Johnnie Walker Red Label (c.1966)

When I mentioned I would review Johnnie Walker Red for my 500th note, I failed to state the bottle is from the late 60s/early 70s. I'm unsure if the first digits on the tax strip, 61966, indicate the bottling date, but if so, it was bottled two months prior to my birth. Information from a friend's father, who generously gave me this bottle and other vintage spirits from his garage, also suggests it's from around that time. Old bottles are often enjoyable, but my experience is they disappoint more than they impress. Evaporation, degraded stoppers, and the mistaken belief that spirits were always superior in the past frequently lead to underwhelming experiences. However, sometimes you discover a gem. The moment I removed the functioning screw-top from this completely full bottle, a beautiful sherry aroma escaped. It was rich, creamy toffee with a subtle smoky note. Sherry casks are a rarity today, but they were commonly used throughout the industry when this spirit was blended. Still, I hadn't anticipated such a wonderful smell. It strongly reminded me of a 26-year-old Glenrothes I personally bottled from a single sherry cask at the Whisky Exchange last year. While I'm not fond of heavily sherried spirits, when they are balanced to the caramel level of that Glenrothes and this Johnnie Walker, I find it heavenly. So the nose was incredible, but surely that was a coincidence. This is Red Label, after all – it must have been mostly grain spirit even back then, and that would have been apparent in the mouth. I was very surprised. Perhaps they were out of grain that month, but for some reason, this drinks almost as well as that Glenrothes. The creamy toffee and smoke from the nose carry through in the mouth, and the 43.4% ABV provides a smooth, oily texture. I've spent three nights searching this spirit for flaws, and the most I can find is a slight sharpness in the middle and a finish that feels a bit abrupt. It's also not very complex; each sip tastes much like the one before. But honestly, I'm struggling to find fault. This is pure drinking enjoyment. In fact, I've come to the conclusion that this must be a counterfeit: someone has refilled an old Red Label bottle with a superior spirit. Those hunting for old bottles, be cautious.

Mouth: Corn, smoky, leaves a dry finish Nose: A slight floral sweetness on the nose

The flavor is good, but it's not a whiskey I'd buy again.

Consistently a reliable choice

Sweet, with a smoky peatiness

Decent