Johnnie Walker Red Label

It is an excellent whisky. It is strong yet mellow. It is sweet, gentle and soft. It's a soothing poem.It is simple, innocent yet unique.

24th November 2020

So harsh on the palate. Truly the worst scotch ever made for the price!

23rd November 2020

Rather rough. It´s okay as a mixer but not much else. I´d rate Ballantines´s and Teachers ahead of it.

20th November 2020

Pros: It’s better than Cutty Sark or Scoresby.

Cons: It’s not that much better than them.

20th November 2020

Easily my least favourite that I've had!

Very harsh on the palate with a punch of alcohol overpowering anything else.

Need to try other JW's to compare.

17th November 2020

Do yourself a favor and stay away from the Red Johnny.
You can get a Ballantine's for about the same price, or a Teatchers for even less.
Don't fall victim to the marketing wank.

27th October 2020

Smokers might enjoy this.
Because that's what it tastes like.
I like my Scotch neat on ice, but with this I add mixers.

4th September 2020

I only buy Red Label when it's on offer for £15 which it often is. For this price there's only one better whisky I know of and that's sold at Aldi but the name escapes me. A strong 3.5 from me(Aldi gets a 4) Red Label tastes good, not unpleasant at all.

31st August 2020

I bumped it up to 3.5 because it's the best bang for your buck. You're getting the kind of quality for $25 that is usually reserved for a Scotch that costs $10 more. And it'll mix with anything; except, apparently, Diet Coke. (lol)

17th August 2020

Purchased with the expectation that it would provide a cheap mixing option. Wasn’t keen on the mix with Diet Coke. I prefer the sweetness of bourbon but tried it neat and was pleasantly surprised with the smoke and flavours. I like it!

14th August 2020

I think the taste is not too bad, but it is a little less good when you enjoy it neat. The addition of Coke, Ginger Ale, or Green Tea makes it taste a lot better at least

12th August 2020

Rough, one dimensional and unpleasant. Would rather drink Aldi’s own brand.

22nd July 2020

Its an ok drink. I bought it out of curiosity and tried it. It is smooth yet has an interesting bite to it. The smokey afternote was my favorite part.

18th July 2020

Probably the only whisky I like to mix. long over ginger and ice is great.
It is not really a sipping whisky, though it will just about pass as that.
I like it as a cheap all rounder.
Not in the same league as a NAS Talisker or Laphroaig, which can be had for a few pounds more when on offer at Tesco

30th June 2020

I’ve just recently gotten into scotch but I’ve spent well over a decade sampling various craft beer, so I try to keep an open mind. The nose brings to mind ancient herbs, with a bit of spice and buttered undertones. It’s simple, not complex by any standard. Taste Is of buttered bread, with the alcohol rising to prominence. It’s not home cooked bread, more of Texas Roadhouse type appetizer bread. Which sums up this whisky in general. It’s mass produced, perfectly drinkable, but it’s not anything special. It’s not good, it’s not bad, it just.. is. If you’re looking for some cheap stuff to sip on after a long day, if isn’t bad, but I’d look in the direction of Speyburn for a similarly priced whiskey that is a lot better and in my opinion, underrated.

30th May 2020

This is dreadful, absolutely dreadful
It is cheap, coarse and gives Scotch a bad name
Useful though for stripping paint or varnish, so keep a bottle handy when renovating

27th May 2020

Not my taste.

24th May 2020

A very mediocre border line bad whiskey but a good price

1st May 2020

This could double as paint stripper or run a two-stroke engine for a good 8 hours.
Very handy to keep in the shed if you need to polish any copper or antique silverware.

17th April 2020

This is not bad stuff at all. For its price a sturdy and enjoyable blend best or mixed

16th April 2020

Worst whiskey

13th April 2020

JW Red was one of my first sips, I remember when I first tried the red when I was in a bar.. had a shot and it was smooth and gentle enough for the age and the price of this one.

One thing about Johnnie Walker is that I always find the same note in all of the 3 whiskies I've had from them, red blue and black. They all have that same spicy flavour if you know what I mean, a smooth spicy taste.

Anyways, after drinking more than just the red for the past years I find it to be pretty flat with low flavour contrast. I don't know what it is, guess I climbed the ladder a bit, but for me it was a good beginner scotch.

3-3.5 stars for this one.

13th April 2020

I've drunk more complex, expensive whisky which is less satisfying.

28th March 2020

I'm from Toronto Canada ,,,,
Very nice sipping.

7th January 2020

I find this lovely whisky to be better than the black label and is cheaper too.

5th January 2020

Acetone on the rocks

26th December 2019

Hats down to the people who can drink it. I can't.

25th December 2019

Having tried many brands and flavours of Scotch (loving most, even the Islays), I find myself coming back to JWR.
Just good tasting whisky at an unbeatable price. What more could you ask for?

6th December 2019

It's starts with a bit of new gauze bandage taste (weird, I know) and ends a bit thin but smoky. The smoky flavor was pretty much the best thing about this Scotch.

1st December 2019

For its price it's pretty damn good, smells great, easy to drink neat, its a good blend. Beats some whisky at double the price.

29th November 2019

With ice it is a pleasant drink. Nice old fashioned bottle design. Vintage feel.

22nd November 2019

A couple of cubes and a splash of water to cut and it’s really good! I’m no aficionado and don’t care to be. But served this way is a winner.

2nd November 2019

lots of malt sweet grain toffie sour and salty with pepper and a little smoke

30th October 2019

It's not bad because it's cheap, it's just really bad. Almost every similarly priced blend is better than this. Teacher's, Haig, Whyte and Mackay, Ballantine's, Dewar's, White Horse, High Commissioner, Grant's, The Real Mackenzie, J&B, Hankey Bannister, Label 5, VAT 69, Bell's, Cutty Sark. Even The Claymore seems potable compared to Red Label.

