Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve: The Clynelish Backbone — Silky, Honeyed, Controversial NAS Replacement

Item: Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve: The Clynelish Backbone — Silky, Honeyed, Controversial NAS Replacement
Rating: 7
Author: Duncan Cairns

Duncan Cairns April 10, 2026 2 views

7 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Various (Diageo)
Type: Blended Scotch
Age: NAS
ABV: 40% ABV
Price: £38

Tasting Notes

Nose

Honey, smoked peach crumble, rosewater, Turkish delight, wild flowers, apricot, light earthy peat — silky and sweet

Palate

Honeydew melon, satsuma, caramel, vanilla, oily melted toffee — sweet fruity notes with hints of wood spice and gentle smoke

Finish

Soft, sweet — light smoke and wood spice, medium length — the Clynelish honey backbone carrying through

First Impressions

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve — launched 2012 as a NAS replacement for the Gold Label 18. Controversial, as many preferred the age-stated original. Built around the honeyed, waxy Clynelish character.

Tasting

Honey and peach nose with rosewater. Silky palate of melon, caramel, and toffee. Soft, sweet finish with light smoke. A crowd-pleaser.

The Verdict

JW Gold Label Reserve earns a 7 — silky and approachable, though the old 18 Year Old was superior. At £38, fair value for a premium blend. The Clynelish backbone provides genuine quality. Double Gold SF 2023.

Where to Buy

Master of Malt
£47.50

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The Whisky Exchange
£51.75

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Duncan Cairns

Senior Whisky Reviewer

Duncan has spent two decades judging Scotch whisky at competitions from the International Wine & Spirit Competition to the World Whiskies Awards, developing a palate that prizes balance and terroir ab...