\Johnnie Walker, synonymous with Scotch whisky, has crafted extraordinary blends over the years.
Known for its diverse range of blended whiskies catering to different budgets, have you ever wondered, “What is the most expensive Johnnie Walker today?”
We interviewed whisky enthusiasts and collectors to uncover which Johnnie Walker bottle takes the crown as the priciest of them all.
Top 14 Most Expensive Johnnie Walker Whisky
1. Johnnie Walker & Sons Diamond Jubilee
Average Price: Roughly $198,500
Alcohol Content: 42.5% ABV
Nose: Exotic fruits, warming spices, soft smoke, sweetened dried fruits, candied ginger
Palate: Honeyed spice, rich molasses, sultanas, cocoa beans, subtle herbal
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker & Sons Diamond Jubilee is the most expensive Johnnie Walker, released in 2012, and one bottle costs almost $200,000.
It is an extraordinary whisky we hold in high regard because of the meticulous selection of rare and exceptional whiskies.
This limited edition blend is from ghost stocks from the now-closed distilleries of Pittyviach, Cambus, and Port Ellen, making it one of the most expensive whiskies from the brand.
Johnie Walker & Sons Diamond Jubilee was patiently aged for at least 28 years in oak casks, enhancing its complexity and character.
2. Johnnie Walker ‘The John Walker’ Master’s Edition 50-Year-Old
Average Price: Roughly $34,999 (Cask Cartel)
Alcohol Content: 43.3% ABV
Nose: Honey oak, dried fruits, dark chocolate, subtle spices, and a hint of smoke
Palate: Velvety toffee, ripe figs, warming spices, oak, and a touch of tropical fruit sweetness
Why We Like It: Crafted from six exceptionally rare whiskies, each aged 50 years, The John Walker Master’s Edition is a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence.
“Whiskies of this age have incredible character but it takes great skill to reveal their flavour and then balance them so people can appreciate the end result.” -John Williams, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director
Since there are only 100 bottles of John Walker Master’s Edition, it has become another most expensive Johnnie Walker in circulation.
John Walker is encased in a bespoke rare double-cased black crystal Baccarat decanter and housed in a cabinet by N.E.J. Stevenson [1].
Moreover, John Walker and Sons is a symphony of flavors that unfolds with velvety toffee, ripe figs, warming spices, oak, and a touch of tropical fruit sweetness.
3. Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour 48-Year-Old
Average Price: Roughly $26,756 (LuxuryLaunches)
Alcohol Content: 41.8% ABV
Nose: Soft seaweed smoke, salty air, rich dried fruits, molasses, leather-bound books
Palate: Bursting currants, gentle spice building
Why We Like It: Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour 48-Year-Old is an expensive Johnnie Walker whisky with only 288 bottles produced and in circulation.
Its exquisite blend of flavors, rarity, and limited availability make it a treasure for collectors and a delight for those seeking an extraordinary whisky journey.
The expensive Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavour 48 whisky opens with the bursting flavors of currants, followed by a gentle build-up of spice that adds depth and complexity to the tasting experience.
Read: Johnnie Walker Red vs Black
4. Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve 40-Year-Old
Average Price: Roughly $17,581 (The Whisky World)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Exquisite richness, aged oak, dark chocolate, mellow spice, subtle floral notes
palate: Opulent layers, velvety caramel, dried fruits, gentle spice, hints of leather
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve 40-Year-Old is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Master Blender Jim Beveridge OBE, who has dedicated four decades to the art of whisky blending.
Johnnie Walker brand used eight whiskies and released Johnnie Walker’s Master’s Ruby Reserve on limited supply (398 bottles).
On the nose and palate, Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve presents an exquisite tapestry of aromas characterized by its richness, aged oak, the allure of dark chocolate, a mellow spice, and subtle floral notes.
5. Johnnie Walker The Commemorative 1920 Edition
Average Price: Roughly $4000.39 (Hedonism)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Rich oak, sweet vanilla, honeyed cereal, dried fruits, a hint of citrus
Palate: Smooth oakiness, creamy toffee, spiced nuts, ripe apples, subtle peat
Why We Like It: With only 540 bottles, each individually numbered and signed by master blender Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker 1920 exemplifies exclusivity and attention to detail.
It is one of the most expensive Johnnie Walker bottles with a delightful and inviting bouquet that sets the stage for what’s to come.
On the nose, it reveals a rich interplay of aromas, and the palate offers a smooth and elegant tasting experience.
6. Master Blenders 30-Year
Average Price: Roughly $3637.62 (Scotch Whisky Auctions)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Orchard fruits, treacle, spices
Palate: Toffee, cinnamon, chocolate, oak
Why We Like It: Master Blenders 30 Year is another expensive Johnnie Walker whisky because of its rarity and exclusivity. Only 1,438 bottles of this rare whisky were produced, adding to its allure.
