Johnnie Walker Red Label is the brand’s entry level whisky.  Like all Johnnie Walker releases, this is a blended Scotch whisky.  No age statement and a pretty low price leads me to think JW Red Label is a young whisky.  According to owner Diageo’s product information sheet, Johnnie Walker Red Label is the world’s best selling whisky.  Red Label is a blend of 30 young malt and grain whiskies, and is designed to be a mixer.

This smells like a young whisky.  It’s vibrant and a hair fiery.  I get some sweet toffee, some freshly mowed grass, orange peel, a little peat and a drop of honey.  Nice overall aromas, but the palate is a different story.  It sort of falls apart and becomes a mix of sweet toffee, cinnamon candy (think red hots) and the smallest touch of smoke.  The finish here is nothing more than a slight, sweet burn.

Taken as a mixer, Johnnie Walker Red Label may be a great value.  At some point in the future I’ll try it in some cocktails.  Until then, I can only give you my thoughts on JW Red Label as a neat sipper, which is how I tasted it.  Taken as a sipper, I’d have to pass.  JW Red Label is no where near as complex as Johnnie Walker Black Label.  I would reach for JW Black almost every time.