This is the discontinued Gold Label, and the distinction from the current Gold Label Reserve matters enormously. The Centenary Blend carries an 18 year minimum age statement and was phased out in 2013. Gold Label Reserve replaced it and carries no age statement at all. The two are constantly confused and they are not the same whisky. Sir Alexander Walker created the original in 1920 to mark a hundred years since his grandfather John Walker founded the company in 1820. It was discontinued during the war when blending stocks ran short, then reintroduced in 1992 from the original blending notes Sir Alexander had left seventy five years earlier. This bottle carries the earlier presentation, in the gold and burgundy carton with the royal warrant that ran from that 1992 reintroduction until the packaging was refreshed in 2009, and collectors generally regard this generation as the more desirable of the two. The blend draws on fifteen different whiskies, each aged a minimum of eighteen years, with Clynelish contributing brine and coastal character, Talisker the general backbone, Royal Lochnagar the luxurious weight of the palate, and Cardhu the finish. That represents 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. The carton describes it as a full aroma with a rich character and a uniquely long finish, and that is a fair account. Smooth, sweet and genuinely luxurious at 40 percent alcohol by volume, with a stylish elegance rather than any aggression.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
750ml (marked 75cl/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 |
| Packaging Generation |
Original livery, 1992 to 2009 |
| Status |
Discontinued, phased out 2013 |
| Bottler |
John Walker and Sons, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Producer |
Diageo |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep gold with a rich amber cast.
Nose: Full and layered, with honeyed malt, soft orchard fruit and a coastal salinity from the Clynelish component.
Palate: Rich and luxurious, carrying creamy vanilla, honey and dried fruit with a gentle wisp of smoke beneath.
Finish: Uniquely long and elegant, closing on sweet malt and soft oak.
FAQ
Is this the same as Gold Label Reserve? No, and this is the key 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.
Which packaging generation is this? The original gold and burgundy livery with royal warrant, which ran from the 1992 reintroduction until the bottle and box were refreshed in 2009. Collectors generally regard this earlier presentation as the more desirable.
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 his grandfather founded the company in 1820. It was discontinued during the war due to a shortage of blending stocks and reintroduced in 1992 from his original notes.
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.
