Johnnie Walker 18 Years (2024)

This blog mostly features reviews of single malt whisky, but every once in a while I love to explore some of the big name blends. Featuring today is Johnnie Walker 18 Years, sometimes dubbed The Ultimate. (For reasons that aren’t quite clear to me.)

At the risk of sounding snobbish, Johnnie Walker isn’t a regular part of my whisky diet. But I do have an immense respect for the brand. Together with other staples like Ballantine’s, Dewar’s, White Horse and Chivas they are largely responsible for the succes story of Scotch whisky. They are the giants that paved the way.

Johnnie Walker Black Label and Ballantine’s were amongst the first bottles I bought. I remember well the decadence of sipping a 15-year-old Dimple. My very first splurge was on a bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Years Old. I can still vividly recall it sitting on the top shelf at my local off-licence. Handing over that much money for a single bottle of alcohol felt uneasy at the time, but the reward came once I uncorked it at home.

Blends are the backbone of the industry. The worldwide reputation of Scotch whisky was built by the likes of Alexander Walker, Tommy Dewar, Matthew Gloag and William Teacher. Their brands are woven into the fabric of whisky to this day. Single malt whisky stands on their shoulders.

Johnnie Walker 18 Years consists of up to 18 malt and grain whiskies. Or at least that what it says here. That’s sounds on the lower side, but really, what do I know about these things? (No sarcasm.) Distilleries such as Blair Athol, Cardhu and Glen Elgin form the backbone of the Johnnie Walker 18 Years. If peat plays a role, than I didn’t detect it.

Johnnie Walker 18 Years (40%, OB, 2024)

Nose: Rather elegant. Or timid, if I would’ve been in a bad mood. Slightly floral with a pleasant leafiness, as well a tinge of honeysuckle, beeswax and rose water. Then a hint of rosemary, a soft briny smokiness and raisins.
Taste: Mouthfeel is on the thin side. Very gentle, elegant peat alongside slivers of tobacco, orange pith and dried herbs. Also soft reminders of aniseed, damp oak and some cardboard.
Finish: Medium length. Slightly bitter citrus notes and toasted cereals.