10th October 2019

In Portugal, too expensive for the quality,14€...Lawsons is better and costs 10€...
Passport is better and costs 10€,Vat 69 is better and costs 10€,etc...
Octavio from Portugal

6th October 2019

For cleaning drainpipes

4th October 2019

A bit more smoke than most Scotches at its price, and I like that. Johnnie Walker Red has long been among my favorites.
Excellent over ice.

30th September 2019

Tastes like burning tyres. Truly horrible.
Someone below said you could clean paint brushes with it - I think it would melt your brushes it’s so foul.
JW Black Label is fabulous stuff - why is this so poor?

16th August 2019

Found an old, unopened bottle of my Dad's Johnnie Walker Red from 1960.
Tasted like the charcoal from a backyard barbecue, after grilling hot dogs.

8th July 2019

It's fashionable to dislike anything that is decidedly popular, and that certainly includes Johnnie Walker Red. I believe J.W. Red outclasses most other scotches, especially at its price. There's plenty of flavor, smoothness, and a bit of smokiness to add depth. I like J.W. Red despite critical rantings from whisky snobs out there.

26th June 2019

At the price it's not bad. It's certainly better than the now awful famous grouse. It's smooth... has a tiny bit of smoke and this contrasts nicely with the sweetness. Probably my new daily until I get bored of it.

20th May 2019

Dual purpose whisky - you can drink it with cola - or you can use it to clean paint brushes.

8th May 2019

Great with Ginger Ale, even better with Soda. I'm no whisky expert but I've tried a few blendeds and this is my favourite

8th March 2019

For me this honestly tastes like an old wooden floor. Rough, sour and bitter. This is one of the worst whiskies I have ever tried.

3rd March 2019

As far as I can gather Red Label was developed for the newly fashionable habit of drinking scotch with soda (way back when) which began when the traditional brandy and soda was difficult because Britain was at war with France. For me it probably the best scotch for soda of all the readily available everyday blends in the supermarket. There's enough depth to drink with still water too, and a tad of smoke.

25th February 2019

rich with spice and honey with wood and a little smoke at the end

10th February 2019

I do believe that this one is designed to be drinked with a little ice it's wonderful once you added it.

9th February 2019

Very smooth with the gentle hint of smoke enhancing the delicate flavour.

2nd February 2019

This spirit is sold all over the world so price varies depending on how far its imported, so if its cheap then get it, why not. I tend to only buy canadian whiskey as a canadian because a bottle of this costs as much as a 10-12yr canadian which isnt worth it to me simply because its an import.

1st February 2019

I’d rather drink Floor Polish!

24th January 2019

I actually like a few simple layers. Uncomplicated. Sweet and smoky to the nose. Smoke and some spice to the palate. The finish seems to leave me with a more bitter or acidic smoke. More pleasing on the front end

24th January 2019

Among the Johnnie Walkers this one gives me hangover and smells like nail polish remover. Not worth the price buy a brandy instead

11th January 2019

It's not that good either, fair enough for the price I'd take it over Dewar. A little thin, bland, and sweet but you're not paying $60 for a bottle either

24th November 2018

Johnny Walker red has a beginning class of elegance for those who want to enjoy a blended whiskey. There are higher quality labels that refine the taste even better like upgrading to a refined taste that you already love in JW whiskey. It is a drink not without distinction or simple elegance, but one that is to be enjoyed. JW has no wish to "compete with other brands of bourbon or whiskeys, but stands proud of what it has cultivated which is a true non-pretentious quality enjoyed by those who love scotch and appreciate the refiners. It does not have to chase trends. It needs no commercials. There are no actors who can portray the class or elegance simply because you cannot pretend you have it when you don't. If having a drink is about enjoying life as much as a drink of blended whiskey, Johnny Walker red is the place to start. If you want refinement and find it worth the price, and I say truly it is, then there are other labels to graduate yourself to.

23rd November 2018

It has to strong of a smoky taste. Could it be the bottom of the barrel!

14th November 2018

Stay away from this, I like my whisky but couldn't drink this. I'll keep it and give it to my brother in law

2nd November 2018

I like smoky and smooth scotch. For that, Johnny Walker Red is a good bargain and quite satisfying - especially with a little ice.

25th October 2018

At 92 yrs old I have drunk a lot of good Whiskey and this is up there and finest. Smooth and Elegant. Congratulations. Bill Sutton. (Scot, now living in Canada)

24th October 2018

The taste is weak and is not comparable to Chivas 12 YO or JW Black Label.
Any how fair enough for cocktails and new beginners to blended whisky.

24th September 2018

The taste is unusual, not a generic 'whisky taste' that you might expect from a cheap blend. There is some peat, lots of pear and it is actually good enough to sip. The finish is very honeyed. For the money, this has to be considered a bargain, and could give many entry-level malts a serious kick up the backside.

28th August 2018

But not for me, the quality level of this is just too low. I love a good scotch but there's nothing I can't stand more that a cheap bottle.

25th June 2018

My favorite cheap liquor,and this is coming from a vodka kind of person.

20th June 2018

I enjoyed it with ice, lemon slices and soda water on a hot day in Glasgow. Tasty

9th June 2018

Taste like Thera-flu, thank God it was a small bottle..Yukkk

8th June 2018

Mass produced, super harsh burning taste on your mouth. Bell's is cheaper and 2 times better than this think.

Don't waste your precious money on this scotch, seriously!

19th May 2018

The fact that people consider this even an ok whisky worries me. There is so much more to explore out there at affordable prices!

3rd May 2018

Bad. Very disappointed. Was looking forward to something new and tasteful. I enjoy all kinds of whiskey, but this one I will not recommend or buy again. Bitter, with a lingering aftertaste of ashtray/cigarette in my mouth. Oak barrel my foot.

27th April 2018

Pretty good. You get a flavor of genuine scotch whisky unlike the ' bottled in India' scotches--Teachers, Vat69, 100 Pipers, Black Dog etc etc....tried them all.

