Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Blue Label: Which Wins?

Discover the differences between Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Blue Label in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whisky is better for You!

Johnnie Walker 18 Year Platinum

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	Gold Label, Green Label

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

The nose is muted, with shallow hints of vanilla and citrus coming at first, followed by a whiff of alcohol that fades away as you let it breathe.

On the palate, the Platinum Label displays a full body providing a good mouthfeel. Flavor hits with vanilla and caramel, giving way to almond and a very subtle touch of smoke.

The finish lacks a bit in length, with very little warmth to it, with more caramel and a tiny touch of smoke.

Adding a dash of water releases caramel and oak which is surprisingly absent despite the long 18 year aging.

Johnnie Walker 18 Year is smooth from nose to finish, perhaps too smooth as it lacks in character.

Not bad by any means, is just that it’s way too smooth and I like my drams to hit harder with more flavorful notes.

But if you are looking for an overly smooth drinker you are going to love it.

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label facts

• Made using whiskies that have matured for at least 18 years.

• Assembled from 20-25 different distilleries owned by Diageo.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Nose	Oak, dried fruits, berries, citrus
Palate	Caramel, smoke, chocolate, malt
Finish	Medium, light smoke, dried fruit
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Neat
Similar to	Macallan Rare Cask, Royal Salute

According to Johnnie Walker only 1 in 10,000 casks is selected to be part of the blend.

It makes me think that Johnnie Walker must have a zillion casks in storage as the Blue Label is everywhere to be found as every duty free store in the world carries a generous stock.

The nose offers oak at first, followed by a light smoky note. There are hints of berries and citrus coming behind.

On the palate, the Blue Label feels creamy, rich in caramel up-front, followed by a malty flavor and a hint of chocolate. There is a bit of smoke making it incredibly rewarding.

The finish has a solid length, light in oak and smoke with a rich dried fruit note.

I would summarize the Blue Label by saying “smooth, smoky and delicious”.

This whisky is incredibly smooth yet quite flavorful with more peat than I was expecting but still just a hint and nothing off-putting for those who are not into peaty whisky.

The JW Blue Label is remarkably gentle on the palate, very smooth, slightly sweet with smoky cigar-like aftertaste.

Easy on the way down with no burn providing a good experience from nose to finish.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label facts:

• This whisky is not a Single Malt Scotch but a blend of malt and grain whiskies crafted at various distilleries across Scotland.

• It does not have an age statement.

Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Blue Label: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Johnnie Walker Platinum	$120
Johnnie Walker Blue Label	$250

Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Blue Label: Which is better?

Treat yourself and go for the Blue Label

Whiskey	Platinum	Blue Label
Nose		✅
Body	✅	✅
Palate	✅	✅
Finish		✅
Value	✅	✅

• The Platinum Label is good, is just that it lacks in character as everything is a little too muted. For that same money I recommend looking into the Glenlivet 18 which is just as smooth but more tasty.

• The Blue Label has several shortcomings for a whisky at that price such as the low proof, not having an age statement and having fake artificial caramel-coloring, but it tastes incredibly well.

• The Blue Label is one of those whiskies to have at least once in a lifetime and still the best Johnnie Walker Scotch.