Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is rich and honeyed, with layers of caramel, vanilla and tropical fruit, balanced by a gentle wisp of smoke. Built around a core of single malt whisky from Clynelish, this blend brings together whiskies from Speyside and the Highlands. An incredibly versatile whisky, that can be enjoyed neat, over ice or in cocktails.
Tasting notes
Nose
Honeyed oats, malty with creamy vanilla, toffee popcorn and a touch of gingerbread. A herby note punches through. Really pleasant.
Palate
Sweet, smooth caramel fudge. Butterscotch. Quite waxy with honey and vanilla coming in waves.
Finish
This finishes more on the heavier side of things with sticky fruits (maybe a bit of trifle?) and faint woodsmoke.
Overall
A really well balanced blend from the House of Johnnie Walker. Something to crack open with friends on a summer’s evening and pass around whilst the sun goes down.
Tasting Notes by Caskstrength
Nose
Fudge notes, drying sherry, dried prunes, vanilla and heather honey. Water brings notes of classic light Walker smoke and candied fruit. So far, so good.
Palate
Initially very light, with vanilla and waxy honey (the influence of Clynelish is still really apparent.) Given time, the blend really begins to open up with a distinct smokiness and a slightly thin grainy note. With water, the grains show themselves a little more, followed by sliced apple and more of the Clynelish waxiness.
Finish
Lingering smokiness and a touch of dried fruit.
Producer's Tasting
Nose
Honey, vanilla cream, sherry-style dried fruits and notes of biscuits.
Palate
Luxuriously smooth, creamy and delicately honeyed with lingering waves of wood, fruit and light, sweet smoke. A multi-layered blend of sweet fruits and creaminess that evokes deeper honey tones.
Finish
Lingering waves of wood and light west-coast smoke.