Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend: A Special Tribute Whisky

The History of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend

In 2007, Johnnie Walker released a special limited edition blend called Gold Label Centenary to celebrate 100 years since the launch of their iconic Gold Label brand. First introduced in 1907, Gold Label represented a more premium and luxurious expression of Johnnie Walker's signature blended Scotch style.

The Gold Label Centenary Blend was crafted by master blender Jim Beveridge as a tribute to the original Gold Label release. It featured whiskies exclusively drawn from two historical distilleries that would have contributed to the blends at the beginning of the 20th century - Cambus and Carsebridge.

The Cambus and Carsebridge Distilleries

Cambus was located north of Glasgow on the River Spey, founded in 1810. It operated for almost 200 years before closing in 1993. Cambus was known for producing high-quality grain whisky.

Carsebridge distilled malt whisky starting in the 1790s in central Scotland. It was later renovated in the 1890s but eventually shut down in 1983. Carsebridge malts were said to have a rich, fruity character.

By using malt from Carsebridge and grain from Cambus, Beveridge set out to recreate a classic Gold Label profile from Johnnie Walker's early history.

Flavor Profile

The Gold Label Centenary Blend offers notes of honey, apple, pineapple, vanilla, and butterscotch on the palate. It is complex yet smooth and mellow in texture with a medium body.

Reviewers describe it as balanced and harmonious, with a core of sweet oak, raisin, and baked apple flavors. There are hints of peat smoke and malt woven throughout. The finish is long and lingering with a subtle spice.

Packaging and Presentation

The Gold Label Centenary edition came housed in retro-inspired packaging meant to evoke Johnnie Walker's past. It featured a simple black label and cork closure rather than a screw cap.

Each bottle was encased in a striking gold box illustrated with heritage designs and details about the history of Gold Label. This made it an attractive collectible item for Johnnie Walker fans and whisky aficionados.

Tasting Notes and Reviews

Here are some tasting impressions and reviews of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend from whisky experts:

Whisky Advocate

"Aromas of baked apple, raisins, pineapple upside-down cake, and toffee. Flavors of honey, spice cake, dried tropical fruit, maple syrup, vanilla, and smoke. Lingering finish of fruit cake, oak, and spice." Score: 92 points.

Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible

"Nose of stewed fruits, creme caramel, and apple pie with notes of cereal and malted milk. Taste of sponge cake, cereal notes, and touch of smoke. Sensuous mouthfeel with baked raisins on the finish." Score: 94 points.

The Whisky Exchange

"Nose of sultanas, apple peels, and vanilla. Palate offers orange marmalade, honey, and oak spice. Long, warming finish with a hint of smoke at the end. An excellent commemorative bottling." Score: 4 out of 5 stars.

Whisky Magazine

"Nose is fruity with apple, pear, raisins. Taste is mellow, lightly smoky, hint of treacle. Gentle mouthfeel and lingering spiciness on finish. Evokes an old-school Speyside style." Score: 90 points.

Availability and Price

As a limited edition, the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend was produced only during 2007. Around 1.5 million bottles were made available globally.

It originally retailed for around $120-130 USD upon release. Nowadays it can sometimes be found at auction or via private collectors for $200-300+ per bottle depending on rarity.

Given its special heritage status among Johnnie Walker bottlings, the Gold Label Centenary Blend sells for a premium over the standard Gold Label 18 Year release.

For collectors and fans of the Johnnie Walker brand, the Centenary Blend represents a special piece of the distillery's history bottled at the peak of their whiskey-making skills.

FAQs

Why was the Gold Label Centenary Blend launched?

The Gold Label Centenary Blend was launched in 2007 to celebrate 100 years since the introduction of Johnnie Walker's original Gold Label whisky in 1907.

What distilleries were used to make the Centenary Blend?

The Gold Label Centenary Blend exclusively used whiskies from two closed distilleries - Cambus for grain whiskey and Carsebridge for malt whiskey. These would have contributed to Johnnie Walker blends in the early 1900s.

How was the flavor profile different from regular Gold Label?

The Centenary Blend aimed to recreate a classic Gold Label profile from the early 20th century. It was more honeyed and fruity compared to the woodier regular 18 year release.

How many bottles of Centenary Blend were released?

Around 1.5 million bottles of the Gold Label Centenary Blend were produced globally as a special limited edition.

Where can I find a bottle today?

The Centenary Blend is no longer readily available. You may be able to find it at auction or via collectors for $200-300+ per bottle due to its rarity.