It’s a blend of single malt and grain whiskies, aged for at least thirty years, a tribute to Master Blender Alexander Walker.
7. King George V Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design
Average Price: Roughly $777.99 (Northwestliquorwine.com)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Sweet smoke, orange, raisins, figs, cinnamon
Palate: Vanilla, sweet fruits, dark chocolate, toffee, roast nuts
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker King George V Lunar New Year Limited Edition is drawn from rare and precious casks, making it one of the best and most expensive Johnnie Walker whiskies.
Unlike the celebration blue label, black label, and green label, it has a limited-edition design and a blend of grain and malt varieties.
The palate is a testament to the art of blending, and the finish is where the whisky’s coastal smokiness from Port Ellen takes the stage.
Read: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black
8. John Walker & Sons King George V
Average Price: Roughly $589.95 (ForWhiskyLovers.com)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Sweet smoke, orange, raisins, figs, cinnamon
Palate: Spice, vanilla, sweet fruits, dark chocolate, toffee, roast nuts
Why We Like It: The John Walker & Sons King George V pays homage to history and craftsmanship, celebrating the brand’s first Royal Warrant granted by Scotch King George in 1934.
Its meticulous selection of John Walker & Sons whiskies, rich flavor profile, and the inclusion of irreplaceable casks make it a treasure for collectors and a delight for whisky enthusiasts.
If you’re seeking a taste of royal elegance and tradition, try John Walker & Sons.
9. Blue Label Ghost & Rare – Port Ellen
Average Price: Roughly $382.95 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43.8% ABV
Nose: Creamy vanilla sweetness
Palate: Waxy citrus, rich malt, tropical fruit
Why We Like It: The Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen is a whisky that captures our admiration for its exceptional balance and the unique layers of flavor it brings to the palate.
From the creamy sweetness of the nose to the rich and tropical palate, culminating in the distinctive Port Ellen smokiness, Johnnie Walker’s premium blend whisky exemplifies the art of blending and craftsmanship.
10. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal Edition
Average Price: Roughly $342 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 43.8% ABV
Nose: Orchard fruits, sweet apple, delicate apricot, creamy toffee, butterscotch
Palate: Vanilla, heather honey, rare malts
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal Edition holds a special place in our appreciation for its exceptional blend of flavors, craftsmanship, and the tribute it pays to a hidden treasure of the whisky world.
This limited-edition whisky draws on the rare casks from the legendary Highland “ghost” distillery of Glenury Royal, which ceased operations in 1985.
These blended malt and grain whiskies became the most sought-after in the world, and this edition brings a piece of that treasure to life. But how do you drink Johnnie Walker Blue label?
11. Johnnie Walker Private Collection 2015
Average Price: Roughly $1899 (Beverly Hills Liquor & Wine)
Alcohol Content: 46.8% ABV
Nose: Fresh, exotic Speyside fruits, ripe autumnal fruits, vanilla
Palate: Highland malts, sweet and warming finish, west highland fruit notes
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker whisky Private Collection 2015 Edition has a delightful scent that deepens into the rich and ripe autumnal fruits of Highland malts, creating a complex and inviting aroma.
This limited edition release is best enjoyed neat, allowing you to fully appreciate the luscious aromas and underlying vanilla and fruit flavors.
However, a drop of water can also be added to release additional complexities and nuances, making it a versatile choice for whisky enthusiasts.
12. Johnnie Walker King George V Lunar New Year Tiger Edition
Average Price: Roughly $737.29 (Singlemalt.ph)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Honey, Dried fruits, smoky oak
Palate: Sweet smokiness, green apple, cocoa nibs
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker & Sons King George V Lunar New Year Edition is a testament to the artistry of Scotch whisky-making [2] and a delightful way to celebrate the Lunar New Year or any special occasion.
Crafted from rare stocks of whiskies that hail from distilleries operational during King George V’s reign, this limited edition release offers a depth and complexity that is truly remarkable.
13. Johnnie Walker King George V Chinese New Year Edition Limited Edition
Average Price: Roughly $668.24 (The Whisky World)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Candied orange peels, cinnamon sugar, toasted vanilla beans
Palate: Candied nuts, honey, vanilla, plums, dark chocolate
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker Label King George V Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design from Johnnie Walker is a splendid and collectible expression that pays tribute to the Lunar New Year.
It is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of Johnnie Walker. With its exceptional flavor profile and stunning bottle design, it’s a whisky that captivates both connoisseurs and collectors alike.
14. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Port Dundas Scotch Scotland
Average Price: Roughly $477.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43.8% ABV
Nose: Fragrant wood spice, creamy vanilla, soft smoke, spiced apples, peaches, berries
Palate: Creamy vanilla, wood spice, delicate grain character
Why We Like It: The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas is a remarkable addition to the acclaimed Ghost and Rare series.
This limited edition release explores the exceptional and rare whiskies from the renowned Glasgow “ghost” distillery of Port Dundas.
The delicate Grain character of the blue label, a hallmark of Port Dundas, unfolds gracefully, showcasing its unique qualities.
The inclusion of rare reserves, including irreplaceable casks from the now-closed Port Ellen distillery, make it one of the most expensive Johnnie Walker labels. It adds a layer of exclusivity and historical significance to the whisky.
Note: The ranking provided is based solely on the order in which the Johnnie Walker bottles were presented in the list based on their prices. It does not constitute an evaluation of their subjective quality, taste, or value. Prices for these bottles can vary widely depending on stores and other factors.
What Makes Johnnie Walker Expensive?
Johnnie Walker malt whiskies’ expensive reputation is earned through meticulous craftsmanship, rare aged whiskies, and historical significance.
Johnnie Walker’s blends often feature aged reserves, closed distilleries like Port Ellen, and masterful blending.
Limited editions, distinct flavors, and global acclaim contribute to its premium pricing, appealing to discerning whisky connoisseurs.
Are Johnnie Walker Bottles A Good Investment?
Investing in Johnnie Walkers can be a good choice for collectors and investors. Limited editions, discontinued releases, and bottles with historical significance appreciate in value over time [3].
“Sipping the best Johnnie Walker is like tasting the history of luxury” -Liquor Laboratory
However, like any investment, Johnnie Walker’s single malts and grains carry risks, and success depends on factors such as rarity, condition, and market demand. It’s essential to research and consult with experts before making investment decisions.
FAQs
Which color of Johnnie Walker is the most expensive?
The most expensive Johnnie Walker color label is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It is considered one of the brand’s premium offerings.
It is often priced higher than other expressions like Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker Red Label, Johnnie Walker Green Label, and Johnnie Walker Gold Label.
However, there are even more exclusive and pricier limited edition releases, like the Diamond Jubilee and Midnight blend, that surpass the standard Blue Label in terms of cost.
Why is Johnnie Walker Blue Label so expensive?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is expensive due to its premium blend of rare, aged whiskies, expert blending, limited production, and luxurious packaging.
Also, because of the marketing efforts and the extended aging process, the Celebration Blue Label is a highly coveted and prestigious whisky from John Walker & Sons.
Is Johnnie Walker worth the price?
Yes, Johnnie Walker is worth the price for its quality and craftsmanship. It can be worth the investment for those seeking a high-quality, well-blended Scotch whisky with a renowned name.
Which Johnnie Walker sells the most?
Johnnie Walker Red Label is currently the world’s best-selling whisky from the John Walker brand, available in over 180 countries.
The whisky has earned recognition through numerous prestigious awards totaling over thirty significant accolades.
Can I taste John Walker & Sons Private Collection whisky at a bar or restaurant?
Some upscale bars and restaurants may offer the Private Collection as part of their whisky selection, but availability may vary. It’s recommended to inquire with establishments in advance if you’re interested in trying it.
Are there different releases of the John Walker & Sons Private Collection?
Yes, the Private Collection is released in limited editions, with each release showcasing unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Collectors often seek out multiple releases to experience the diversity of this exclusive range.
Does the price of John Walker & Sons Private Collection whisky appreciate over time?
Like many rare and collectible whiskies, the price of the Private Collection can appreciate over time, especially for older releases or those with particularly desirable qualities. However, market fluctuations and other factors can also influence the value.
Is there a recommended way to drink John Walker & Sons Private Collection whisky?
The enjoyment of whisky is subjective, and there is no right or wrong way to drink it. Some people prefer to savor it neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its full flavor potential, while others may enjoy it in cocktails or paired with food.
On A Final Note
Johnnie Walker & Sons Diamond Jubilee is the most expensive Johnnie Walker bottle in circulation and has a diamond price tag [4].
This extraordinary blend commands an average price of approximately $198,500, making it a symbol of luxury and prestige in the world of whisky.
Crafted to commemorate a significant milestone, it represents the pinnacle of luxury. It is reserved for those with a taste for the finest and willing to invest in exceptional quality.
It is an exceptionally rare and limited-edition whisky, with only a handful of bottles available worldwide.
References:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-john-walker-masters-edition-the-first-50-year-old-scotch-whisky-in-the-history-of-johnnie-walker-892460682.html
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Scotch-whisky
- https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/investing/whisky-as-an-investment-all-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/chi-scotch-diamond-jubilee-queen-story.html
