Keith Devens .com

Keith,

Glad you had the opportunity to taste the Blue. As a blend it is the best I have ever had. I drink it along with Ballentine 30 on a regular basis. the B 30 is a bit more expensive, but in a class by itself. The MacCallan is another scotch in a class by itself. All of the Johnny line is impressive for what they are - blends. For that matter, so is the Chivas Regal line. The main thing is to drink what you like, so that you will like what you drink. There is nothing worse than spend hard earned cash on a beverage that you do not care for. Here iis another thing...pay cash for it. The bottle will mean more to you. Also, when you get into that upper range of scotches, very little or no ice, only a drop or two of water. Taste enough and become an authority. Keep a log book, write down your opinions. If you have aquired a taste for scotch, then you deserve to be heard. People want your opinion and they shouldn't just like Blue or Black, or B 30 because of the price or the age. They should like it because they like it. If you get the chance try a Speyside and compare it to your scotch of choice. Work your way around Scotland and have fun doing it. It is an easy addiction that can be alot of fun. It is kind of like treasure hunting...the perfect single malt (in your opinion), the perfect blend. Invite your friends to a multiple tasting (like wine tasting). Get to know your scotches and your will be able to strike up a convo at the best party, with the most distant of strangers. Sound like I am romanticizing? Try it and see. Most scotch drinkers stop at Dewars or J&B. Not bad, but not the elite of the family. Have FUN!

I've just been given a bottle of blue label for my birthday. i was quite staggered when i found out the price and I've got to say I'm a bit scared to open it, but looking forward to that event in any case. i might do a blind tasting with some mates, just like a wine tasting, and post the results.

I'm sippin on a Johnny Gold...if the Blue is better than this, I will have to get a better job. ;-)

Johnny Gold is the best whiskey I have ever had, period. Superb blend!

Enjoy.

Does anyone know where to purchase Johnny Walker GREEN?

Years ago I tried cocain cut with speed, and knew me well enough to never try it again. Some things I can't afford to get mixed up in and after pricing scotch I can tell you it would be on the same list. I can keep a bottle of Johnny Walker red around for a year without a problem but if I get a bottle of Black Label I got to find a reason to drink it. The difference to me is striking. So I can't see the percentage in buying a drink I'm going to fall in love with like gold, green, or blue label because there's no way I'll be able to afford to keep it around. You high flyers buy the good stuff but for me black label will have to do.

I travel the world regularly, and have acquired a taste habit for a few good things, and Johnny Walker Blue Label (with its nice packaging, which adds to the drink) is absolutely a very fine drink! For myself, I can only explain that an evening of 'Blue label' is as fine as an evening of 'the blue pill'. I make it a point to 'accidently' drop the JW bottle charm and JW Blue Label booklet into all my king crab "care packages to home" so my brothers and sisters, 'have a hint' in regards to thanking me.....From Alaska, Joe

hi there,
first i'd like to know, where on earth is this GREEN label... I know red, black, gold, and blue. Never heard of green before. What's good about Johnnie is that its blend. What's with taste is then somewhat Chivas line, in general. Taste differ from one label to the other.... depends on your taste. You don't have to drink a classy Blue if you don't like it, enjoy it.... I drink Red back then in high school... looks classy among the others... wrong.. basically it's about the enjoying it-stuff. Try Tullamore dew if you prefer something different. Just remember: enjoy.

the johnny walker green i've tasted at a johnny walker black tasting event. the green is really smooth, but i haven't seen it out on the shelves. i've been told by the event coordinator that JW green is coming out on november 10th or around then. keep your eyes peeled and grab it when you can, the first ones that come out will be a collector's item as they're only producing so many of those labels. cheers!

I picked up this thread by accident while looking for some other information about JW, and have some things to add: the reason why most people like blends and start off with blends is because there is a harmonious and consistent taste to the whiskey. JW blends, especially at the top-end are all particularly good becuse they have a mixture of good quality single-malts combining to the overall flavour.Interesting about the person who mentioned Talisker, because that is one of the components of JW Black. The Blue IS special because it is made up of considerably older blends. I prefer peaty (please note the spelling)whiskeys, so favour the JWs over the Ballantine. If you want to isolate flavours, then go for single malts. The Macallan is fine but cannot be compared because it comes from a differnt region and is aged in Sherry Casks to give a more honeyed, almost wine-like flavour. The JWs have some of the honey, but also the peatiness that comes out when mixed with water, soda or even ginger ale (red and black only!). It's true, you can get good quality, reasonably priced single malts, but it's like a bottle of wine or a great cigar - once in a while you have to splurge out and truly understand the value of what your hard work can buy you. The favourites in my collection? A bottle of single vintage 1976 Laphraoig, JW Blue, JW Swing (blend from 30s, quite rare to find)and 25yr Macallan. BTW - ladies also drink whiskeys and smoke cigars (absolute favourites are Padron Anniversario and 1926, cheaper favourites Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo)

Funny to see this thread on my favorite blog while sipping a Grant's and water. I highly recommend Grants as an inexpensive blended scotch for routine consumption. It's made by the same family co. that makes Glenfiddich, has the same triangular bottle (clear instead of green, tho). It's priced like bargain scotch (often cheaper than dewars or cutty sark) but tastes, to me anyway,very good. Glenfiddich is a personal favorite of mine--a little more character than the perenial favorite, Glenlivet. It has a warmth of flavor and color that I've not found in any other single malt scotch. Thankfully, it's pretty reasonably priced. I second the post about the comraderie of scotch drinkers. Enjoy, all!

My post above somehow excluded (must have highlighted and deleted) reference to the Oban single malt scotch--that should be the one referenced as having a notable warmth of color and flavor unlike others.

I've recently acquired an unopened 750ml bottle of post WW2 Johnny Walker Black Label, and was wondering what it was worth. Any ideas as where to find out this informtion?

I must say that Johnny Blue is about the nicest scotch I've had the pleasure of trying. It melts in your mouth like butter.

I've tried the rest of the Walker line, with the exception of Gold. Red was too rough, I really have to cut it and won't drink it by choice. Black is fine, a nice blend, and I drink that or Chivas regularly. The Green label is also good, very different than the blends, and makes me want to try some more single malt scotches as others here have suggested.

But Blue takes the cake by far, I'd encourage those who haven't tried it to do so. It's worth every penny...

Now I just need to find a way to get enough pennies to drink it regularly.

I just picked up a bottle of JW Green for myself. I wrapped it up and stuck it under the Christmas tree -- I can wait 24 hours. What got me to this site was I was looking for information on JW White. I know it existed at some point and wanted to gather some info on it. Anyone know anything?

I have tasted all 5 colors of JW. (I got Blue from P.Rico for about $150 when my son was born). Blue was to strong, certainly for the price. Green is my fav. I found some at Costco. Black is still the best for the buck. Why bother for Red when a few more $ can get you black. Red is only good for company that does not know how to taste whickey.

Hi Ken, thanks for the review. I've been looking to try Green myself -- I'm glad to hear you like it.

I went to a presentation put on by Johnny Walker a few years back. They had us sample different single malts from around the country so that we could taste how the different flavors were in the blends. Interesting notes were that the Red is designed as a mixer you can actually taste the mix seperately from the Scotch. Black is designed to be just opened up a bit with a splash of water. I prefer an ice cube to just cool it slightly below room temp. The age on a bottle of blended scotch is the age of the youngest scotch used. There is no age on the Blue label, we were told that information could not be given out but that he could say that some of the singles used were casketed prior to World War One. I have had the Gold label, got a nice deal on it at Costco a few years back. I plan on buying a bottle of Blue label, just deciding on what celebratory occasion it is justified. Also the blenders do all their work using only their nose, no tasting. To add another single malt to the list I was treated to Lagavulin recently, an extremely good single malt. Enjoy your scotch, welcome to the fraternity.

