Expert: Paul Wagner - 3/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have purchased a bottle of Johnnie Walker gold label reserve in another country. I have never seen this bottling before so before I opened it I tried to do a little research. I am not able to find a bottling of the "reserve" for this product. Johnnie Walker only did one reserve of the gold label that I can find and that was after WWII. I would like an expert to help me confirm exactly what I have and if possible help me with a value. The serial number on the bottle is 0112058884.

ANSWER: hi Steve

I think what you have here is a bottle of Johnny Walker Gold Label--a very good reserve Scotch that sells for about $75.  It's not quite up to the BLue Label quality, but is very good--about 18 years old, as I recall.  SHould be delicious!

Paul Wagner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am not so sure it is just a gold label bottle. I am familar with the Gold label but this says clearly on the box and bottle Reserve (in big letters). Not only that but it has a small circle on the box and bottle that says "Master blender's reserve". This is not normally found on any of the gold label bottles. At least none I have seen. I attached a picture of the box and bottle.  

I know you should never question the expert :)  I am just trying to make sure before I open a bottle that should be collected not drank alone in front of the TV.

Thanks in advance
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve

I hear what you are saying...and I am guessing that this is a bottling that was made for another market, with different labeling.  But you are wise to ask the question!

IN fact, I would suggest that you contact DIAGEO directly to see if they can shed some light on this one.  

here is their customer contact page:

US Consumer Enquiries:
DiageoNA@consumer-care.net

And let me know what they say--I am curious too!

Paul Wagner