First Impressions
Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 — a blended malt (no grain whisky) of four single malts: Talisker, Linkwood, Cragganmore, and Caol Ila, all aged a minimum of 15 years. Not a blended Scotch — a blended malt, an important distinction.
The Comeback
Launched 1997 as 'Pure Malt 15 Year Old,' renamed Green Label in 2004. Diageo discontinued it globally in 2012 due to aged malt shortages. The outcry was such that it was brought back in 2016 — one of the few whiskies ever revived by consumer demand.
Tasting
Green apple nose with honey and hazelnut praline. Apricot jam palate with baked apple, vanilla toffee, and crème brûlée. Medium finish with gentle sweet ash and refreshing salinity. The four distillery characters blend seamlessly.
The Verdict
Johnnie Walker Green Label earns an 8 — an excellent gateway to peated and blended malt whisky. At £40 for a 15-year age statement, remarkable value. The cult following is earned — this is genuinely one of the best values in the entire Johnnie Walker range. Worth the comeback.