I am delighted to have stumbled upon this thread while looking for info about JW Blue. I love some of the descriptions, the info, insights, and opinions.
I had JW Blue several weeks ago at any outdoor birthday party for my daughter's almost-fiancee. There on the picnic table with lots of other bottles was this bottle JW Blue which I'd never heard. I love scotch but am not at all an educated imbiber. Well I poured several fingers into a plastic cup threw in some cubes and sipped the best tasting ambrosia I'd ever had. The birthday boy's brother asked if I liked the scotch so I told him my reaction to it. That's when he told me his father got it on a trip to the Caribbean for $150. I could hardly fathom such a price -- but admitted that if was ever well set up, this would be the one thing I would indulge in. Little did I know how expensive it was in this country. Late that night after everyone else had gone, the father brought me a little more in a cut-crystal glass and we sipped while he gave me a brief scotch lesson. (It didn't really taste much different in the glass than in the plastic cup but it sure seemed appropriate and somewhat decadent.)
My son usually buys me a bottle of scotch for Christmas. I have a just little Glenlivet left...umm, umm, umm... its also quite nice.

Sorry, I didn't read the rules before my first post, and no, I haven't been drinking--scotch or otherwise--the errors in that post are a result of poor typing skills and innate impatience.

I've seen several questions and comments about Johnnie Walker Green Label. I just purchased a fifth tonite, at about $53 US.

I understand there is limited quantity in the US, although the purveyor could not tell me whether his supplier was limited or the supply was limited. Anyway, to "open the bottle" so to speak, (the box says)there are four malts that compose JW Green:

1) TALISKER (ESTD 1830) THE POWER...wood smoke, pepper, oak and rich fruits resonate from this malt couresy of Skye's only distillery. TALISKER introduces a power and character that explodes on the palate.

2) LINKWOOD (ESTD 1821)THE FINESSE...a distinctive Speyside malt whiskey that provides GREEN LABEL with a whole garden of fruit and flower scents and a cedar wood finish.

3) CRAGGANMORE (ESTD 1869)THE HEART...responsible for GREEN LABEL's exceptionally malty taste and hints of sweet wood smoke and sandalwood, CRAGGANMORE is a sweet and fragrant Speyside whiskey.

4) CAOL ILA (ESTD 1846)THE MYSTERY...This special malt, Islay's best kept secret, provides notes of rich fruit with dying sea salt and peat smoke contributing to the natural intensity of GREEN LABEL.

OK. I'm changing jobs. I need to sit up at a campfire till two AM, smoking something with a very high THC content and wax this prose so I can sell it and used the proceeds to step up to BLUE. Actually, I've had Blue in my stash before, and it is extraordinary. However, there are so few folks who will appreciate a Scotch like Green, Gold, or Blue that its a lonely toast. Umm. I think I'll go start a fire and see what words flow trippingly off the tongue... I am enjoying the Green. Blue is smooth enough that enjoying it any way buy straight up seems shamefull. But I had to have my Green over a couple cubes melted till just whisps float on top--I tried it straight up--it was pretty bold that way. The Green is, to me, closer to Black than to Gold or Blue. Gold, I peg just a bit off of Blue. Not a hundred dollars off, as the stickers go, Gold and Blue are a closer quality than that. But at $53 for Green, there are several Scotch bottles I'd place at or above this for the price, most notably any of the Glenmorangie group. But then, we're back into single malts. I like the Cragganmore 12 without being blended (it IS smooth), and Talisker 10, likewise is a fine single malt and a reasonable value. But the Green makes a nice diversion. Had to try it. DonS

a good scotch will sit in a charcoal barrel for 12 years. really good scotch gets smoked for 29 years. johnny walker blue is 60 year old scotch. liquer stores in my area don't even carry blue. i've never had it. i got a bottle of black label sitin on my shelf, but i would love some blue. omg 60 year old scotch. must be unbelievably smooth...

In Australia we have JW swing. Maybe the best ever. At $457AUD a bottle, you have got to hope you have a rich uncle.

Don S USA wrote:

I've seen several questions and comments about Johnnie Walker Green Label. I just purchased a fifth tonite, at about $53 US.

Where in US did you get bottle of green for $53....?

In local Chicago area Sams club is carrying Gold for about $60.00 and Blue for about $ 170.00 But no Green....
I like to find decent price for Green.

i got a bottle of blue in the mail as a gift..........
not knowing what its all about, me and my buddy drank SHOTS of it....and i'm feeling guilty......theres 3/4 of a bottle left, and i'm going to respect it much more now that i know what i have. i have a bit of a hangover today, but can't help but wonder........is that the true definition of "alcohol abuse"?

During my 73 years on this earth it has been my pleasure to tip many a glass of fine scotch whisky. I noted a message fron Don S. as to where he might find Johnny Wallker Green at a decent price. I saw a bottle just this very morning at WalMart priced at $56. Who would have thought scotch lovers would be shopping at WalMart? Although my consumption has dramatically decreased with advancing age, much to the woe of the Johhny Walker people who had to lay off their entire night shift when I cut back, I still find Johnny Walker Black a very fine drink at a reasonable price. Ah yes, you can find cheaper scotch but why? Green label is very good as well. As for Blue Label, 'tis indeed a drink for the Gods. Gods being the only ones who can afford it as their routine drink.

I consider Glenlivet a good scotch as well. Although many swear by Chivas in my opinion it should be sworn at. But that is just a matter of personal taste. Johnny Walker Red label? It should not be allowed to bear the Johnny Walker name. But the green, black and the blue? You cannot go wrong my friends. Pour a bit in your glass, drop in an ice cube and sip. Tis a glorious thing, scotch whisky.

I have aquired a bottle of Johnny Walker 21 year old scotch Bottle # 29289. Before I open this bottle, has anyone tried the 21 yearold JW?
LarryZ

During the 1990 Economic Summit I was assigned to a security detail for the Prime Minister of Japan, Toshiki Kaifu. On July 9th I was involved in a small incident that the prime minister witnessed. Later that day, I was given two bottles of Johnny Walker Black as a personal gift from the prime minister. That was one month shy of 15 years ago. The bottles have never been opened. They have been stored in a liquor cabinet since then. That would make the liquor at least 27 years old. Is the liquor still good?

Make that two months shy of 15 years ago.........

I'm not an expert on alcohol, but I think they should be good, particularly because they haven't been opened. If they'd been opened already, I couldn't say.

A comment from a young lady: the famed Green is usually found in airport duty free shops all over the world--I have seen it in the Carribean, in Bulgaria, in Tokyo, Canada, etc. It varies between 40-50 USD. And, it is fabulous!
I am a passionate fan of single malts, Islay ones most favorite. Bowmore and Laphroaig are on top of my list. Those two are unbelievable. Try if you can, they are not all that expensive (New Hampshire tax free liquor stores has them for about 30-50 USD, depending on the year). Never had Lagavulin--is it true that it is the king of the Isley scotch?
Also, I think scotch should not be had with water--it seemes somewhat blasphemous to rarify a taste so incredible. Someone mentioned cigars--mmm, Macanudos!

Trying Green Label for the first time, tonight at my brother's 50th birthday event in Flagstaff, Arizona (I live in New York City). I will start out right now by saying I am very much an island whisky man. I rate Highland Park from the Orkneys and the Islay malts as superior to all others.

I was unaware that JW was marketing an all-malt whisky. The label says "pure malt", which in the UK seems to be the same as "single malt" in the U.S. However there is technically a difference.

Single Malt really should mean the whisky came from one cask, or at the very least from one, single distillery with all of the whisky in the bottle coming from the same year of distillation. But in the U.S. many whiskies are sold with Single Malt on the label, which are likely blended from different vintages, etc. The age on the label simply means the youngest whisky in that bottle is that age.

Pure Malt means it is 100% malt whiskey but is blended from different years and in some cases different distilleries. In such cases as different distilleries and different vintages it was traditionally called a "vatted malt."

