinum earned five stars from F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal, one of the GOATS of whisky reviewing,

How is it made?

• The specific distilleries contributing to the blend are undisclosed by Johnnie Walker.
• However, the whisky is a result of marrying around 20 whiskies from diverse distilleries across Scotland, all owned by Diageo, the parent company of Johnnie Walker.

How did I review Johnnie Walker 18 Platinum Label?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

Johnnie Walker 18 Year Platinum: Specs

Type of Whisky	Blend
Age statement	18Y
Proof	80
ABV	40%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Yes
Warm?	No
Peaty?	Very little
Good for beginners?	Yes
Good for cocktails?	No
Good with Coke?	No
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	Yes