25th April 2018

Old Red Label (20 yeas ago and more) was different. It's too young and the taste is very cheap. it's like $10-$12 whisky.

14th February 2018

Instructions on how to use this whisky:
1. twist the cap of
2. pour the entire content directly into sink or toilet
3. twist cap back on rinse your sink/toilet thoroughly

Tasted like burnt plastic or something. The aftertaste is even worse. This should never be poured into any glass. Not even suitable for mixing either. The taste induces instant vomiting. I wish I was kidding but I'm dead serious...

26th January 2018

I'm not a whiskey connoisseur.. well not yet. But this one has a pretty good smokey sweet taste. For a cheap whiskey, it's better than Jack Daniels, better than Ballentine's imo.
On the negative side, it's not as hard hitting as other whiskey's and there's a strange aftertaste, but it lasts only a few seconds.

21st January 2018

Super

21st January 2018

I received a bottle on Christmas. Haven't had it for a few years, last time my head hurt the next day... I was really surprised this time. It has a very nasty aftertaste, like Ballantines and Teacher's, almost nauseating, like the taste you get after cough syrup, the old kind that was bad tasting. These whiskeys are always on sale in my country, but there is something wrong with them, I guess it's badly produced and aggressively promoted.
Some of the positive reviews are blatantly false. Sad, really...

3rd January 2018

Currently buying at a Tesco’s for £15 a bottle. I am a single malt drinker who am amazed how good JWR is. I think it Is very nice with a good strong flavour and just enough peat and will be buying more.

23rd December 2017

Harsh, with a less than pleasant aftertaste that seems to linger for hours. Tried it but will move on.

22nd December 2017

Worked for over 30 years in the whisky industry ,it's a lovely scotch smooth and rounded ,best suited for a mature pallet who enjoys scotch

12th December 2017

Dry, light peppery smokiness, and a light, slightly astringent mouthfeel. When I first tried this about three years ago I noticed more prevalent cinnamon and nutmeg spicy notes, and the texture seemed oilier, with a rounder and richer flavor overall, but the qualities are subdued significantly. Not sure if the whisky or my tastes have changed. Not a complex whisky, but an ideal one for mixing. Can be drunk neat or with ice - inoffensive to my tastes, but not extremely interesting. Still a good quality blend and not overly sweet like many others. The hatred for Red Label comes from those who think themselves above it and have noses high in the air.

9th December 2017

Johnnie Walker Red Label is not nearly as bad as people would have you believe. There's a reason why it's the best-selling whisky in the world. I suspect that some of those who say it's trash just don't like whisky in general and not just this one specifically. Buy a bottle and give it a try. If you like it - great, good for you! If you don't like it, just don't buy it in the future. As for the latter, hopefully if enough people stop buying it, the company will have no choice but to either make it even more affordable or up the quality. In any case, have fun exploring the wonderful world of whisky!
Cheers!

29th November 2017

Moderately smokey, and quite sweet. About the only flavors that stand out to me. Not terribe, but not great either. Just kind of "bleh." The finish lingers but not in a pleasant way.

16th November 2017

This was one of the blended whiskys that used to make me vomit almost instantly when I drank it in fact it put me off drinking whisky from the age of 19 til about the age of 55 when I was introduced the single malt and whisky like Glenmorangie, Lagavulin and Ardbeg if you want a Johnnie Walker Whisky pay extra and go for the Black Label that's quite good and I've tried and awful lot of whiskys so I do know what I'm talking about

9th November 2017

OK for getting a bonfire going ...

3rd November 2017

A combination of too young and too much grain. Use this to make mixed drinks.

2nd November 2017

My favourite brand 1965-1985, when I could identify any NAS mid-range Blended Scotch on the nose. Red Label had an all-permeating flavour that I could pick out from across the room. As disaffection set in, I shifted to Black Label. I can't say why, but today, I find Red Label repugnant. I prefer the Blenders Pride Reserve Collection 43% ABV to the Red Label.

23rd October 2017

Few people below exaggerating regarding it tasting like tyres etc. Iconic blend, not the best ever but good to sip or with a little water. Fantastic mixer with ginger ale. Give it a try. For its price u can't go wrong. Rounded blend to suite most palates

17th October 2017

After drinking expensive single malts and getting disappointed, I must say red label is a really well balanced and a tasteful whiskey. I've tried Glenfiddich 12 year, Glenlivet etc only to be disappointed with the taste.

I dont get all the hate. I think some People just look at the price point and hate just because its cheaper. For me its the taste mote than anything!!

12th October 2017

I like to drink my whisky straight, sometimes with a dollop of water, but for all the whiskies I've had, Red is not bad for a blend, I wouldn't say it's harsh, robust for a better term...with smoky notes and the highland sweetness of the speysides I presume..It has the kick I like, of what I presume a whisky should taste like..."put some hair on your chest snobs!" as Braveheart would say.

9th October 2017

Имах честа да допия, бутилка от 80-те...
Нищо общо със сегащните JW RL !?

8th October 2017

In my experience, the cheapest drinkable scotch.
Tastes good. Pleasant amount of smoke.
Probably a 3-star whiskey but extra star because it gets so much hate from the hipsters.

12th September 2017

Tastes like burn tire. 10 years ago was very fine whisky!

2nd September 2017

Shockingly bad. I'm quite the JW fan..Black is superb...Green is masterful..Blue is worth every penny you pay really for the excessive packaging..Spice Road and Blender's Choice Bourbon Cask are interesting and great..but I had never tried the Red until tonight. Picked this up for 20 quid and thought it would be sweet and unsophisticated but drinkable. I'm actually shocked by how disgusting it is. It barely even tastes like whisky. I can't detect any of the tasting notes..no discernible grain or malt ..no smoke, wood, cask or barrel. Just the strangest slightly medicinal nose, a flat almost damp taste, like diluted antiseptic mixed with cold tea, and the weirdest, most nasty finish. I am shocked and surprised. Maybe there's been a bad batch, or maybe his will be better when some air gets in the bottle, or maybe I should drown it in coke, but I will never try Red Label again. Massive disappointment.