I found the Johnny Walker Green Label to have a light and fruity character. It has a strong heather and honey opening splash. But it also has more peat than other blended Scotch whisky typically found on the American market and a wisp of smoke. But it is the sweetness that drives the overall experience. It is almost like a heavy duty lowland malt, but has touches of other regions throughout. It also has a surprisingly long finish, but one that is quite subtle and even has a dash of salt, which suggests the sea without any of the serious island facets.

In other words, it seems like a carefully designed, corporate product designed for the average American scotch drinker, even if it was originally introduced in South Africa. I can see why some tasters said it was lacking or even boring. However, I can say the same thing about the food served in America or England. I can understand why people used to more robust or slap you in the fact sorts of tastes might feel that way, but I do not agree with them. I find there is much to be said for subtle character and detail. Johnny Walker Green Label has both. It is a successful experiment. But it may not prove successful as a product.

Green Label seems like a corporate product, carefully designed to encompass a large area of influences, but does not go to any extremes in any direction, so as not to offend or turn off any possible audience. But like most corporate-designed products, its goal of not alienating anyone also means it will not win over any particular population as well. It is a relatively smooth, inoffensive spirit that has an attack (or lack thereof) and initial palate of a triple-distilled Scotch whisky or Irish whiskey. Its nose and finish have more bite to it, but also have a lot of sweetness. What smoke or peat is in this whisky shows up mostly when infused with water or ice (and how much more American can you get than Scotch on the rocks?). The aftertaste is quite pleasant and lasting. On the whole I find this whisky to be aimed at relaxation and leisure. It is a dram to be enjoyed when enjoying other things rather than wrenching focus to the drink itself.

This blending all-malt Scotch seems to be a new trend. Isle of Jura's "Superstition" seems to be the same sort of thing (three different ages blended together, only all from the same distillary.) I find it a welcome trend, but one that will never replace the traditional pure or single malts available for those who can afford them.

tsp, nyc

A friend's grandfather passed a few months ago and as he was cleaning out the house, he came across a bottle of Johnny Walker Swing and gave it to me becuase he doesn't drink. I'm not that up on the history of Scotch although I do know that JW Blue is pretty hard to come by and damn expensive if you can find it. But I'd NEVER heard of JW Swing and I've never seen a bottle like this. It rocks back and forth. I've thought about opening it up but then I get mesmerized just watching the bottle rock!!
Can anyone tell me anything about JW Swing or direct me to a site where I can learn more?
Thanks!
sam
smelendez@ucwphilly.rr.com

I viewed JW Green as a luxury only available outside the USA a couple of years ago. While on a cruise in the Carribean, I purchased a bottle on board the ship. At the time, I was just beginning my relationship with Scotch Whisky and recognized just a couple of brands, Dewars and Glenlivet. An accomplished blend and a starter single malt. The green is an interesting scotch that I save for special occasions. Dewars, even as an accomplished blend, still left my hungering. Glenlivet, as a single malt, was pricey for my budget, but smooth. I honed my taste over a two year period, finally discovering the Islay distilled spirits are actually the best. McClellands Single Malt Islay is the most economical single malt on the market. Side by side, I would take the McClellands over the Green Label. Side by side, I would take the McClellands over Glenlivet, for about 1/2 the price of Glenlivet, McClellands Islay is truly a "secret". I would be interested in other's thoughts on what I consider a worthy single malt with a touch of peat and smoke.

Georgia Sam,
For me, The Balvenie is probably the best single malt that I've had for it's price. I've never been too much for the blended, as it just seems to have a bad finish for me. Chivas is to Scotch what Absolut is to Vodka-- pure name with not much taste. Now, the Balvenie is not the cheapest, I pay about $40 for the 10 year reserve, but I would have to say it is by far the best. I opened a bottle of JW Green yesterday and had a two finger pull; not bad, but to be honest I still like the Red a little bit better (guess I just got honed drinking the cheaper stuff). I'll have to try the McClellands Islay soon, but if memory serves I've had the Highland version with some satisfaction.

Hey all,
Thank you all for your posts, untill now I never knew scotch drinking was so established and had its own society of fine scotch drinkers. Just today I saw in my local wine and spirit shop, a couple of bottles of JW Greeen for $49.99. I will be picking up a bottle thanks to this fourm. Also I go to Jamiaca regularly so while in the airport I will be picking up a bottle of JW Blue. I'll make sure to share my experiance with all upon my first sip. I don't know about all of you, but I don't mind spending $150 on a bottle of the best, anything less and you'd be shorting yourself out. Right now, I'm sipping on a glass of Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve (18 years aged). I bid to all happy scotch drinking.

Howdy Y'all,

I had run out of wine this afternoon and decided to dig around in a seldom opened cupboard where there are some odd bottles of alcohol accumulated over the last 5-10 years. All my own stuff but half forgotten. I pulled out a bottle of Johnny Walker Swing, opened and two thirds full. I recall it was a gift probably pre-millennium.
It looks a fairly expensive product, the bottle does in fact swing a bit to and fro if you push it - presumably to appeal to the ladies - however it tasted a bit rough so I did a google search on it. A site in Fiji qoutes it at $75 versus JW Red for $70 - both 750 ml.
Could it be counterfeit...
I have always been reasonably happy with the Red or any mainline Scotch found in Duty Free.
Simon Parr - British ex-pat
Sao Paulo, Brazil

I collect Johnny Walker whisky at present i have the full range...red black green gold blue quest ..swing...premium .i also had the millenium decanter which alas is now empty i have the presentation box with the half bottles of red black gold and blue my favourite is the gold it is a wonderful whisky

I was travelling with the family through Vietnam duty free last month so I had the opportunity to purchase one of each of the entire JW range. (My mantle looks mighty fine at the moment let me tell you!)
Strangely, they also have something called “Johnnie Walker Premier”, which was almost the price of blue label. – Unfortunately I didn’t pick any up; I’d like to try some.
Here’s what I think of the ones I did get.

Red and Black Label: Cheap Scotch and a Smokey blend respectively.

Green Label – 15yo scotch. This is a little less harsh (burning feeling in your throat after having some straight) than Black, but not much. It has a fuller, more rounded flavour than Black label but the overall taste is similar.

Gold Label – 18yo scotch “Century Blend”. I don’t like it. Gold Label tastes very different from any other JW scotch I’ve tasted. It tastes like a blend of tropical fruits… it’s more syrupy than the others. The label recommends serving it at below zero degrees Celsius so you can “feel the fruity blend melt on your tongue”. That said, it’s a scotch you can drink straight, it’s about as harsh as Green Label. - definatly recommend trying some if you get the chance.

Blue Label – “A Blend of JW’s Finest Whiskeys”. There’s a big price difference between this and anything else, and you know why. I’ve almost finished the bottle and honestly I can’t say there is any huge difference in taste between this and Green (and thus not too far from Black) I’d call it a smooth Smokey flavour. What makes Blue label special is what you don’t taste when you drink it… any harshness. When you drink it straight, it’s as easy to drink as cordial. This is a $200 whiskey flavoured cordial with 40% alcohol.

This is my opinion and taste – I’d be interested to know what others think.

While traveling to Mexico, I purchased JWB and I must say, the taste is absolutely exceptional. I don't drink very much and when I do, I want to have the best, be it scotch, rum, etc. and the blue is simply the best of the best, its taste so smooth and mellow as it slides down from your lips and then explodes. Buy it when you travel internationally and get it for $120, still expensive but a bargin compared to the states.

I'm fairly new to scotch whiskeys, but I'm blessed to know a few people who are pretty obsessed with the art of tasting scotch, both single malt as well as blends. Suffice to say, I've tried a myriad of various scotches, their flavors ranging from smoky to sweet and even those that have been aged in wine barrels, which influences the taste of the scotch considerably. Out of all of these scotches, I've decided that my favorite is the Johhny Walker Blue Label.

