I am not a drinker but do enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage. I found myself liking hot toddies after trouble sleeping and I was given one made with Johnnie Walker Black as that is all that was available. I really enjoyed it, and it did help me sleep. After trying other blends/brands I could tolerate most but hated the taste. Johnny Walker Black blends nicely with the honey, fresh lemon, and the hot water brings it all together for a nice sipping beverage to drink over time and it's great if you can't sleep due to a cold or if you just can't sleep. The best part is I actually enjoy it!

Usually, I go into a grandiose introduction, and I give a history of the brand and background on the type of whisky. I’ll include some information, but today I’m exploring the best-selling Scotch whisky in the world: Johnnie Walker Red Label. I want to skip the typical introduction because Red Label is the standard-bearer for bad Scotch if you listen to folks in social media groups. But, at the same time, it is the best-selling Scotch in the world. While everyone’s palate is different, this is one of those things that you can’t have both ways. Either it is a terrible whisky, or it is drinkable. I would expect some back-peddling from the naysayers who will then suggest, Well, it is a mixer. I’ll take that comment at face value because even Johnnie ... MoreUsually, I go into a grandiose introduction, and I give a history of the brand and background on the type of whisky. I’ll include some information, but today I’m exploring the best-selling Scotch whisky in the world: Johnnie Walker Red Label. I want to skip the typical introduction because Red Label is the standard-bearer for bad Scotch if you listen to folks in social media groups. But, at the same time, it is the best-selling Scotch in the world. While everyone’s palate is different, this is one of those things that you can’t have both ways. Either it is a terrible whisky, or it is drinkable. I would expect some back-peddling from the naysayers who will then suggest, Well, it is a mixer. I’ll take that comment at face value because even Johnnie Walker’s website says, Made for Mixing. However, if you’ve followed me for some time, you’ll remember that I don’t do the mixer game. Whisky has to stand on its own – good, bad, or ugly to rate on the Bottle, Bar, or Bust scale. And, for the record, there are perfectly drinkable made-for-mixing whiskies that require no accompaniments. Let’s talk about Red Label. It is the entry-level Scotch under the Johnnie Walker brand and has been in production since 1909. It is a blend of 35 malt and grain whiskies sourced from various distilleries around Scotland. It carries no age statement, and you can expect to pay about $22.99 for a 750ml package. You can find this at pretty much every liquor, grocery, and convenience store – at least in the United States. I’ve never had Red Label before. I snagged a 50ml for about $2.99 at some random liquor store for the express purpose of a review. So, let’s #DrinkCurious and learn the truth about it. Appearance: Served neat in my Glencairn glass, Red Label was presented as golden, forming a medium-thin rim. Fat, slow tears fell back into the pool. Nose: I smelled lemon zest, lime, and floral notes. The aroma was straightforward. When I drew the air into my mouth, there was no flavor I could identify, but it was decidedly dry. I’ll say that’s something I’ve never experienced with a whisky. Palate: I didn’t expect the creamy texture; I figured it would be thin. There’s a lesson for you – expect nothing and keep an open mind. Red Label had one of the most unusual palates I’ve experienced. The front was spicy and bold with freshly-cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Mid-palate offered flavors of pear, vanilla, and barley. The back featured raisin, citrus, and mild oak. Finish: You might expect the finish to remain fruity. Instead, the spice from the front of the palate carried into the finish. Moreover, it was slightly smoky. There was some citrus, but that was overwhelmed amongst the other flavors. The whole thing was long and lingering. Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Johnnie Walker Red Label is drinkable neat. Frankly, there’s nothing wrong with it. It is a simple whisky that could work well in a cocktail with its spicy front and finish, and I’m not talking “and Coke.†Would I buy a 750ml for my whiskey library? No. For me, it lacks the depth and character I crave. Would I refuse a pour from a friend? Also, no. Red Label earns a Bar rating; it is something that would work well for the Scotch curious but would likely bore the connoisseur. Cheers! My Simple, Easy to Understand Rating SystemBottle = Buy ItBar = Try ItBust = Leave It Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.

