Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is a smooth, well-rounded combination of up to 18 different whiskies from all over Scotland. Most of these are classic malt whiskies – which have undergone a slow, easy maturation in Scotland for at least 18 years. No surprises, the 18 year old is by far my favourite from Chivas Regal. It’s everything the 12yo promises, but with a much smoother drinking experience. The depth from the oak and fruity orange flavours are a wonderful combination that really comes to life. No water needed! Palate: Peanut brittle, candied peels, plump sultana, a whisper of floral malt gives it an aromatic mid-palate, before giving way to a whisper of dry, earthy smoke.

Beveridge added: “I find older whiskies fascinating to work with. The great whiskies I’ve selected for this blend have undergone a slow, easy maturation through at least 18 cold winters and warm summers. It’s a long time to wait but these whiskies have a wonderful balance.

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Then again, I seem to be exclusively a single malts type of whisky nerd. Friends of mine who like JW and blends seem to like it, but they have agreed that it isn't worth the price. Maybe if its on sale and you are dying to try it then sure. As I took my first sip of Chivas Regal 18, I was welcomed with an abundance of oaky flavour. The palate was alive with winter spices and rich malt, followed by sweet notes of Seville orange marmalade and a pleasant oakiness. Continuing (neat) and with a little more ‘chewing’, I detected a mild hint of cinnamon that balanced perfectly with the spicy malt tones.

A bit on the Thin side again due to the low ABV. The Palate is quite Clean without any off-notes. The Grain Alcohol is more noticeable here than on the Nose. The Palate is Sweet with a very light Bitter touch for balance. Soft Spices enter as well. It's a pity that even the higher-end JW Blends are bottled at 40%. The 18 Years at least requires 43% and probably a bit more. As it is the initial feeling on the Nose is a bit Weak and Thin. It's not bad but just too Light. The Grain Alcohol is notable of course but in a Softer way. The Nose is basically Sweet with Fruits, Cereals and Caramel in the lead.Cardhu, Blair Athol, Glen Elgin, Auchroisk Bottler John Walker & Sons (JW&S) Bottling serie Ultimate 18 Bottled 2017 Stated Age 18 years old Strength 40.0 % Vol. Size 700 ml 750 ml 1000 ml Barcode 5000267165783 Added on 26 mar 2017 5:05 pm by maltaholic Heather-Honey, Toffee, Vanilla, Salted Butter, Plum Jam, Salted Almonds/Peanuts, Herbal Tea, Mint, Dusty Earth, Smoke and Orange-Flavoured Dark Chocolate. The Gold Label Johnnie Walker joined the core range in 1995 as the second of three expansions to the range in the 90’s. It originally carried an age statement of 18 years but that was removed when the Platinum 18 Year Old was released in 2012. For me however, I love the mild smoke and peat flavours of the Green Label. Considering the price, I think this is a great value bottle which is practically an ‘unofficial single malt’. Comparing it to the CRXV, it’s a tough decision between the two. It is hand-crafted by Jim Beveridge – twice voted Master Blender of the Year – who sought out the ultimate combination of complex and smooth 18-year-old whiskies drawn from the main whisky producing regions of Scotland including classic Speyside malts, such as Cardhu, Glen Elgin and Auchroisk known for their sweetness and elegance; fruity and complex Highland Malts including Blair Athol and beautifully aged island malts that introduce a subtle smokiness”

As the whisky market became more unstable during the 1920s and 1930s, Johnnie Walker amalgamated with Distillers Company Limited (DCL). Chivas Regal is renowned for its range of blended Scotch whiskies including their flagship Chivas Regal 12 Year Old plus their XV, 18 and 25 Year Old bottles. They also have a triplet of 13 year old ‘extra’ whiskies which have each been specialty-matured in sherry, bourbon and rye casks. Soft Cereals, lightly Salted Caramel, Butterscotch, Apple-Strudel, Apricot-filled Puff Pastry, Citrus Peel (Orange, Lemon, Mandarin), Oak, Ginger, Cinnamon and Floral notes. Compared to the Chivas Regal XV, the Green Label is no where near as fruity or sweet. Frankly, it’s a totally different bottle with much peatier, smokier flavours which can be a real crowd-splitter if that’s not your thing. Taking a sip of Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old, I’m immediately captivated by its intense flavour profile. The whisky has a remarkably smooth texture with a creamy mouthfeel that coats my tongue and throat. On the palate, I’m greeted first by slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate complemented by sweet dried fruit. Later comes an opulent wave of spices that create a complex burst of flavour – cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and hints of oak. As this delicious medley of spices lingers on my palate, I’m left with gentle smokiness.Without prejudice to the section Liability below, the Service may be temporarily unavailable during maintenance, updates, etc. We shall make reasonable efforts to inform you of any unavailability due to maintenance or updates. The pivotal role of John Walker, the founder, and his transition from a farmer's son to a pioneering grocer.

Diageo has released a short film depicting Beveridge looking for the “ultimate” 18-year-old blended Scotch to support the launch – see below. Johnnie Walker has been a household name of blended whisky for over 215 years but with such a varied and expansive history it is hard to know which is their best bottling. Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is presented in a newly-designed, “sophisticated” bottle with gold detailing.Chivas Regal offers a smoother, subtle whisky with light sweet notes, while Johnnie Walker has a more distinctive smoky aroma and flavour profile. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference as both brands offer excellent blended Scotch whiskies ranging between 12-25 years old. No partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship is created as a result of your use of the Service.