I first had the opportunity to try this rare blend of whiskeys in one of my favorite restaurants (the Boulevard) in San Francisco, which is where I'm from. Each time I go out to drink, I try a new scotch and when I finally tried the Blue Label, I was floored. I have a bottle of Gold Label at home, so I was expecting the experience to be similar, but I was wrong. This may not be a universal sentiment, but that Blue Label really grips my tastebuds. Johnny Walker Blue Lable is, by far, my favorite scotch whiskey that I have ever tried.

Cheers.

I Have just returned from a cruise to the bahamas and DAMN!! Talk about cheap liquor. On the island of St. Thomas you can find bottles of absolut vodka for $6. That's right SIX Dollars American! Of course, the reason I am posting this is because of the scotch. On board the ship (Carnival Glory) they had bottles of JW Black for about $20 and JW Blue for about $110. On St. Thomas I found JW Blue for $92.99! Also at a wonderful shop called Al Cohens Discount Liquor they had an entire selection of vintage scotches for Damn good prices. The one that caught my eye was a Highland Park 1977 for $110. Also a Glen Ellen 1974 for $120. I thought I was hallucinating! Anybody else ever seen 30 year old Single Malt for prices like that? Anyway all I can say is if you go to the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands bring some extra money for liquor. (U.S. customs allows 5 liters per person)
I picked up a bottle of the JW Swing on the ship, and I am really impressed. VERY smooth, no bite and a pleasant taste. I have never seen it anywhere else and I honestly bought it just as a novelty, but now I want more! I usually prefer single malt scotches but this one is good enough that I would buy it regularly. Nice bottle too, with a concave base that allows it to rock back and forth. (supposedly for on ships at sea)
All I can say is Duty free shops ROCK!

p.s. For a good moderately priced scotch Highland Park 12 year is absolutely excellent. (And I typically prefer 18yr or older)
Smooth and very little bite, this is one you can keep on hand for not Too much money ($40)

Happy tastings!

I just received a bottle of Blue for Christmas, after reading the label I was a bit concerned to note some emphasis on the "peaty" flavor. I had some tried several scotches in Scotland a few years back and found I did not care fot the ones with more peaty taste (too much like tar), so I wondered if I should return it for something less expensive. After reading the posts on this page, I have been more inclined to give it a try. Thanks everyone.

As an octogenarian Scot I have had my share of Scotch !. Without claiming to be an expert in the tasting profession my choices of tipple are, single malt, Mortlach. Mild, smooth and very satisfying on the taste buds. In blends, without any question, Ballantines. I buy the only one available out here on Vancouver Island which I believe is probably no more than 6 or 7 years old. This is a nicely rounded drink and as I am not overendowed with this worlds wealth, I find these two scotches ideal for my pocket. I have splurged on other very expensive Scotches and do not really subscribe to the idea that cost equals quality. JW Red is not much of a Scotch and I cannot understand how it has been such a wonderful seller in the USA.
There are some truly apalling Scotches being peddled nowadays and I do hope that those people who are just starting out on the highroad to Scotch appreciation take the time and effort to choose with some care the drink of choice. A word to any of you who are considering a trip to Scotland, make a vist to Ma Scotts on Rose Street in Edinburgh. Also Sandys Bar on Forest Road.
Your site is wonderful,
Keep up the good work. Tony Moore.

Hello fellow Whisky folk,

so I just took my first sip from a Johnny Green bottle that a friend was oh so gracious to buy me. The best friends know the perfect gifts.

I have read several of these posts and they mention the need to acquire a taste for whisky. On that front, my mother was a bartender in Glasgow, and as a small child, if i had trouble sleeping, her remedy was a thimble full of Johnny Black, so, to date, i have been acquiring said taste for approximately twenty two years.

I have tried the White label (only once, not to be repeated) the Red label (desperate times) Black (old reliable) Blue (too good to get used to) Gold (again, too good to get used to) and the Green, now that i have a whole bottle to enjoy, pretty much to myself, i find myself in whisky heaven.

although, i have heard rumours of a silver label that was issued just once, if anyone else has heard this rumour i would be interested in diverting my entire life savings for a bottle. hey, life is short, enjoy the whisky while it flows.

safe drinking and good times ahead

Fionna

I mostly drink at loud bars w/ obnoxious people, rude bartenders, and questionably clean glasses... Sooooo, blended whiskey was the way to go for me.

JW Blue: Bars that I go to never have it and I probably wouldnt be willing to pay for it (at a bar)either. Love to get one as gift to sip on at home though!

JW Gold: I actually found a bar that has it and keeps the bottle in the freezer. It was ok.. too sweet for my taste. And expensive at a bar!

JW Black: my favorite and best for the price. I drink it with ice. Not much more money than red label and much less money than Gold.

JW Red: ONLY for mixing w/ cola, gingerale, sour mix, etc... It mixes well though and much better tasting than any other "cheap" whiskey my bars carry. Doesn't cost much more than "rail" whiskey and can actually stand up to to the mixer unlike some others can

~dave g

i drank jw black since im 20.(now 33). i bought a bottle of blue for my wedding.11/9/01. it was awesome. very smooth.the taste is similar to black but is as smooth going down as a straigth scotch can be. i bought a bottle of gold and green(mash) honeymoon in nassau,bahamas. i was very disapointed with the green. very harsh so i didnt enjoy it much. very woody like american bourbon.

the gold was terrific. very close to the blue. in fact if you tried the gold and blue in a blind test you may not know the difference. now for most special occasions i buy the gold.

heres a revelation!!! my everyday scotch now is ballentines!!! an excellent tasting and smooth scotch which is better than the red and almost as smooth as the black. if you drink scoth like me and dont like shelling out the cash for jw black i highly recommend ballentines. i get it for $20.00 a 1.75 liter. compare that to 55.00 for the same size black.

Hi all, I was wondering whether anyone could help. My father used to work at a bar in a small town in New Zealand, he was given an unopened bottle of JW Swing as his leaving gift when he parted with the bar. He has since saved it for my 21st birthday. I am not a whiskey drinker myself - would love to become one so one day I could enjoy this bottle. It is the rocking bottle and sits in a gold coloured box with gold satin on the inside. It is becoming very dark with age and would love to get some information on this partical whiskey. Does anyone know what this is worth? Or when the best time is to drink this particular whiskey. It looks so beautiful, I am almost too scared to open it! I imagine myself taking off the lid, taking a whiff and falling to the floor unconscious.
HELP!
Tara
New Zealand
ladyluck.pinup@gmail.com

Just got in for review the JW Gold, Green and the Swing. Will try this evening but I have to say the Knappogue Scotish Whiskey from 1951 is unbelieveable. So smooth it goes down like water with a great nose. Drank it neat. Stuff Sells for 900 us a bottle but worth every cent.

I just got back from a cruise & bought a four set of 200 ml
bottles for $79.00 on the ship. One each of black, green, gold & blue.
The 750 ml bottles of green were $43.95, the gold was only one dollar more & the blue was $131.00. Since the price for the gold seemed so out of line I also bought a bottle of that.
At the rate that I drink I should now be set for life. (I still have most of a black label bottle left as well.)

Just wanted to say that I have tried all of the major JW labels with the exception of Blue. I will buy a bottle soon, but have to wait 'til I polish off my bottle of Green. I was a bit disapointed at all the naysayers of the Green Label. In my opinion, it is a smooth, subtly sweet, blended malt with a pleasant nose and a subtle aftertaste. I only drink it neat. My biggest question is should I buy the Blue next or the Gold? I think that I should wait until a special day for the Blue. Gold is a good stock scotch to have, where as the Blue is for special occasions. What do you think?

I was given a bottle of Blue label as a gift. I finally opened it the other day. Wow... I loved it. I don't know how I can go back to the regular Chivas that I always drink. I drank half the bottle by myself, while pouring my friends Chivas (they couldn't careless as long as it's alcohol). I still have half the bottle that I'm saving for hard times. hehehe.

