Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Years Old
40% ABV
$120
Website
What the Blender Says
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old was inspired by the tradition of giving private blends to a close circle of family friends by John Walker & Sons. Blended from whiskies that have matured for at least 18 years, it combines sophisticated and contemporary tastes with classic Johnnie Walker flavours. When you want to make a special occasion truly exceptional, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old is the discerning choice.
FLAVOURS
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavours with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and fragrant almonds. Initially sweet with a warm vanilla undercurrent and a suggestion of tangerines, it moves smoothly over the palate into a nutty, malty dryness before a long finish brings elegant suggestions of soft charcoal smokiness and a beautifully fading citrus zest.
What Gary Says
Nose: Sherried smoke with subtle dark fruit behind sea air; bit of allspice, cigar paper and sour oak.
Palate: Soft entry with a slightly creamy mouthfeel, sweet fruit with savory vegetal notes, hints of peat and smoke.
Finish: Moderately long and drying.
Comments: Tasting this as part of the Johnnie Walker Sampler Pack (which includes their Black, Gold Label Reserve, this, and Blue). If you’re not familiar with Johnnie Walker’s lineup, this is a cost effective way to get a large enough sample of each to spend some quality time with them. This was a definite step up from the Gold Label Reserve. A nice pour that is well balanced, with a bit of several things (sherry, smoke, peat, fruit). While I enjoy it, it isn’t squarely in my wheelhouse – especially for the money. And again – while quite easy to drink at this proof, I’d love to try this at a higher proof.
Rating: Stands Out
Why do I see this bottle advertised from 100.00 to 1,000.00
Couple of likely scenarios:
For the $100 price, the distributor may have dropped the price (possible, but unlikely), or the store may have had that bottle on the shelves for a long damn time and hadn’t bought new from their distributor to take note of the new price.
For the $1000 price – store that is just praying for someone to overpay.
When I Google this product, under ‘Shopping’ I see prices that range from $100 to $550. The nearest ‘big box retailer’ is showing $105.