27th August 2017

I decided to try this because someone told me it was a bit like Famous Grouse, only a little smokier. FG has a finish like the faint smell of a bonfire on your clothes, or the smell of a winter fireplace. Johnny Walker Red, to me, is like that bonfire after a couple days of rain, and you just fell face first into it. I couldn't finish it, even in coke. Granted, I'm a "Speyside sissy", so that may be why I find this so disgusting.

12th August 2017

Then again I dont even think I would want to ruin my dish...

15th June 2017

good value & taste.

1st June 2017

For its price point, its a good value - in fact, it's my favorite in the $21-$27 range (better than Dewar's, Teachers, Chivas). Nice smoke and caramel notes. I enjoy a good single malt, but for an everyday Scotch, it's hard to beat Red Label.

1st June 2017

Nose:
+ Smoky
- Blunt

Flavor:
+ Sweet and caramely
+ Fair amount of smoke
- Sharp with some bite
- Tangy after a while
- Hard to mix with anything besides cola

Texture and Finish:
+ Nice mouth feel and heaviness at first
+ Benefits from ice
- Harsh after a few drinks

28th May 2017

I really don't understand why this whisky gets such a bad rap. It's not supposed to be GREAT, but its definitely good. I actually prefer this over some single malts I've tried- it's very multidimensional. You really can't beat the value here.

6th May 2017

One of the worst I've ever drinked in all my life, Grant's and Ballantines are way cheaper than this, even William Lawson's tastes and smells 10x better than this thing. They said it's a good for mixing drinks? I would prefer a neutral whisky like Grant's for mixing drinks than this thing. It's so expensive that if I save some more money, I could buy a Chivas 12 or a Grand Old Parr 12 instead of a NAS blend.

If I hate someone, I would give this. 5/5 if someone dies drinking it. Please don't but this, it's not the best whisky in the world (if you like it, good for ya)

4th May 2017

At full price its a rip off. When its discounted to £15 its still overpriced for what it is. Its a grain heavey bottom shelf blend with less charchter than Teachers. It is usable as a mixer but there are cheaper and better options if thats all your after.

3rd May 2017

Having sampled most blended whisky I have now returned to J.W red label.

3rd May 2017

Its a little overpriced for a glass of smoke......and I love good scotches. This really isn't one of them.

1st May 2017

Red label is the VERY best whiskey in the world , period !

Whiskey expert

22nd April 2017

I've avoided it for 50 years being a snob but I had a miniature in a set and loved it; there was also a miniature of the Black Label which I thought rather anaemic after the hearty smoky flavour of the Red. I must have low tastes but my next whiskey purchase will definitely be J. W. Red Label.

18th April 2017

Simply the worst whisky I've ever had.
Tastes like burnt plastic, awful, awful stuff.

If u don't like this (which u wont) steer clear of Bowmore 12 year old too.

18th April 2017

It's powerful and rather raw , the finish is ok , exhilirating , better to mix with ice or soda - an addition to Black , Dewar etc .... when you get boring to one botlle .

16th April 2017

Very Good

11th April 2017

Excellent

9th April 2017

Why this whisky is still distilled amazes me. Yes its cheap and the taste reflects the price. How many people have been put off whisky by tasting this first? Needs to be well diluted with a mixer of choice. A cheap way to get a buzz.

3rd March 2017

Its nasty worst scotch I ever had

23rd February 2017

Heaven

22nd February 2017

Smoothness and the smoke are the best part of this(price awesome).Not a downer drink, you get that great feeling after a few shots, like you're happy or "i'm the man" feeling lol. You'll be dancing and singing with your pals all nightttttttt.Cheeeeeeersssss!!!

16th February 2017

Great

31st January 2017

I really enjoy Johnnie Walker Red

25th January 2017

It's very nice good quality & taste.

22nd January 2017

Great smooth old taste, nothing to match

21st January 2017

Good

12th January 2017

New to drinking Whisky, I personally love bourbon but I thought I would expand my horizons a bit. I'd seen the Red Label and new the brand so I thought I would try it. I found it a little to smokey for my palette. It reminds me of mescal a bit, but the smoke has a much cleaner finish. It lingers a little to long in the back of the throat.

While my palate isn't accustomed to this drink I won't let it hinder me from trying a less smokey whisky in the future.

-Paul

19th November 2016

Alright it's young and cheap and massed produced. We get it, it's not Lagavulin or 15yr old glenfiddich..... But it's a good mixer with cola and ice cubes if your watching a film or have friends round. In my opinion it caters well to simple needs.

10th October 2016

It's for mixing. I tried it with a simple 2:1 with club soda (the "Churchill" if you like), but find that to be too sweet for palate. It's probably better suited to mixing with cola or something that adds another flavor to the mix. Maybe even some bitters. I tend to prefer black label as it's got just a bit more depth. I will also shamelessly plug Ballantine's Finest as a solid lower end blended. For it's price you can drink neat, rocks, water, soda, or mixer and be pleasantly surprised by the versatility.

27th August 2016

For whisky bigginer u need to mix this dram with cola. It's not possible to have it neat or on the rocks. Other features r good like no hangover, no bad smell, takes u high quickly, for 1.5 hours of high time it gives, colour, etc.

12th August 2016

its a very smooth whiskey with smokey flavors, tingles on your tongue for long

10th August 2016

Good value, if I could afford better I'd go with black label.

6th August 2016

Very nice

6th July 2016

Not great but for the price you shouldn't expect it to be.. What it is tho is a good basic scotch that can be a great mixer and is tolerable as a sipper, allot better than most in its price range, defiantly worth keeping a bottle in the cupboard as a cheap mixer

3rd July 2016

I don't know why I haven't got round to tasting this ubiquitous dram until now, but better late than never. I'm not getting the smokey notes others are mentioning, but that area of my palate may be deadened slightly by a fortnight in Islay sampling (among others) Bruichladdich's heavily peated valinches. I'm not massively impressed with this blend compared to, say, Black Bottle, which is a similar price, but if it happens to be on offer (as mine was), one could do worse for £15.

