The Final Information To Johnnie Walker Crimson Label

Johnnie Walker Crimson Label is the top-selling scotch whisky on the planet. That’s no imply feat. Amongst the blended whisky model’s award-winning portfolio that includes the premium Johnnie Walker Blue Label and particular editions such because the Double Black, Crimson Label has remained steadfast within the hearts of scotch drinkers around the globe. 

Exploring the origins, value, tasting notes, and serving options, that is the last word information to Johnnie Walker Crimson Label. 

What Is Johnnie Walker Crimson Label? 

Johnnie Walker Crimson Label is a mix of as much as 35 scotch whiskies, sourced from throughout Scotland. Single malts and grain whiskies are expertly blended by the Johnnie Walker staff to create the model’s signature expression. Such whiskies embody single malts from Cardhu, Caol Ila, and Teaninich. A excessive share of the grain whisky within the mix hails from Cameronbridge Distillery. 

The expression was first launched in 1906 underneath the identify ‘Walker’s Particular Outdated Highland’. The expression ran alongside a whisky with a white label and one with a black label. Because the whiskies have been generally referred to by the colour of their labels, Johnnie Walker determined to implement a rebrand. As such, in 1909, ‘Walker’s Particular Outdated Highland’ was renamed ‘Crimson Label’. The long-lasting Striding Man brand was launched in the identical 12 months. 

Johnnie Walker Crimson Label doesn’t carry an age assertion and is bottled at 40% ABV. It’s the entry-level expression within the model’s portfolio, with the Blue Label thought-about essentially the most premium within the core vary. 

How Outdated Is Johnnie Walker Crimson Label? 

Johnnie Walker Crimson Label is a no-age-statement (NAS) whisky. Which means that we have no idea how previous the whisky contained in the bottle is. We do know, nonetheless, that the whisky is not less than three years previous, as it is a authorized requirement in scotch whisky regulation. 

The remainder, although, is a thriller. Theoretically, there may very well be a 50 12 months previous whisky in a bottle of Crimson Label. Most certainly, although, Crimson Label is comprised of very younger scotch whisky as this could be essentially the most cost-effective approach to produce the expression. 

Because the retail value for this whisky is so low (as you’ll learn under), there isn’t any incentive for Diageo to make use of costly inventory within the mix. Johnnie Walker Crimson Label is younger, low cost, and cheerful. 

How A lot Is A Bottle of Crimson Label? 

A lot of Crimson Label’s recognition can absolutely be attributed to its accessible value level. You should buy a bottle of Crimson Label in nearly any nation on the planet, with the fee hovering round $20 per bottle. 

On Wine-Searcher, the common value for a 750ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Crimson Label within the USA is $26. Within the UK, you should buy a bottle for round £20 from nearly any grocery store within the nation. 

That is extremely inexpensive, particularly once you take into consideration the responsibility and taxes that have to be paid by the producer, in addition to margins for retailers. The margin left for Diageo could be very slight. 

Regardless of this, Diageo should know that an enormous a part of the whisky’s enchantment is its affordability. 

What Does Johnnie Walker Crimson Label Style Like? 

In line with the model’s web site, Johnnie Walker Crimson Label presents aromas of “vibrant apple and citrus fruitiness, cinnamon, and pepper spice.” The palate is “candy vanilla and creamy toffee,” with a “warming smoky end.” 

Within the curiosity of remaining goal, I requested one in all our Scotland-based reviewers, Davis Gonnella, to inform me his ideas on the Johnnie Walker Crimson Label: 

“Look: Golden Amber 

Nostril: Grain ahead, mild citrus fruits, cereal, and oak 

Palate: I can definitely style the Cardhu in right here. Mild inexperienced apples, fruity honey, and nuts (albeit barely muted). It then develops into ripe pears and salty smoke earlier than spicy dry oak and milk chocolate. 

End: Quick. An extinguished hearth with island smoke and salt.

Feedback: The whisky is skinny in the direction of the top however longs for extra. It might do properly with one other meaty whisky added to the fold, I imagine. One thing like a Glen Garioch or Lagavulin. Just a bit one thing on the additional be aware which might create a longer-lasting end.”

Is Johnnie Walker Crimson Label A Good Whisky? 

Johnnie Walker Crimson Label has been the top-selling blended scotch whisky on the planet since 1945, even throughout the interval between 1977 and 1983 when the expression was absent from the UK home market. That, I’m positive you’ll agree is a few achievement. 

So plainly, objectively, the reply is sure. Johnnie Walker Crimson Label is an efficient whisky. Nonetheless, whisky is, in fact, fully subjective to the person drinker and the way they select to take pleasure in a dram.  

Johnnie Walker Crimson Label does what it says on the tin. It’s a low cost and accessible whisky. This has undoubtedly contributed to its success and recognition within the international market. However that doesn’t essentially imply that it’s the greatest whisky you’ll ever style, particularly in case you are one thing of a connoisseur. 

Diageo (the father or mother firm of Johnnie Walker) asserts that Crimson Label is “made for mixing in exhilarating cocktails.” After all, it may be loved neat or on the rocks. However, in case you are in search of the advanced profile of a well-aged single malt, an NAS blended scotch won’t be best for you. 

With that being stated, Johnnie Walker Crimson Label remains to be a multi-award-winning expression, with over 40 awards underneath its belt. In 2021, the expression gained a Double Gold medal on the San Francisco World Spirits Competitors. 

When all is claimed and completed, it’s subjective. In the event you loved Crimson Label neat, then take pleasure in it neat! In the event you discover it the proper base for a Whisky Highball, then hold a bottle in your bar. 

How Is The Whisky Finest Loved? 

Talking of Whisky Highballs, this is without doubt one of the serving options promoted by Johnnie Walker on the model’s web site. They name it “The Johnnie Ginger”. Right here is how they counsel you make the proper serve: 

• Fill a tall glass with cubed ice 
• Add 25ml Johnnie Walker Crimson Label 
• Add ¼ shot of squeezed lime 
• Add 75ml ginger ale, or fill to the highest
• Garnish with a slice of ginger and luxuriate in! 

You possibly can take pleasure in Johnnie Walker neat, on the rocks, or in any whisky cocktail. The world is your oyster. 

The Historical past of Johnnie Walker 

In case you are in search of an in-depth historical past of the world’s most beloved scotch whisky model, then head over to YouTube, the place Mark is breaking down the historical past of Johnnie Walker in a multi-part sequence.  

Or, in case you are concerned about different Johnnie Walker expressions, try 5 Issues You Didn’t Know About Johnnie Walker Black Label and The Final Information To Johnnie Walker Blue Label.