For a long time I am a faithful and devoted fan of good whiskey, especially Scottish, whose quality is beyond praise. Without them, my life would definitely be grayer and more boring. Among inexpensive whiskey, I prefer Johnny Walker Red Label. This is a very strong alcohol with an aggressive taste, but that's what I like about it.The best taste of Johnny Walker Red Label is revealed in tulip-shaped glasses. Drink it is recommended at 18-20 degrees, but I prefer to drink this whiskey with a lot of ice. With this method of consumption, its aggressiveness is mitigated, and one can experience with its receptors all the richness of the fragrant bouquet.At first, with the first gulp, you can enjoy honey-spicy shades, which immediately lift the mood and relieve fatigue. ... MoreFor a long time I am a faithful and devoted fan of good whiskey, especially Scottish, whose quality is beyond praise. Without them, my life would definitely be grayer and more boring. Among inexpensive whiskey, I prefer Johnny Walker Red Label. This is a very strong alcohol with an aggressive taste, but that's what I like about it.The best taste of Johnny Walker Red Label is revealed in tulip-shaped glasses. Drink it is recommended at 18-20 degrees, but I prefer to drink this whiskey with a lot of ice. With this method of consumption, its aggressiveness is mitigated, and one can experience with its receptors all the richness of the fragrant bouquet.At first, with the first gulp, you can enjoy honey-spicy shades, which immediately lift the mood and relieve fatigue. Further, with an aftertaste, I catch a smoky-fruity smell and oak notes. If I drink Red Label without ice, at room temperature, then the smoky smack is felt sharper.Absolutely do not take Johnny Walker Red Label with cola or other drinks. After such cocktails for the morning in the head fog and headaches are provided. It is better to drink pure whiskey and not more than 150-200 ml per night. Under this whiskey I have especially good oranges and lemons, then the taste is even brighter. Enjoy your evenings, friends!

Brand Over Quality

Johnnie Walker Red Label is a textbook example of paying for the brand name, and not the quality of the product. It's a bit bland, with strong alcohol burn, and a sort of metallic rustiness to it. If you like Johnnie Walker Red, might I suggest trying some other whiskies in the price range? I would recommend Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, Tullamore Dew, or Dewar's White Label. Give those a try and see if you still like Johnnie Walker Red. (And I mean hey, if you still like it, so be it. You like what you like, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.)

Cheap New Labelling

I like the range of Johnny Walker whisky. It is an excellent libation in whatever colour iteration you Prefer. However, my comment is regarding its presentation. The new Red Label labelling is atrocious. My first impression was that Waitrose had provided me with an imitation brand. It looks cheap and very unappealing; so much so that I cannot place it on the drinks cabinet for all to see, but inside where it can remain hidden. It looks like a bottle of 'pop'.If the next bottle I order is the same, I shall switch to anther brand.

Fill your boots!!

I have strong memories of my Dad always asking anyone who was going abroad to get him a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label at that time - 50-odd years ago, it couldnt have been widely available. Ive inherited my Dads taste for a good whisky and was thrilled when I found a litre bottle of the Red Label on Ocado, and on offer too. I have not been disappointed, in fact Id say its easily the best blended whisky around. One of those thats much smoother than some single malts. Its absolutely delicious. Soft caramel and a lovely warmth, but not too sweet. Have enjoyed on its own, but also mixed with ginger ale. At ?17 for a litre its the bargain of the century! Thank you Ocado - cheers!

Good everyday scotch

Enjoyable smooth and easy drink on the rocks or with a little soda, late afternoon as the sun sets, letting the day melt away.Just a stable everyday drink, if it's scotch that day. Consistent. I like Black and Green label , but this is affordable and meets my tastes regularly. I save the McCallan's and better Scotch's for special times with family and friends.

NOT a fan of PLASTIC

I have been drinking JW Red for years. Great economical scotch. I HATE the new Plastic Bottles. It is a very CHEAP move on JW's part. I request they please put in back in the original glass with handle on the bottle of the 1.75L. I'm starting to taste test others...NOT a FAN of Plastic - no one wants their scotch in plastic. I guess I will be finding another brand.

Overall Great Scotch

I have tried numerous whisky varieties. As the cost of J.W. (red) is acceptable, a product I purchase at regular occasions. There certainly is some superior whisky available, which I have purchased, however, too expensive for daily consumption. However, I have observed that J.W. (red) is gradually increasing the cost of 1125ml. A thought to consider if price continues to increase. Becoming overpriced.

Two stars mean Fair - Not Bad.

So I've been taken onto a different path in my Whiskey Journey and it lead me to this conclusion (for now at least)... Johnny Walker never pretends to be anything other than what it says on the label (or in the marketing). It's a drink for the masses and it has a following that is strongly based on this one true fact: Most people couldn't care less. Hence the popularity of the brand. Red Label plays beautifully into that stereotype. For the price, it isn't bad. But as a product, it's not that great either. Enjoy over ice or with some ginger ale as a mixer.I wont go any further than that