Our Johnnie Walker review series continues with one of the newest members of the brand’s permanent lineup, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve.  Until 2013, there was Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year Old.  That’s been dropped from the lineup and Diageo added this no-age statement blend and Johnnie Walker Platinum Label, aged 18 years.  We’ll get to a comparison between the two Gold Labels here at AdventuresInWhiskey.com soon enough.  JW Gold Reserve is a blended Scotch whisky, containing several malts, like Clynelish, blended with grain whiskies.  The result is a creamy take on the Johnnie Walker house style.

Right off the bat, I get aromas of sweet toffee, nuttiness, bitter orange, sweet corn pudding, some peat smoke and a touch of honey.  The entry is sweet here.  Taste-wise, there’s a burnt toffee note and a creaminess I didn’t find in other Johnnie Walker whiskies.  I also get some orange rind, candied apple and a touch of smoke in the background.  JW Gold Label Reserve finishes with a medium lasting sweet and slightly oaky note.

All in all, this whisky is pretty good.  I find myself reaching for this one more often than JW Black or Green when I’m in the mood for a dram.  There’s nothing here to offend, and it’s not a particularly challenging whisky, which means it’s a great ‘everyday’ sipper.  The price is right too.  You can find a bottle for under the SRP of $79.  Recommended.