20th June 2016

Very nice long and smoky finish

17th June 2016

Tasty

16th June 2016

Good

6th June 2016

Can take paint off walls.

29th May 2016

Johnny Walker Red Label and Dewar's white label are my nightly drams. I love scotch, but I cannot afford to drink favorites as a daily. I keep a little black label around, but honestly, I don't like it nearly as much as the red. (just like I prefer white label over Black label Dewar's)

15th May 2016

Best

6th May 2016

I like

28th April 2016

best

27th April 2016

Look, it's quite simple really. If you are drinking JW Red Label, you know from the moment you crack open the bottle that this isn't the same quality of Scotch as a 18 year old single malt. For the money however, it's pretty damn decent. I drink this when money is tight and I can't afford Laphrohaig.

26th April 2016

I have tasted many different whiskeys. I like all types bourbons are my favorite normally but love a good scotch. I dont have a ton of money so when i saw Johnnie red on sale i went for it. One of the worst i have ever tasted. I have only dumped out 2 bottles of liquor in my life. 1 was a cheap $10 highland crest scotch and the other Johnnie walker red. Im not picky, it had a chemical after taste that i just couldn't stomach, and I was mixing it with coke!

24th April 2016

Inferior to the black label.

Thin, watery with an unpleasant smoky aftertaste

17th April 2016

I love whisky. This is pretty good has some simple notes. Some long lasting. I bought it for $22, which isn't much. Don't get me wrong I've tasted better whiskers but this one is a great bargain. Ivrecommend it. Great for parties as a mixer too. Try it with Gingerale or Coke. I think you will like it.

9th April 2016

Sharp , bitter , methanol .. this is a whisky which can be drank but ONLY on the rocks or drowning it with water, definitely not a sipping whisky , if you're a beginner avoid that and get yourself a black label rather and drink it nice and neat

29th March 2016

Really really bad. Lives on because it's name is Johnnie.

9th March 2016

Not that great, but less painful than Ardbeg

31st January 2016

Having just finished a bottle of teachers I thought I would try this. Considering it's more expensive than Teachers you would expect better whisky. Sadly this is not the case. There appears to be not much flavour going on here. Disappointing.

17th January 2016

Bought a small bottle as novice whisky 'connaisseur', for reference to other whiskies in my collection. This Red Label is not complex at all, its simple taste disappkoints me. No specific flavours or smell at all, just a balanced warm feeling.
Now I understand what a Coke-whisky is.

7th January 2016

This is not complex, it doesn't have any aroma, smell and has a boring taste.
Mix it somehow with cola or something else you like.
This is a whisky to drink and get drunk, it is for those who want to taste it in small sips, sit around with friends, discuss it or trying to have a whisky meeting.
It is ok for the money- costs not that much indeed.
You are not buying this whisky for yourself I suppose, it is just to give it to those who want to make you company and need to have a drink served somehow.

4th January 2016

it's ok straight. it's nice with ice. i'm mixing it with coke right now and posting about it just to piss off these elitist alcoholics who need to find a better hobby that doesn't make them sound like pretentious knob ends.

i spent 20 bucks and it tastes nice and makes me tingly.

they'll spend 50 bucks and it will taste nice and make them tingly.

the extra money allows them to condescendingly complain on the internet. choose your own purchase accordingly.

1st January 2016

And buy JW Black. One of the best value blends out there and streets ahead of this. This is made for mixing and nothing else.

31st December 2015

I feel like it tastes like a cheap tequila. I was totally caught off guard by the taste.

19th December 2015

I thought it was ok in this price range but think most people would be better of spending an extra few pounds for a bottle of single malt though after half a bottle it grows on you :-)

18th December 2015

I have consumed some crates of this in the past. The only competitor seems to be Black label. I chose red label for my affordability.

15th December 2015

I thought this was tasty for a 15 quid. Was suprised by the taste of this whiskey very sweet with a nice little kick / slow burn , no single malt yeah yeah whatever but drinkable in comparison to bells , grants, or white an mackays which I find nasty.

11th December 2015

As a uni student who loves his whisky I can rarely treat myself to a bottle, I saw the Red Label on offer and having never tried it took a gamble on it. I think its a very pleasant whisky with the smell and taste of warmed sour apples for me, reminds me of grandmas kitchen. Considering Bells is an alternative I'd always go with Red Label, although if you like them smokey I'd splash out an extra £5 and find Talisker Storm on offer somewhere!

2nd December 2015

I see a lot of reviews slamming this blend (heaven forbid! blends are the devil to all those single malt connoisseur drinkers out there that are such great experts!
Yes, it may not be the most complicated of drinks... but it has it's place, especially for the price!
Yes, I also prefer JW double black but red label is ok. I call it Johnnie "sleep" Walker as it seems to make me sleepy and vivid dreams!... and it's also by royal appointment!... if it's good enough for 'he maj' then it's good enough for me!... (I wonder if she also has vivid dreams when she drinks this?)
get off your high horses and stop being such 'experts'!

11th November 2015

But I'm happy I've moved on. And I'll be happy when I've finished the bottle I'm currently working on. I get what people are saying, even if Red Label serves its purpose. I miss the old golf tournament they sponsored in Jamaica. Watching it as a kid during the cold Canadian winters left a warm spot in my heart for JW.

8th November 2015

Has more of a "bite" than its older brother, JWBL, and definitely more taste than J&B, which I sampled at the same bar beforehand (even vodka has more taste)! Grain, peat, some citrus lurking in the back. I imagine it would be more palatable with a drop of water. Not excellent, but not horrible either - quite middle of the road scotch and worth a try.

