Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Green Label: Which Wins?

Discover the differences between Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Green Label in this head to head 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, Blue Label

Johnnie 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 soft, with shallow hints of vanilla and citrus coming at first, followed by a whiff of ethanol that fades away as you let it breathe.

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

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

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

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 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 and easy 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 Green Label

Nose	Coffee, smoke, chocolate, oak
Palate	Dates, walnuts, barley, coffee
Finish	Long, caramel, spice, oak
Alcohol content	86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink	Add water
Similar to	Blue Label, Chivas 18

The Johnnie Walker Green Label is not a Single Malt but a blend of single malt whiskies crafted at a vast array of distilleries owned by Diageo.

You can’t call it a Single Malt Whisky according to the laws that govern Scotch whisky but let’s call it an “unofficial single malt”.

The nose has an espresso coffee aroma, along chocolate, oak and a tad of smoke and iodine, making it quite pleasant.

On the palate, the Green Label has a medium body. First taste is sweet and smooth, rich in dates, walnuts, malt, more coffee to it and a mineral note.

The finish is long and mostly sweet, light on the smoke and just a bit of oak spice..

The JW Green Label is one of my favorites as it delivers a smooth and interesting taste at a good price.

It is smooth and mellow with a bit of smoke on the palate, and spice on the finish, and then the hint of peat comes back right at the end. Nice balance in body, alcohol and peat.

Overall, the Green Label is a delicious dram with great combination of smokiness, sweetness and flavor, neither a peat monster nor a sherry bomb and much less a fruity dessert dram. 

In my opinion the best Johnny Walker whisky for the money. Green Label is what I call the “insider pick” and the best Johnnie Walker for the money.

Johnnie Walker Green Label facts

• The blend contains malts from some of the finest distilleries such as Caol ila, Talisker, Linkwood and Cragganmore.

• The whiskies in the blend were aged for at least 15 years.

Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Green Label: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Johnnie Walker Platinum	$120
Johnnie Walker Green Label	$70

Johnnie Walker Platinum vs Green Label: Price Which is better?

The Green Label is a champ in terms of value

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

• I’m fond of the Green Label is it displays the characteristic tasting notes of Islay Whiskies such as iodine, smoke and peat, while still providing a smooth experience.

• It’s price is quite attractive for a 15 year old whisky delivering solid value.

• Johnnie Platinum is an easier whisky, way too easy for my taste as everything is a little too muted, but a solid choice for those who want an uncomplicated sipper.