Can anyone help me
I am trying to get some information on a bottle of JW Swing. It was my fathers and he supposedly got it overseas about 40 years ago. I have seen some postings that mention a newer version of Swing. Is the newer version and the older version the same thing, or even the same type of whiskey? This bottle has never been opened and it is in a cloth bag and in a box. It is the original swing bottle, which of course swings back and forth.
I am just hoping for any information you can give me, maybe information to other sites that have information. Should I keep this for its value or simply enjoy the value of the whiskey and spend a night remembering dear old dad.
Thank you, and enjoy
Suzy

I had a glass of JW Blue a while back in Las Vegas in the Cuba Libre bar at the Hard Rock Casino. I was smoking an absolutely fabulous Cuban cigar (a gift from a friend) and was in the company of two beautiful women. I said that to let you all know that my opinion may have been colored by the circumstances...that being said, it was the best glass of scotch I have ever had. No water and one ice cube. It tasted like butter. The gorgeous company didn't hurt, but both of the young ladies agreed that it was the best straight alcohol they had ever tasted. I received a bottle of Blue last month for my birthday and am looking for the appropriate company in which to drink it.

I have just been getting into Scotch recently, but I have started to note differences in taste between different scotches. I was considering saving up some money to get a bottle of JW Blue, for special ocassions and among people who have a taste for whiskey. If anybody could advise me on other directions to pursue (perhaps a good single malt that wouldn't be too hard to find here in the states), I would certainly appreciate it.

Just opened my second botle of JW Gold...what happened? This bottle has a very very smokey flavor, almost medicinal, very unlike my first. My regular blended scotch is JW Black, but I don't understand what gives with this new Gold. Has anyone had a similar issue, or idea regarding consistency? The bottle was purchased in a duty free shop I visit on a regular basis and have had good luck with premium bottles of cognac, tequila, etc. in the past. Very reasonable prices on the good stuff, but now I wonder what gives with the JW Gold? I've never had it other than neat; can't abide water or ice in my liquor!

Hi. I'm in the Navy and I get an opportunity to go a lot of places and have unique opportunities to bring truckloads of liquor back to my humble abode. Obviously, I'm a minimum wage type guy and I am greatly appreciative for what the Navy allows me to experience, so I thought I would share with you all. I try to collect many spirits from around the world and especially from the countries I visit. Recently, I afforded myself an entire case of the smoothest Russian Vodka I could buy, and it was so darned cheap.....but with regard to Whiskey, I got my hands on a JWB for $99.00. From what I read, that sounds like a pretty good price. I have yet to open it. This is not the best I've gotten. I heard many great things about the whiskey coming out of Japan. Please tell me if you have heard of this: I acquired a Single Malt 20-year Yamazaki. It was steeply priced at $270, the 25-year was $600 and the 30-year was $1000....so I figured the 20 year was all I could afford, and I really couldn't afford it. Any idea what I should expect when drinking it? Anyone even ever heard of a Yamazaki?

If Johnnie Walker Black is 12 years old, Gold 18 years, Blue is ? , I've read 60 years, but never have seen anything to support that. Blue does have an exquisite taste & aroma of its own, but for the money, Macallens' 10 or 12 year are more within reason. Blue's for those special occasions.

Info on JW, and scotch in general

- - For those asking about the White Label

Jonnie Walker White Label went into production around 1906 as the "Old Highland", and was renamed White Label in 1909. The White Label was discontinued in 1911 and has not been produced since.

I don't have a clue where you might find any for sale. To be honest, I doubt it's worth buying anyways.

- - About the Blue Label

Jonnie Walker does not publish information about the age of the whiskies in blue label. The general speculation is that the youngest are between 50 and 60 years old, with the oldest being significantly above that.

- - About Swing

JW Swing has been around since the 1930s (1932 if memory serves), so to the person who was asking, yes, the stuff referenced in this thread is the same stuff your dad got 40 years ago.

Swing is very rare in the US, and unfortunately I don't know much about it. It tends to be priced somewhere between the Gold and Blue labels. Last time I saw it 750 mL of swing were going for around $80 (US) compared with only $60 for a bottle of Gold.

I've never actually had Swing myself, although I'm told it's incredibly popular in Japan.

- - About the value of aged scotch

I'm afraid I've got bad news here. Unlike wine, Scotch does not continue to mature in the bottle. As soon as you take it out of the barrel the scotch is done.

The good news, there's a lot of people who aren't aware of that. I'd bet if you tried to sell a bottle of "20 year old JW black" on Ebay you could get at least $150 or so.

First, to the girls who had the old bottles of Scotch: drink 'em NOW and think of dear ol' Dad; they're not going to get better with time.

Next, to malt lovers in general: yeehah!!! Up here in Canada on the Wild West Coast, we love our (their) Glenmorangie Port Finish, Macallan Cask Strength, Lagavulin, Highland Park, Bruichladdich 15 year (amazing!!!), Aberlour Cask Strength, Bowmore Mariner (ooh, the peat! ooh, the iodine! ooh, the honey!!!!), when we're speaking strictly in terms of single malt.

But right at this lovely moment, a glass of newly-purchased Johnnie Walker Blue Label at our elbows (we're a couple in our forties who love camping, ocean swimming and great sausages!), we'd have to say that scotch doesn't get much better than this. It's a funny thing; Blue is a bit of a dichotomy, both big and bold on one hand -- massive, in fact, and supremely complex -- and elegant and ultra-refined on the other. I think Lervler likened it to a gorgeous tete de cuvee champagne. We checked out the co. website and LOVED their serving suggestion, namely, a brandy glass of Blue accompanied by a separate glass of mineral water and ice. Sip the icy mineral water, they instruct, have a little water on your tongue as you switch to a sip of Blue, and BOOM -- warm malt and alcohol meet cold, eminently receptive taste buds!!!! Gotta be tried to be believed (and believe us, we're very much solidly in the classic splash-of-well-water camp, i,e., the way malt makers do it to release and open up the scotch straight out of the bottle).

We've already got the Green Label and looking forward to following the JW website specifics: straight out of the (gasp!) FREEZER!!!!! Hey, if these guys don't know how to get the most out of their blends, who DOES????

Finally, we'd like to say a few words about context. There really ARE breakfast malts, afternoon malts, dead of night malts, and camping malts. If at first you don't succeed, try your new acquisition at another time of day, and bingo -- you just might find yourself falling in love with it after all.

Happy imbibing --
Squig and Lervler from Vancouver Canada

I brought my in-laws home a bottle of JW Green from a recent trip to Canada. I brought my friend home a bottle of Glen Breton Rare. Glen Breton is (in their words) the only distiller of Single malt whisky in Canada. I did the tour while in Nova Scotia and would thier single malt to be quite enjoyable on the rocks or straight up. I brought a bottle home on my first trip for my In-Laws (who enjoy fine scotch), who pronounced it very decent. We have not yet had occasion to crack the JW Green, but there is a birthday coming up, so it should be soon.

Hi Guy's, I've recently started a collection of JW's. I have been itching for ages to try the Blue label. I have 2 200ml bottles of that a lonely 750ml. Here in Australia a 750ml is close to $300 while the 200ml is about $100. One of the 200 mls is in a collectors set of 4 bottles, Black, Green, Gold and Blue, so they stay unopened. The 750ml is still sealed in its box and will stay there for a while so I have to enjoy the other 200ml with the family this Christmas I guess.

I just bought my first bottle of scotch -- a 12-year mMacallan. I noticed that everyone here seems to prefer the blended. I prefer single malts and am interested to know which of those are the favorites. I also just bought a 30-year bottle of Glenfiddich for a friend who was promoted and am looking forward to trying it out. So what is the word on single malts?

Ideas? Comments? Dirty jokes?