12th October 2015

For this product's taste experience, just go down to your nearest fuel station and fill up a liter bottle. Hint - if you really want to enjoy a proper scotch, you'll need to spend a bit more. Ooooh, does that make me an "elitist?" Well, the truth hurts sometimes. I also agree with 27th December 2014 - drinking scotch mixed or on the rocks is for people who just want to get messed up, on the cheap, being able to say that they're drinking "scotch." If that's you're thing, though, enjoy.

29th June 2015

I have been a red drinker for some time but I am so frustrated by the poorly designed plastic insert and cheap tin cap. The insert has no smooth edges and the cheap cap catches and pulls the entire insert out while trying to pour….many times causing major spill and over-pour….cannot believe they haven't fixed this by now…..love the scotch…hate the cap and insert !!!!!

16th June 2015

I prefer the she tried malts and glens and bourbons to islays, not least because I stay in a hot dry country, not wild, wintery places. It does get pretty cold here for a few weeks and that's when I'll appreciate my Laphroaig, but mostly would prefer something like a cardhu or if I need a beast - Glenfarclas 105.
Anyway, the Red is a good, somewhat rough peaty blend. I can appreciate the flavors over ice, not meant to have neat. And I defo can't defile any half decent whisky by mixing with coke or red bull, sorry. I got oily, phenolic nose, some fruity caramely sweetness, almost a whiff of creamy baby food on the palate, finishing with decent peat and a touch of salt. Not bad, if a tad rough for someone who likes em sweet, can understand why a lot of people would like it. I can appreciate a whisky for what it set out to be, and from that perspective I can easily say this is a pretty decent blend. If you don't like the style, have something else, don't blame a doberman for not behaving like a spaniel if you know what I mean.

11th May 2015

I thought I had accidentally pure cough syrup into my glass. I love JW Black and decided to try this. I ended up leaving half the bottle in my hotel room when I departed.

4th May 2015

I enjoy the single malts in my collection - Islay's, Highlanders, Speyside etc. But I also enjoy the JW Red. It's a well made spirit and just plain tasty. It has its place among the the single malts. It's certainly not a bad whisky at all.

25th April 2015

Ok, I'll admit I've tasted way better. Glenmorrangie, Bowmore, speyburn, name 'em... But one day I just decided to go JW instead of Jamerson as my regular booze. Wasn't disappointed; you can find the distinct scottish peatiness, with a touch of sweetness that is quite pleasing. Anyway, haters and snobs will hate because of the name and the fact that it is a blend. Try it instead of any regular whisky.

11th April 2015

not very good. alright for parties if you want something for mixing with soda.. But if you want something to enjoy straight, this is not the one you seek.

18th March 2015

good whisky with respect to price. some people really underrated it. i enjoyed it every time.

18th March 2015

just tastes like vodka , yellow cheap bitter vodka

18th March 2015

82.5 jIM murray's Bible ... Good Whisky ... worth Trying ...

16th March 2015

Wow man this stuff is awful. It even sucks as a mixer. I love whiskey but this stuff I can not stand. Im baffled by the good reviews. What the hick people!!!

28th February 2015

got turned off by a way too peaty Bowmore long ago....stayed with my sour mash and rye...re-entered the whisky world via Grant's...was impressed...then on to the whole spectrum (still under $100..)! this would include the Aberlour A'bunadh...

today, just figured, why not, try JW Red. it's on sale...$22. almost got the black but figured better to start with this standby. floral, herbal nose..no sense of the ubiquitous 'grain'....not alot of depth (as expected) but the surface isn't superficial in the least! very creamy, sweet, peaty, warm honey, apples/pears...i mean, what a daily session afterwork etc dram! i still prefer the non-peaty Grant's, but this is solid. not for the newbie snobs #wetbehindtheears ;) cheers

14th February 2015

Some of the previous reviews seem to have been written by very drunk people or 7 year olds. Red is your basic entry level scotch, that's why every tavern on the planet has it! Tastes decent neat or on the rocks, or go ahead and dump ginger ale over it at 25 bucks a bottle why not? The snobs amuse me, most are wet behind the ears I guess. If you actually drink whiskey you will find Johnnie Red quite drinkable.

25th January 2015

I'm terrible at reviewing thing so I just say that I was disappointed in it.

24th January 2015

It was great 10 years ago, I got a bottle at Christmas 2014 for 30.00 what a waste. Out of the five family members that had it looked at me and asked what cheap kind did I buy. I have tried it a few more times, it seems to be a very bad bottle. It was sealed when I bought it. I just will never buy your brand again.

23rd January 2015

honestly one of my favorites.

19th January 2015

Decent enough as a cheap blend. Neat there's more than a hint of peat smokiness. Its sweet, young and somewhat oily. It lends itself best as a mixer which it is well suited for.

17th January 2015

This isn't supposed to be a Macallan 18. For $27, it's a decent budget buy. Ignore the hipsters and snobs, and go in with an open mind. Not a great scotch by any means, but you get what you pay for.

13th January 2015

This is a Scotch that competes with the lower end market. Red Label, it is what it is: An entry level Scotch that makes no bold claims. It offers an entry into Scotch for the mixers and the people who're price-conscious. I would buy this for a mixer. It's an okay sipper if you're desperate and low on money. But it still beats Jack and Gentleman Jack in the behind.

30th December 2014

The fact that many of the reviewers here state they have to drink this on the rocks tells you this is not a good scotch. Anyone with basic knowledge of scotch knows that ice should never ever be used in a "good" scotch. If you want to drink a reasonably price JW - then do with Double Black.

27th December 2014

I purchased (2)Bottles for some reason it tasted like it was scorched I have drank red for years but this you can't drink I bought this on a carnival cruise I don't know if I will buy again Grouse is better scotch

23rd December 2014

is good

5th December 2014

A little smoky but solid. The Budweiser of scotch

14th November 2014

I enjoy it very much on the rocks.
Full nose and palate followed by a long complicated finish, uncommon for a blend.
Classic but I assume rather rough for whiskey starters.

