Yes, we are as ecstatic as you at the news of drinks giant Diageo (the same company that tried to assassinate us twice already only to find their ninjas’ heads delivered to the doorstep of their HQ in Mordor each time) adding yet another label colour to their already rather comprehensive palette of Johnnie Walker blended whiskies. The new shade of success is called Johnnie Walker Platinum Label which, hope it doesn’t come as a surprise, contrary to the name sports a label made not of platinum but rather of paper painted a beautiful shiny hue of silver. Were the label made from actual platinum a bottle would have to cost significantly more than the quoted $80. And they would probably launch it in Harrods rather than New Delhi airport duty free.
What exactly is the difference between Johnnie Walker Gold and Johnnie Walker Platinum Label you may wonder. They seem to be offered at similar price and carry the same age statement, right? So, the difference is that Platinum Label is made with bits of real platinum sex panther (so you know it’s good) whereas Gold is made from barley and maize, the boring way. That’s what the press release says anyway*.
In the way of comment, all we can say is: Johnnie, la gente está muy loca!
Lucas
*a horrible lie
Can’t wait to get my hands on this. Any idea when it’ll be available in the US?
Yeah, I admit I quite fancy a bottle of this. I love the liquid, so getting it in an awesome bottle is the icing on the cake. I do wonder though if the ‘upgrade’ in colour will mean an upgrade in price.
I ADORE THIS BOTTLE AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT IN BEIRUT
And I hear Diageo will discontinue the Pure Malt / Green Label in exchange …
pls lemme know the availability at Dubai duty free….
Let’s hope it tastes as good as it looks!
Lucas, you mention that Gold and Platinum carry the same age statement. That is true if you have older stocks of Gold, but the newest offering is now NAS, and therefore can be pretty much anything. I too am curious to compare the two, as the cynic in me says that they have re-bottled the old ‘Gold’ with a new label. A pity they are doing away with Green, though.
David, we know from an unofficial source that you are on the money with your cynical suspicions…
Eh, I think Diageo was getting peeved that Asians were only interested in Red, Black and Blue labels so they revamped all their in between offerings.
As I understand it, JW will phase out their old Green Label 15 and Gold Label 18 to be replaced with Platinum 18 and Gold XR 21 yr old….so basically a move upscale. I haven’t tried the Platinum label yet, but I can tell you the new XR 21 is hands down the best JW whiskey I’ve ever had…it even beats out Blue label in my book
Looks like it is confirmed (worldwide) that the JW Green will be discontinued. Likewise need to acquire a JW Green Label 180 cask as well. Hence I will need to stock up on Green before it becomes as iconic as the JW White Label. I am looking forward to the release of the JW Platinum and JW Gold Reserve which is rumored to replace the JW Green in South Africa. I have managed to procure both the Gold Reserve and XR 21 however, do not want to crack the necks of either to have a wee dram! @ Leonard – what would you say are the tasting notes of the XR 21? Would be interesting to know!
Anyone know when Johnnie Walker Platinum Label will hit the South African shores? Seems that the distributors of it in SA are tight lipped! @ Leonard – thanks for the insight! I will wait to procure a back up bottle before i dream of drinking that XR21.