It has always been a perplexing question whenever customers or even friends ask whether Johnnie Walker Blue or Green Label is better when choosing a whisky.
Although one is meant for casual drinkers while the other is for special occasions, let’s see how much these two bottles bearing the same brand differ.
Here’s my quick Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue comparison.
Battle of Colors: Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue
Johnnie Walker’s Blue and Green Labels are among Diageo’s variety of quality Scotch. The blends used for Blue Label are reportedly more than 20 years old, while Green Label Single Malt blends are around 15 years old.
“While it does have the subtle smokiness that is a signature of Scotch whisky, it is not a peaty whisky, so it’s very approachable.” – Colleen Graham, Mixologist and Writer
Blue Label is a premium expression with a price reaching around $200, depending on the seller and distributor. But if you’re looking for a more affordable price for sipping whisky, I recommend the Green Label whisky for a price less than $100.
Although both have different taste profiles and price options, I still find the Blue Label more satisfying, complex, smooth, and refined.
However, Green Label also has its own smooth and distinct charm, offering a balanced and vibrant flavor profile that appeals to many whisky lovers.
But how do you drink Johnnie Walker Blue label?
Johnnie Walker Blue vs Green Cheat Sheet
| Aspect | Johnnie Walker Blue | Johnnie Walker Green |
| Alcohol Content | 40% ABV | 43% ABV |
| Age | No Age Statement (reportedly 28 to 60 years) | 15 years |
| Blend Composition | Rarest malts and grain whiskies | Single malt whiskies |
| Price Range | Approximately $180-200 | Approximately $50-70 |
| Peatiness | Minimal peat | Moderate peat |
| Packaging | Sleek bottle with blue label | Bottled in an iconic square with a green label |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available |
| Ideal Occasion | Special celebrations or occasions | Casual sipping |
| How To Drink | Neat or with a drop of water | Neat or in cocktails |
| Similar To | Chivas Regal 25 | Compass Box Flaming Heart |
| Star Rating | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Blue Label
Nose: The nose has a buttery texture with an elegant body of spice, honey, caramel, and vanilla
Palate: The palate is filled with dark chocolate, hazelnut, toffee, and caramel
Finish: Long, smoky, and luxurious finish with hints of fine cigar
Our First Sip: My first sip of the Blue Label welcomes me with a bit of smoke on the palate, but it is not overpowering. The Blue Label has a remarkably creamy texture, similar to the nose, with a taste resembling caramel, vanilla buttercream frosting, and dark chocolate and smoky finish.
Final Taste: The second sip leads to a sweeter profile, and the smoke, cinnamon, and spices are still present. The sip finishes on a smoky, complex note, which is an interesting ending for me.
Fun Facts:
- This whisky is made of the rarest and most exceptional whiskies that came from even debunked distilleries in Scotland
- Out of ten million casks, one a few is qualified to deliver the Blue Label’s flavor profile.
Also Read:
- Johnnie Walker Black & Red Compared
- Johnnie Walker Blue & Black Compared
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label At Costco
Green Label
Nose: It has a sweet herbal aroma with wood and smoke undertones
Palate: It was velvety with a harmonious blend of smoke and sweet flavors on the palate
Finish: Warm finish, medium length
Our First Sip: The first taste of this whisky gives me a welcoming, intense note of apples, toffee, and nuts on the palate. Then, it was followed by peat and smoke, similar to the nose, but not overwhelming.
Final Taste: The heat is more prominent for the next sip, but I can still taste the apple and toffee flavors and more intense peat and smoke.
“Creating a marketable Scotch whisky blend is a rare art, given the vast choice of whisky brands available worldwide.” – Liquor Laboratory
If you can imagine yourself on a mountain with a campfire, smoke, and some sweet treats, that pretty much sums up this whisky’s profile.
Fun Facts:
- The single malt whiskies used for this blend come from the Speyside, Island, Highland, and Lowland regions of Scotland
- It was discontinued worldwide for a few years except for Taiwan, where blended single malts were in high demand
- It was first introduced in 1997 with a 15-year-old aging period
FAQs
Why was the Johnnie Walker Green Label discontinued?
Johnnie Walker Green Label was discontinued worldwide (except Taiwan) as part of the reconstruction of their product line. Some experts have also pointed out that the lack of aged single-malt whiskies is another reason for the discontinuation.
It was only unavailable from 2012 to 2016 [1].
Why is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label so popular?
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label is famous for its rare and exceptional smooth blend. It has a remarkably smooth profile crafted from the rarest whiskies of Scotland. Check out other Johnnie Walker colors here.
Why is Blue Label so rare?
Blue Label is rare because only one out of 10,000 casks is qualified for its blend. The selection of the rarest whisky types used for this product is led by Master Blender Emma Walker [2].
What are the main differences between Johnnie Walker Green Label and Blue Label?
The main difference lies in the composition and aging of the whiskies. Johnnie Walker Green Label is a blended malt whisky, meaning it is made exclusively from malt whiskies without any grain whisky added. On the other hand, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blend of both malt and grain whiskies, with a focus on rare and aged components.
How do the flavor profiles of Green Label and Blue Label differ?
Johnnie Walker Green Label is known for its rich and balanced flavors, with notes of malt, oak, fruit, and a subtle smokiness.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label, being a premium blend with older and rarer whiskies, offers a more refined and sophisticated flavor profile. It is characterized by its depth, complexity, and luxurious smoothness, with nuances of fruit, spice, and a lingering smokiness.
Which one is more expensive, Green Label or Blue Label?
Generally, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is more expensive than Green Label due to its premium quality and the rarity of the whiskies used in its blend. Blue Label is positioned as a luxury product, often commanding a higher price point compared to Green Label.
How should I enjoy Johnnie Walker Green Label and Blue Label?
Both whiskies can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, depending on personal preference. Their complex flavors can be appreciated best when sipped slowly to fully experience the nuances of the blend.
Are there any limited editions or special releases of Green Label or Blue Label?
Occasionally, there may be limited editions or special releases of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, featuring unique packaging or specially selected whiskies. However, such releases are less common for Johnnie Walker Green Label.
In Conclusion
Johnnie Walker’s Green and Blue Labels have smooth and unique characteristics to cater to different occasions. For our team, Johnnie Walker Green Label won because of its affordability, accessibility, and versatility.
It also boasts a 15-year-old age statement for its single malt blends, which is already a solid choice for casual gatherings and occasions.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a sophisticated party or want to celebrate a special occasion, Blue Label would be the most luxurious choice.
We hope we’ve answered your queries about these bottles.
References:
- https://www.reuters.com/article/us-diageo-africa-idUSKBN1720JI
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnnie-walker-announces-fifth-release-in-johnnie-walker-blue-label-ghost-and-rare-series-with-exclusive-nft-drop-301616549.html#