The best single malt you'll ever drink... Right here.

http://www.laphroaig.com/shop/show_item....p_item_id=66&expanded=the_shop.whisky

Laphroaig, 40 year old single malt... I can't even describe how wonderful it was.. Something along the lines of smoke and water..

Smoke and water... well said. I've never had the 40 yr old... must be amazing.

It really was! I was lucky enough to get the chance to share a bottle with a few friends last spring. One of them was housesitting for a considerably wealthy man for a few months, and he had mentioned that we had free reign over his liquor cabinet. Could choose any one bottle..

After some research, that bottle was an easy choice. Completely different from anything we had ever drank, enjoyed it while watching the sun rise

A collegue of mine just brought me in a bottle of McClelland's Islay. How cool! After hearing what I heard about this brand I want to just open it here at work haha! I'm a scottish woman, and you know how nice even just a sip of a good whiskey is any time of the day.
I will let you all know how I like it!

I just received a JW Premier as a gift and am waiting to open it. A simple search didn't give me any info but led me here. Any info/feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I tried several blended whiskey's last year ranging from 50.00 to 231.00 and without a doubt J.W.Blue was amazing. I was never much of a drinker until I tried this. WOW!!! Can't afford to buy this more than once a year and hope it sticks around that long.

Has anyone tried THE MACALLAN.....50 year old Single Malt
$5,950 per bottle.Then there is GLENAVON the most expensive
single malt also the oldest known bottle over $30,000
Would anybody open it if they could afford it??

My boss just received Johnny Walker Blue Label as a gift. He said "it looks expensive". I nodded (not telling him the value) and he said "eh, you take it... I don't drink scotch".

I will be drinking it in two months, to celebrate the birth of my first child. I've always wanted to drink a $300 scotch.

Hey Scotch freeks I heard there is a white label johnie waler where can I find one?

Does anyone know what a bottle of johnnie walker black lable from the 1930s has any value????? If you know please email me at jonnyaplseed@aol.com thanks

White label i think was the first color Johnnie made before all the other colors were made. As far as i know it hasn't been made in years.

Don't know if a bottle from the '30s would be valuable. Scotch doesn't age once bottled like wine, so if there's any value it wouldn't be due to the scotch being older (technically its still 10 yrs old)

i still think it would have some kind of collectors value

very possible that it would have some collectors value, especially if the bottle/label design was different. was only saying the liquid inside would probably (sadly) taste the same/similar as the current batches of johnnie black.

I ADORE JW Blue. Best I ever had! I just discovered the SWING, but have not bought it yet. Can someone fill me in on how this is? I also LOVE Glenrothes Select Reserve. I have a discount liquor store around me that sells the SWING for $52.00
a bottle. Someone told me that SWING is the closest to JW Blue in taste, quality, etc. and is approx 100.-200 dollars cheaper. Any thoughts "out there" on this?

My father gave me a bottle of JW Quest a while back. Has anyone tasted this? Any idea how much it is worth?

I have been collecting all sorts of alcoholic beverages for about a year now and have come across, what I thought was all the JW labels, Red, Black, Green, Gold and Blue. I have all of these along with over a couple hundred other bottles of all different sorts of drinks. I have not come across JW white (perhaps because it was discontinued in 1911), Quest, Premier, Silver (If such a thing exists), Swing (I have seen the Black Label on the swing, but never JW Swing on the swing itself). I have also heard of the Set of 4 (Black, Green, Gold & Blue) but unfortunately have never come across it myself. Can anyone help me out and give me any advise as to where I would be able to add these to my collection, or if anyone has or knows someone that would be interested in selling it, please contact me at > abarsegyan(at)hotmail.com .

I have picked up a great deal of information from everyone's incites. Thanks all. Enjoy.

JW Scotch lover here as well, working on a bottle of Green at the moment and it's good but not quite as tasty as Blue.

I've given several bottles of Blue away as gifts and never had one of my own but I did buy a mini (50ml) once for $15.00 and that too was given as a gift, as a gag.

I have consumed my fair share of scotch, and to the older gentleman, I do believe since I took up the consumption, Johnnie Walker has opened a few more distilleries.

Recently, I got a 1 Liter Bottle of Blue, and a 200 ML of both Green and Gold, for £99.00 in London at Heathrow. I also saw a 750 for $135.00 of Blue at the Chicago Airport Duty Free Shop.

The also had a 3 Liter Johnny Walker Black in the cradle for $100.00 in Chicago, but not in London.

I bought a 1 Liter bottle of Blue for $135.00 US in Mumbai India as well.

I can't wait to head back.

Last nite I had macallan 12 for the first time. I thought it was great. Before this I only had blended scotch. I enjoyed black label on the rocks but now I'm a single malt guy.

I have bought a bottle of blue label on ebay for $140.00 but i'm waiting to close on my condo before I open it. Do you think a bottle of blended blue would be better than say a bottle of macallan 15.

I know its a matter of taste...Just want to hear some opinions

just bought johnny walker green for a friend's bday gift at costco...$44 for a 750 ml. they alsi have a huge thing of the black for like 10 more and carry red and blue. i think the blue was around 150

I am sipping JW Blue as I write this. It's very nice and I find that JW Green does quite well on my palate also.

This JW Blue was a rare bottle find at Costco in San Jose, California. It is the 1.75 L version you'll see in the Duty Free Shops sometimes and I got it for $355.99 + 8.25% tax.

I've gone through half the bottle in a month alone but for Scotch this fine, I think I'll count it as a belated Xmas gift to myself.

To the folks asking about who tried White Label, they might be thinking of Dewars White Label, which, I think, is not connected to JW, unless the parent company is the same or whatever....

Those of you in the US should try the Kirkland Signature (Costco brand) single malt Scotch. It's 19 years old and bottled by Macallan.

Johnnie walker is one of my favorites. Ill even drink "red" neat with no ice no drips of water. The qualities of the labels are in line with the price. Black is better than red, and gold is better than black and so on. Blue is in its class of its own, but I do not recommend it to those that are inexperienced. It takes time to really appreciate good whiskey. just like cigars and such. For beginners, I suggest a mid range single malt.

Anyways there are some questions here I like to try to answer here. Johnnie walker did have a white label once upon a time. You might find some info here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnnie_Walker
There is a johnnie Walker "swing", but not sold in the USA, as is a handful of other Johnnie Walker blends. You might find info here http://www.whisky-online.com/acatalog/Johnnie_Whisky.html

Unbelievable, there is a gentlemen selling Johnnie Walker Blue on E-bay for $135 a bottle plus $15 dollars shipping.as of 3-15-2007. I have never seen a bottle in Michigan for less than $200.00 plus. In a week or so I will know if this is as great a deal as it seems. The set of Johnnie Walker 4 200ml bottles of RED; BLACK; GOLD; & BLUE, seem to be available only around the Holidays. I've only been able to find the set @ the larger LCBO sites in Sarnia or Windsor,Ontario. Though the 3 of the 4 are enjoyable; the Blue is the trophy.

just bought my first bottle of jwbl today and im poor and shouldn't of bought it but as a whisky person i couldn't help my self so i put it on the credit card. now im scared to open it

Hi, I am in Okinawa for work and Picked up a bottle of Blue label because its $99.00 here. I am going to give it as a gift when I get back to Wisconsin. If its as good as I've been reading I may pick up a couple more.

Hi, I drink Johnnie Walker Black on a regular basis. I've have the red, green, gold, and blue. I see people have written that there is no Johnnie Walker Swing in the US which is not true. You can purchase it from mostly any liquor store in NJ which must mean it is probably in most of the states. The Johnnie Walker that I am really eager to try is none of there labels but instead the ones that people have never heard of. For example, the Premier.

