Glenfiddich VS Johnnie Walker

It seems the Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker debate is an age-old one in the whisky world. The duel has continued for years, and it doesn’t look like it will go away anytime soon.

Understandably, both names are legendary icons associated with luxury, quality, and excellence in the whisky industry. And if you’re just launching into the whisky world, you may wonder where to begin.

Curious about the differences and similarities between Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker?

Which is better for you between Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker?

Well, look no further. The answers to your questions are right here!

History: Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker

In terms of their origins and history, Glenfiddich and Johnnie Walker are both from Scotland, the world’s whisky headquarters.

William Grant, assisted by his 9 children began building his famed Glenfiddich distillery in the summer of 1886.  Based in Dufftown, Speyside, Scotland, Glenfiddich produced its first whisky on Christmas Day 1887. Since then, the Scotch whisky brand is now a leading name in the industry in the world — reportedly accounting for 30% of single malt whiskies sold around the world. Now managed by Grant’s fifth-generation through William Grant & Sons Inc., Glenfiddich Distillery is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family-owned.

Johnnie Walker, (or simply called “JW”), is one of the most iconic Scotch whisky giants. The JW brand is world-famous, holding the largest stake in global whisky sales. Johnnie Walker was founded in 1820 by Scottish grocer Johnnie Walker. By 1857, Alexander Walker, Johnnie Walker’s eldest son, took over the business and began improving its selection of single malt Scotch whiskies. Managed by Alexander, the House of Walker commenced blending whisky and bottling it in an iconic, square bottle adorned with a slanted label. Now the Johnnie Walker brand is owned by Diageo, the British conglomerate that also owns reputable wine labels like Don Julio Tequila and Casamigos.

Portfolio: Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker

Sold in 180 different countries around the world, Glenfiddich boasts of a wide range of exquisite, award-winning single malt whiskies. The Glenfiddich range of single malt whiskies is famous for its age-tagged expressions — such as the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Special Reserve, Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 21-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 23 Year Old Grand Cru, Glenfiddich 26-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 30-Year-Old, Glenfiddich 40-Year-Old, and the Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old.

Johnnie Walker, reputed as the world’s best-selling scotch whiskey brand, is also enjoyed in over 180 countries worldwide. For over 200 years, the brand has spawned an impressive series of colour-coded whisky labels to cater to every taste and budget across the world. Some popular JW whiskies include Green Label, Red Label, Black Label, Gold Label Reserve, Platinum Label, and the Blue Label. With Johnnie Walker whiskies, you have many choices and can rest assured that whichever label you prefer, it’s nothing but premium whisky.

Taste: Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker

On the palate, Glenfiddich whiskies thrill the tongue with their spicy, nutty taste, thanks to their aging in various barrels, such as the finest Oloroso sherry casks and traditional bourbon casks which once held bourbon, sherry, and rum.

For example, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Special Reserve is a versatile scotch known for its smooth aromas of orchard fruits, caramel, and wood spices. On the palate, it gives dazzling notes of cinnamon and a light, pleasant finish. Glenfiddich 18 is a delightfully smooth, full-bodied dram with a palate of sweet fruits and notes of dried apricot, cinnamon and toffee, and ginger. Their 21-year-old expression, Glenfiddich 21 presents an intense vanilla-sweet aroma, a floral palate with pleasant notes of banana, lime, ginger, and spice, and a smooth, long finish.

On the other side, Johnnie Walker’s blended scotch whiskies are known for their long, smoky finish developed from maturation in oak casks. For example, Johnnie Walker Black Label is famed as the world’s leading premium scotch whisky with a multi-dimensional taste. To the nose, Black Label presents thrilling flavours of rich fruits, vanilla, and smoke that shine through whether served neat, on the rocks or mixed with soda in a highball. Red Label, on its own, is a versatile whisky known for its dominant aroma of spice and smoky flavours culminating in a pleasant palate of vanilla.

Further, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is an extraordinary whisky blend marrying a mellow, rounded nose of dry smokiness with the sweetness of raisins. Its nose is packed with smooth notes of vanilla, honey, and rose petals, while the palate is loaded with notes of hazelnut, sherry, and dark chocolate. Johnnie Walker Gold Label has a sweet, enticing scent of honey and subtle woody notes with layers of vibrant and tropical fruit and creamy vanilla flavour mesmerizing the tongue – all culminating in a sensationally long finish.

Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker: Which is Better?

And the winner of the Glenfiddich vs Johnnie Walker duel is… Well, that will be up to you to decide eventually — based on your preference and budget.

As a newbie in the single malt world, Glenfiddich 12 is a great way to start. It’s a smooth, easy sipper that doesn’t bite your tongue. However, if you have a bias toward blended scotch and prefer something affordable, then, go for Johnnie Walker Red Label. Might be a bit harsher, but you’ll love it better with some drops of water.

If you’re ready to spend some money to indulge in your single malt fantasies, try the Glenfiddich 21. Johnnie Walker Blue Label does that for you if you prefer blended scotch!