This is the discontinued Gold Label, and the distinction matters enormously. The Centenary Blend carries an 18 year minimum age statement and was phased out in 2013, replaced by the Gold Label Reserve which carries no age statement at all. The two are frequently confused and they are not the same whisky. Sir Alexander Walker created the original in 1920 to mark a hundred years since his grandfather founded the company in 1820. It was discontinued during the war when blending stocks ran short, then reintroduced in 1992 using the original blending notes Sir Alexander had left seventy five years earlier. The blend draws on fifteen different whiskies, each aged a minimum of eighteen years, with Clynelish contributing brine and a coastal quality, Talisker providing the general character, Royal Lochnagar the luxurious weight of the palate, and Cardhu the finish. That is a considerable amount of mature stock in a blended Scotch, and it is why the expression has held its reputation long after leaving the shelves. In the glass it is smooth, sweet and genuinely luxurious, with a stylish elegance and refined quality rather than any aggression, bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume. This set arrives with the presentation carton and two glasses, which makes it a considered gift as well as a bottle worth keeping. With production ended over a decade ago, sealed examples in complete packaging are increasingly difficult to source.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Category |
Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Expression |
Gold Label, The Centenary Blend |
| Age |
Minimum 18 years |
| Composition |
Blend of 15 whiskies, all aged a minimum of 18 years |
| Key Malts |
Clynelish, Talisker, Royal Lochnagar, Cardhu |
| Status |
Discontinued, phased out 2013 |
| Gift Set Contents |
Bottle, presentation carton and 2 glasses |
| Producer |
Diageo |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep gold with an amber cast.
Nose: Smooth and sweet, with honeyed malt, soft fruit and a coastal salinity from the Clynelish component.
Palate: Luxurious and rounded, carrying creamy vanilla, honey and orchard fruit with a gentle wisp of smoke beneath.
Finish: Elegant and refined, of good length, closing on sweet malt and soft oak.
FAQ
Is this the same as Gold Label Reserve? No, and this is the most important distinction. The Centenary Blend carries an 18 year minimum age statement and was discontinued in 2013. Gold Label Reserve replaced it and carries no age statement.
What proof is it? 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume.
What is in the blend? Fifteen different whiskies, each aged a minimum of eighteen years, with Clynelish, Talisker, Royal Lochnagar and Cardhu among the named contributors.
What is the history behind it? Sir Alexander Walker created the blend in 1920 to mark a century since the company's founding in 1820. It was discontinued during the war due to a shortage of blending stocks and reintroduced in 1992 from his original blending notes.
What comes in the set? The bottle in its presentation carton along with two glasses.
Where can I buy Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