Johnnie Walker Green is available in two types A) the old green label which is known as Pure Malt and B) the Green Label that is founded today. Also there Gold Label comes in three types A) The Gold Label 18 years B) The Gold Label 15 years C) Johnnie Walker 21 years old(it literally says that on the bottle)

I work at a liquor store and we carry all the products that Johnnie Walker distributes to the US including a Johnnie Walker Liquer Whisky which most have never even heard of.
People would be shocked when they find out the number of products they make. I'm sure most have been to the duty free shops and saw the different sizes of the Blue Label (1 Lit, 750 mL, and 1.75 Lit) and the 4.5 Lit of Black Label.
At first I was fascinated by the labels until I found a website which sold many of there products. There I found out information on many of their whiskies like
Johnnie Walker Excelsior
Johnnie Walker 15 Year Old Kilmarnock 400
Johnnie Walker Premier
Johnnie Walker Swing Superior (diff. from JW Swing)
Johnnie Walker Quest
Johnnie Walker Deco
Johnnie Walker Honour
Johnnie Walker Old Harmony
and the one that I am so eager to find and try
Johnnie Walker Oldest (It looks like the Blue label but reads JW Oldest)

I don't know if any of the people have mentioned this in past comments but I just wanted to inform people of the other things than their 'labels'. I would love if someone could find out where they actually sell these bottles in a store or something because the website I found out was really expensive.
I also know that Wikepedia hasn't written of the other products probably because it uses information from regular people that gave information on the things (labels) that they were only aware of. Yeah some did post about Premier and Quest and I'm glad that they were able to get there hands on such rare bottles. The only reason why people haven't heard of these bottle have probably been because of the laws that forbid them from selling it to the countries which make no sense at all. But if you people do find bottle like that mostly likely you should buy them and hold on to them or sell them on eBay because people have never heard of them and would be eager to purchase them.

If you would like more information on them please let me know about them and I'll try to help out. And if anyone has info on the JW Oldest please let me know of it.

Also something that just popped up into my head, the most expensive liquor is or should i say was, Macallan 1926 which used to be for over $35,000 and I believe they don't have it anymore... the last bottle was sold a little bit over $45,000.
Oh yeah it was a 750mL bottle only.

Hi, I have a very old unopened bottle of Johnnie Walker Swing which was left to my parents by my great uncle many years ago. Swing was first produced in 1932 and it wouldnt surprise me if this bottle dates back to the 30's/40's. It has been stored in a dark cupboard and the liquor level is on the bottom of the first ring on the neck. My parents want me to put it on ebay, but I'm not sure it would realise its true value. Any ideas what people would pay? I'm in the UK. If any one is interested drop me a line and I'll send some photos.
griffin "at" tesco "dot" net.

Does anyone know where to purchase Johnny Walker GREEN?

Funny I should come across this site as I was doing research on my newly-acquired bottle of JW Premier. Trying to find out how old it is and have yet to discover. That said, it is an amazing scotch. Beautiful darker hue (which I love) and smooth smooth smooth. I paid $100 US at Puerto Vallarta airport and having tasted it I should have bought 2 more.

If anyone can find out how old this scotch is (strangely it does not say on the bottle nor the beautifully-packaged box), please share on this forum!

Hey paris --

I saw Green Label at the PV airport as well for like $50 US a bottle.

There are several bottlen not available in the US market, as described above. I see so many 80 proof here instead of 86 proof. We get the lower alcohol content stuff.

Many you will see have the 86 proof, like premier, etc.

The premier is a bottle exported to asian markets, a high grade blend.

Whenever I travel international I make sure to pick up a bottle or two of duty-free JW - my main poison! All the coloured labels, the 4-bottle set, and Swing can be found in many Asian and Australasian airports, and you sometimes find a few others like JW Blue Cask Strength ($US300 a bottle...). Found a bottle of Premier in Heathrow for 99 pound, but haven't seen it anywhere else... Dan my box didn't put an age to the blend itself, but said that it was made up of whiskies aged up to 30 years.

I'm not a whisky connoisseur but for me, Swing is the best value for money since it has a complex taste but isn't too pricey. I think all the colours have their own distinct taste and are worth a nip every now and then... except for JW Red which will never disgrace my liqour cabinet again.

I was on a cruise out of Galveston, TX about three weeks ago, and bought on special, 2 ea 750ml bottles of JW Blue Label for $130 ea, plus they included a 200ml bottle for free! Cruises are great fun!
Paul

HEy,
I just was given a bottle of 1L johnnie walker blue label! And I cant wait to open it and drink it especially after reading some of these reviews. Does any one know what the Johnnie walker blue label 1Litre retail for? I am unsure as to whether to keep it as a collectors or drink it all up.
.
I generally drink Johnny black on a regualar basis. Will never go back to red ever. I love the Johnny black with coke however I know i wont be adding any in my new johnnie blue

I recently aquired a 50 yr old anniversary macallan scotch. Anyone drink this yet?

Mark

I just got back from a cruise (Where I got engaged) and braught back over a $1,000 worth of drinks, including:

3 JW Blue 750ml ($130 each)
1 4.5 Liter JW Black ($135)

Also got a lot to drink on the cruise itself, including several double shots of blue, but don't recall the price.

If anyone has friends in the military, I suggest you persuade them to help you out with getting any type of expensive liquor you would like to try. I regularly get Johnny black for about $20 a bottle, and the Gold, which I enjoy immensely, is only $40. Any military post that has a PX has a liquor store in it, and EVERYTHING is cheap.

Somebody asked about "Johnnie Walker White Label". This was a short lived blend from the early 20th century, that was even younger and cheaper than Red Label. It was discontinued for marketing and sales reasons. While White Label would not be anything special to drink, a sealed bottle would have high value as a collectible.

this is price in Vegas

Red ....
Black $ 25-30
Green $ 50-55
Gold $ 50-55
Blue $150

If you can't find this price just go look around China town

I have seen Fake (FAKE) Black,Green,Gold,Blue in Thailand it price so cheap They said it from Cambodia

fake Green,Gold,Blue label * the bottle cap made by plastic

the Original cap made from wood like wine bottle

when you drink fake whisky it make you very headace after sleep.

fake whisky made by Alcohol 80%+

I like Blue Label as a blend but I definitely find myself itching to drink more single malts, especially heavy peat varieties. Another good scotch is to freeze Gold Label and drink that way. Brings out the honey sweetness of the whiskey. Pretty complex stuff.

I was travelling around east asia five years ago, and ended up in Bangkok, where upon i spent my last travellers cheques on a bottle of 1ltr blue lable,
since then it is sitting on a shelf stareing at me. i have tasted all the other colours but not the blue lable,
should i sell or drink?

Everyone seems to be hunting for Johnnie Walker Green Label, if you type it into google sites where you can buy it will come up.
Shopperswines.com is one site ($47.99)
Grand Vin is another. Winespecialist.com is another good site and a nice place to do business with and it has a good variety of Scotches. I myself prefer single malt scotch. Macallan is a very good scotch and an excellent one to start out on if you are just a beginner. Trying different types of Scotch is fun. There are plenty of books on Scotch. Michael Jackson has a very nice book and sometimes a person can find a good deal on scotch books at Amazon. Bowmore is another good scotch along with Balvenie and Glenmorange. Lagavulin is a meal in itself and is an excellent Islay. It smells medicinal but the flavor is wonderful, very peaty/smokey. Dalmore cigar Highland malt is wonderful and so is Highland Park. There are many fine scotches to pick from and one can do so without spending an arm and a leg. Another good book to read is Single Malt and Scotch Whiskey by Daniel Lerner. There are many good books on Scotch and Amazon seems to have them all. If a person wants to try a good Islay that is very pleasant try Bowmore. I like Lagavulin but my wife can't stand it. She likes single malts a lot. She had only had blends before she met me (I wasn't a scotch drinker but she was). I remember my mom drank Johnnie Walker, Pinch, Cutty Sark, Black and White and a few others, I couldn't stand any of them. I thought for a nice Christmas present I would buy her a good Scotch. I bought a few books, read up, searched the internet, and went down to talk to Mike at the local liquor store as he was an expert on Scotch. I bought her a nice bottle of Macallan to start with and then bought Balvenie Double Wood just in case she didn't like the Macallan (Mike said she would)and Highland Park, just to be sure. That is what got us started. I also got her Michael Jackson's book on Scotch and a few others. For not being a Scotch drinker I went over board. She was delighted. I gave her the Macallan's and Michael Jacksons Complete guide to Scotch which can be bought at Amazon, Wal-Mart or Overstock.com. Just type it into google and you will find a variety of places. $18.98, well worth the money.
Another fun book for reading is Single Malt Scotch by Bill Milne and Roddy Martine. Anyway, she mixed a drink (she pours over ice and may add a wee dram of water. The purists drink it neat, just pour it into the proper glass. Anyway, she asked me if I would like one (I said no! I remember the stuff my mom drank). She said at least try a sip, this I did. I immediately had her mix me one and it went from there. It is fun collecting and trying different Scotch. If you are just beginning and don't want to spend much try Auchentoshan, it tastes expensive and is quite pleasant. Once you get into the swing of things, you probably won't buy it again as you will be into other types. Another good book is Single Malt and Scotch Whiskey by Daniel Lerner. This is a fun new world and I have enjoyed Scotch as much if not more than my wife. Well, I won't go that far as no one can love Scotch as much as she does. She won't drink blends any more if that helps answer a question for you.