30th October 2014

The reviewer with "Don't waste your time or your 10$" is a complete hipster. Absolutely the worst review I've ever read. Complete snob. Go review your mom.

29th October 2014

100 Piper n black did is way better

11th October 2014

This stuff is so foul. I am a scotch drinker and this stuff makes me spine cringe. There's no way getting around paying 40$ a bottle at least for good scotch man. If you can't swing it, just stick to beer or Jack Daniels. Glenlivet 12 is the cheapest scotch I'll ever drink.

8th October 2014

its holy water

28th September 2014

This is for party mix up or alone while listening Jehtro Tull. Welcome to the the great 70s zone

26th September 2014

The star rating is given for the buy. By that I mean Red Label is a good all around scotch if you're strapped for cash. Neat it's a bit rough (but I like it), on the rocks it should be pretty palatable for anyone, and it's cheap and flavorful enough that you can mix it without fear. Don't buy Red label if you're looking for the Johnnie Walker experience, this is their bottom line. Not taking price into consideration and based just on flavor/experience probably a 5/10, but great for the money.

20th July 2014

Rough, smokey, like a cowboy, the best 8 year whisky.
The JW Black Label is complex, but too smooth, looks like you're drinking a juice or somethink; Ballatines 8 is the worst, being too sweet and fully alcoholic taste. Bourbons and JackDaniels are great but, in my opinion, they have a strange rich tutti-frutti taste, more present in Jim Beam. Chivas 12 is gracious and female whisky, it means a nice choice for impress the chicks.

12th July 2014

Save your money and search for Famous Grouse, also 8yrs old but way superior.

6th July 2014

I'm not really a seasoned whiskey drinker, yes I love a good single malt but they're expensive. So when I look for a blend I'm mainly after something that burns and tastes smokey. Its a really harsh and quite smokey blend that suits me down to the ground. I love it when they're rather rough for lack of a better term. I think I have a new favorite cheapie. Better than grouse anyway, grouse was too smooth for my tastes I'll give it a 7, its not going to rock your world but it is nice.

13th June 2014

I drank FG as an everyday scotch for years until an idiot at an annual fishing trip totally defamed the label by getting thunderously tanked.

So...As an excuse to try something new, I looked around for a casual end-of-the-day scotch to relax with friends and found Johnnie Walker Red Label. I was pleasantly surprised. I drink it over ice slightly chilled and it's little more complex than FG...With a little more body and a nice smokey finish. All I can say is Everyone's palate is different, drink what you like, leave the rest.

10th June 2014

The comment below... "everyone gives so much hype"?? Really?? I've NEVER heard the Red Label "hyped". It's the house blend in many bars and it's quality reflects that - decent, easily drinkable blend that doesn't make you wince if someone orders a mixer. This is a perfectly solid blend and, for the price, is very good value.

10th June 2014

Random desire to sample some whisky see if there's not somethin to this drink everyone gives so much hype. So drank it neat, at first just burn, a little flavor, then urge to gag by the end. I'm still enthusiastic to keep trying new whisky.

2nd June 2014

Very simple whisky. Nothing miraculous in taste and smell can not be foreseen.

31st May 2014

Decent stalwart of the cabinet. Afforsable and versatile. Sometimes people would rather wear trainers walking to work, as there is no point wearing out the souls on the good work shoes.

18th May 2014

Jonnie Walker Red is a good whisky. It's dry (not maple syrup sweet like Bourbon), with that barley/herbal undertone you find in both Scotch and Irish whiskies and with just a touch of smoke and brine for a very tastey and very drinkable blended Scotch. It's good enough to savour but cheap enough to really enjoy. Beats Famous Grouse easy. It tastes much better than some of the mass marketed single malts too while being even more scotchy (than both of those Glens).

13th May 2014

Tried it and at first did not like it. Came back to give it another shot after my palate developed a little bit. Not a bad whisky. I'd rather have others, it has some good scotch qualities, very slight smoke in it, spices and a brief bit of f ruits. Not bad, if you're exploring might as well give it a shot. Very accessible.

25th April 2014

I'm a scotch/whiskey noob, have tried Tullamore, Bushmills, Crown, Jack, GlenLivet, Alberta Premium, and Johnnie Walker Red is in my opinion quite bad. I cannot drink it without noticing a strange aftertaste I have never experienced. I would be able to pick this out in a blind taste test, and that's not good!

5th March 2014

Don't drink it alone it's not nice just a cheap (ish) blended whisky. There are worse but all these sub 20 quid blends don't really offer you that type of drinking experience, it's the no 1 whiskey in the world remember but mainly due to the fact it's best with ice and a mixer I like if with ginger beer personally, and for that function it does job. On its own, I've had worse, but not something you would grab for a mellow wind down or to enjoy with a cigar, it's just it that sort of scotch,

1st March 2014

I'm a Jack Daniel kind of guy, but I went ahead and bought Johnnie Walker for the sake of trying something different. Big mistake. This whiskey has a very weird aftertaste. So far I mixed it with different types of sodas and it still taste weird. Never again! And NO, I'm not a Scotch snob...just a regular Joe here.

1st March 2014

Only someone who doesn't know jack $hit about scotch would give Johnnie Red a bad review. And fyi the "smoke" is very faint, nobody normal would consider this "really smokey".

Best scotch for the price, hands down. Bushmills??!!?? Jameson??!!?!?!? Famous grouse??!?!?!?! Just stop.

14th February 2014

My interest in scotch is just starting to grow, so I try anything to culture my palate; doesn't matter if it has good or bad reviews.
Didn't quite appreciate my money's worth when I tried this alone, but it's amazing with root-beer or cream soda (amazing as in, I'd make it a point to keep a bottle of this in my room, if just to mix.)
-M.G. (MNL, Philippines)

31st January 2014

At the end of the day..... Isn't it nice to have the full set?