One word, mates: Laphroaig

All others pale in comparison.

After stating that, all else in unnecessary to say about scotch. You'll either consider Laphroaig the best or the worst.

(this said as I savor an Isle of Jura and a touch of water)

The 1939 special edition, “ JW Silver Landing,” while short lived proved affable, but rich and earthly in tone, remarked one James Bartlett. Clearly, this was a spectacular production, but not sustainable due to its exorbitant price. Only 400,000 bottles were produced, and while vilified today, it is often found in the collections of serious scotch connoisseurs.

I only found this site just now because I bought a bottle of JW Blue about an hour ago. scanned my credit card and up popped $176.00 Had to run right home and change my diaper. I had no idea that a JW would come in that high. I never inquired about the price. I drink alot of single malts but I like JW Black so I hope it is worth it!! A new aquaintance really recommended it but never told me how much it costs, (the bastard). I was just surprised. The clerk asked me if it was for me. I said I sure as hell won't give it away.

bill

Your IP address shows you as being in NY. $176 is a pretty good price... taxes on liquor in Nashville are so high that a bottle usually goes for like $225. Back in NJ where I used to live a bottle would go for about $200.

I have been given a bottle of one liter JW Blue.
I looked at it for a time wishing to open it. But, alas, my wife won't let me. I am reluctant to do so also - but, I really want to have a taste of it. (I might be run over by a bus tomorrow without having tried it.)
It is expensive, when thought about in cold hard cash, yet, it is the same cost as my rental unit's quarterly land tax or the price of a decent jacket that soon goes out of fashion, so in my mind I pay the tax four times a year without batting an eyelid, and wear out my clothing without carrying a burden, so why not sip my way into what sounds to be (my mouth is drying up thinking about it) a beautiful ethereal taste and mind soothing experience?
What shall I do?

Well, I did it. I opened it.
I wouldn't say it was the very best I have had. It initially had a lot of musky peatiness going for it from first taste. However, second and third sips tastes a lot like 12 year Chivas. Fourth and fifth sips it definitely has a lot more hit and color than Chivas.
I'm gonna sit down and sip it more though and see where I get taken.
PS: Don't do what the website tells you and go sticking an ice cube in your mouth before sipping it. That started destroying the flavor than accenting it for me.
Cheers.

I was given a bottle of blue #RZ297700JW anyone have any idea how old this may be and the value of it? Im not a drinker so I could be interested in selling.

Do let me dive in..

As an accomplished imbiber with a full set of opinions, I am required to publish the disclaimer that any experiments to prove or disprove my recommendations are entirely at your own risk and expense.

That said, Macallan. The sherried sort, and pity there's not as much of it as greedy guzzlers willing to pay the ransom. However, and it pains me to say it, the Aberlour 16 is an effective consolation prize at half (about) the price of Mac 18.

Very Very close, considering how far in advance they have to start to compete. Another fair substitute is Glen Rothes, pick a year that's cheap cause they all are good, and some are great.

AND, should you get the Mac (8-12 yr old blend) Cask Strength, you've got an amazingly stretchable flask liquor. A tiny flask at an outdoor sporting event will seem to be bottomless, because the proper dose of 120 proof is about half a teaspoon. Very emphatic liquor, worthy of sincere respect.. but not for the faint hearted.

Now about the JW's. I love them thar JW's, they rock. Red is what you put in a big glass of coke and ice, cause if you weren't Really Thirsty you wouldn't have bought the Red to start with. Punch at Christmas, pour into coffee, kill athlete's foot, Red is an all around liquor with many uses.

The First JW fit to drink when you are sober to start with, is the Black. It holds down a fat ice cube real nice. The first one that you don't need the ice cube is Gold. It's booze that benefits from a frozen heavy glass, let it sit and cool a bit, but you don't need water or ice. Sweet, lighter than the Black and not nearly as smokey, more flowers and candy. Quite possibly the scotch you'ld sit around and drink with your Mom, tasty but affordable and VERY 'more'ish'.. I warn you that some scotch is fairly easy to stop at one or two.. and JW Gold isn't even related to those. It's more like it's hard to LEAVE one or two in the bottle. You were warned, and it's not painful, a very pleasant aftermath and no weeping repentance..but for SURE you can drink several more than you intended. Ask me how I know..

Can you tell I like it enough to NOT buy it?

Then the Green, well, it's MORE like the Black than the Black is, if you know what I mean. Smokey and pungeant, lingering aftertastes of malted smoke and char, an ice cube isn't out of order, or just a glass of water beside it.. but if you really like the Black you'll probably enjoy the Green a lot.

Now about the Blue. Everything about the Gold with more taste. Balance, refinement, smooth transitions without any burn of alcohol, a hint of honey and a whiff of flowers with a wisp of smoke in the background, a rich lingering rainbow of flavor that makes the mere thought of adding water a sin and a shame, and putting ice in it would be felonious vandalism..

As a blended scotch it's among the half dozen best, and likely the best blend readily available worldwide..

But it's not a sherried scotch, it's got smoke but not rancio, and it doesn't go the direction of Macallan a bit. As it happens I've found a cognac that has some elements of style similar to Macallan, and consider myself fortunate. The 'other' Scotch I buy is Balvenie 15 year old Single Barrel, and their new Sherried 17 year old which I've not yet tasted. Great Hopes, Great Hopes, but I'm ignorant.. IF it turns out to be the Macallan 18 replacement for which I earnestly pray, I would immediately begin saving for a stockpile.

Those 4 scotches, Macallan 18, Glen Rothes, Aberlour 16, and Balvenie Sherried 17, are at present the most likely suspects for a 'Real Sherry Monster' of a scotch.

For Islay, which is spicy and smoke and seaweed and iodine.. it's Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Talisker, Oban.. Caol Ila.. with the first two the benchmarks on smoke and iodine.. Talisker is a bit pepperier usually, except their distillers edition.. and Oban and Caol Ila are both a bit more refined than the 'L' scotches, smoother and less emphatic flavor.. (flame suit on!)

There are a great many variations on the themes of sherry & smoked iodine, from delicate flowery scotch to a couple that are muddy with peat and head-bangingly strong tasting.. and each flavor has it's adherents, and budget matters.

But the two MAIN flavor profiles are very different, and one is sweetish and the other is much less so, the influence of the wine barrel. The older it gets the more that barrel matters, so 18-25 year old sherried scotch is the age everyone chases, and the reason it's unreasonably expensive. It's not just

Sunday, December 21, 2003

Johnny Walker Blue Label

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