21st January 2014

If you've never had any other whisky, you might be able to take JW Red with a cold coke and somewhat enjoy it. But the moment you taste anything else, you will gag when attempting to drink this. Potentially, it can be mixed with some other ingredients in order to extract some of its flavours. But be warned about trying to drink this one straight. Also, when consuming this, try tasting it before other stuff because I noticed that how hard I snap my head back depends on when I drink it. If its first I'm more tolerant. If I taste it after another better whiskey (say Teachers, Jameson, Tullamore Dew, Wild Turkey etc..) I tend to be more critical. Acrid & bitter, with a ghastly finish that leaves a bad taste in your mouth like the neighbourhood whisky bully.
And you don't even want to know what morning-after a bottle of this feels like.

13th January 2014

Rough and fiery, but not lacking in flavor. Passable.

5th January 2014

Didn't have alot of cash and wanted to try something different. It's a little warmer than I expected. I personally thought that it was good, but bear in mind that I haven't tried Black or Green. It was an okay starter Scotch.

29th December 2013

The smokiness of this blend makes for a nice pairing with a fine stogie. I will find myself reaching for this more often than the black for a bit more of a jolt to my taste buds.

12th December 2013

I always wonder why people read reviews and then get mad at the reviews. It's scotch - it's something for YOU to consume. If YOU like it then drink it. If YOU don't like it then get something else. Listening to what other's say about it is nonsense. Snobs or not - everyone has a different palette and what you taste may be totally different than someone else. Try the stuff and see if YOU like it.

9th December 2013

I'm in the anti-snob group here. I started my single malt journey a few years ago and have only been exposed to malts from $50-$200. I feel a little cheated after drinking this. It's pretty damn good for $21.99. There is nothing offensive about this, and those saying so are truly not experienced single malt drinkers but amateurs partaking in simple snobbery. Try this if you don't want to run through all your good stuff, and need a value daily dram.

22nd November 2013

This is a good whiskey. Try it.

19th November 2013

It's smooth....I love it. Nice glass or two of red label on the rocks and I'm good to go. Fuck the rest.

14th October 2013

Don't listen to these Scotch snobs. They think they're so... sophisticated. Look, Red Label is a good solid scotch, with more complexity than most of the lower-priced blends (e.g. Dewar's or J&B or Whyte & Mackay). Try it on ice, or with a little soda water. Love it! In fact, I think I'll have one now. Or maybe two.

9th October 2013

they were good enough Winston, Joe Namath, Christopher Hitchings, Dick Cheney, who am I to argue,don't forget the Philadelphia lawyer of the Constitutional daily.

29th September 2013

Many years ago single malts were almost unknown and Red Label was the standard while Black Label was the premier. I've come back to both of these recently and they are both relatively good value for the money and when you don't want the full single malt these are nice blends.
My rating represents value relative to price.

31st August 2013

Not what i expected, there are better one´s on the market.
Straight not very complex good for mixing and cocktails.....

19th August 2013

Best straight up on ice, the way Brazilians drink it; the flavor of ice combines well with pungent flavor of the whiskey which is able to overcome the cold; it's all about combinations with blended whiskey; Famous Grouse tastes like soap after 10 minutes on ice.

11th August 2013

im no snob but by god if u like this u have no taste buds but hey if its ur thing fair play to ya do urslf a favour go off ang buy urself a bottle of black@white vat 69 jameson bushmills black bush alll good blends

15th July 2013

Cheap blend, ideal with coke, not nice on its own. Its not really intended fit this purpose, better than most cheap blends but not one to enjoy without a mixer.

12th July 2013

This blend is a steal, and my favorite. The elitists above need others to tell them what to like because they have no taste of their own. Sad.

6th July 2013

Johnnie Walker isn't for snobby purists - it's blended" - it's for people who truly care about how it tastes to them and no one else. I always chuckle about the purity nonsense - it's alcohol people - not exactly a health food. LOL

6th July 2013

defo agree above me the frist bottle of whiskey i just brough to a house party at 4 in the moring eveing people drunk as monkeys called it piss doesnt say much about it

21st June 2013

if you have kids who show a curiosity in alcohol as most do at some time, and don't want the little buggers getting stuck into your decent scotch and watering it down hoping you don't notice, then take pre-emptive action and give them a taste of this vile fluid, telling them 'all whisky tastes this way'. this is a sure fire way to put them off for life

5th June 2013

GOOD INTRODUCTION TO THE JW FAMILY.JWR IS THE BEST SELLING WHISKY IN THE WORLD.GREAT FOR MIXING,TRY IT WITH APPLE JUICE AND A LITTLE LIME OR AS YOU LIKE IT.
AV RAMPERSAD/TRINIDAD/WEST INDIES.

15th April 2013

Now don't get me wrong. I like a good whiskey. I like single malts. I like blended ones too. Having said that, this is below the line as to what I'd choose - EVER. In our house its used to make whisky sauce to go with the haggis and that's the only time the bottle is opened. I suppose I don't need to say much more.

25th March 2013

This doesn't deserve such a low user rating, it's better than most cheap blends and is only criticised by whisky snobs because it's the best selling scotch in the world.

12th February 2013

This was never really meant to be a whiskey to drink by itself, it is best blended with Coke or Dr Pepper in my mind. It's delicious when mixed, not as great alone, but still a good whiskey nonetheless

21st January 2013

If you want cheap good famous blends dont get this ashtray full of smoke. Id suggest jameson or famous grouse.

16th January 2013

I only dink this if I have to chose between it and Jack Daniels.
Don't waste your money on this spirit.

20th October 2012

best befor the meal

22nd July 2012

halo,
een vraagje,
wai is de prijs van zo een fles,aub
de fles heeft een oude stopzel
dank bij voorbaad.
Nuus Hennie

19th June 2012

Take the advice of the name and keep on walking. bitter, oily, and very smoky. Nothing really makes it good. Very little redeeming character. I would not suggest drinking JW red.

28th October 2011

One of the best quality/price blend. Smoky and smooth, is a good way to start the whisky road.

27th September 2010