Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Red Label: (Which Wins?) (2024)

Discover the differences between Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Red Label in this in-depth comparison and decide which whiskey is better for You!

Jameson Whiskey

• Nose: Floral, marmalade, caramel
• Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla
• Finish: Medium, caramel, spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: co*cktails
• Similar to: Maker’s Mark
• Rating: ⭐⭐

Taste:

The nose greets you with sweet notes of orange marmalade and caramel, accompanied by a subtle presence of alcohol.

On the palate, Jameson offers a good body and a nice sweetness, along with fruity flavors and prominent vanilla notes.

However, there is a peculiar late arrival of a metallic note, which may be unconventional but not off-putting.

The finish is moderately long, predominantly sweet with a hint of black pepper on the tail.

Is it good?

Jameson is renowned for its smoothness and versatility, making it a perfect choice for mixing in any co*cktail without any harshness.

It is well-rounded and can be enhanced by adding a dash of water, ginger ale, or ice.

A few drops of water can mellow out the alcohol and peppery notes, as well as alleviate the occasional metallic note.

Being the top-selling Irish whiskey worldwide, Jameson offers a compelling combination of smoothness and affordability, delivering excellent value for your money.

It is an ideal option for casual drinking or when you want quality whiskey without spending much.

Jameson facts:

• Jameson is crafted using a combination of malted and unmalted barley, which is then aged for a minimum of 4 years in ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry casks.
• Jameson is triple-distilled ensuring smoothness.
• While most spirits are double-distilled, the Irish whiskey tradition includes an additional distillation, resulting in a smoother liquor.
• Although Jameson has its roots in Ireland, it is now under the ownership of Pernod Ricard, a French company renowned for its portfolio of prestigious brands, including Chivas Regal and Glenlivet.
• This whiskey is crafted at the Jameson Distillery in Old Midleton, Ireland.

Johnnie Walker Red Label

• Nose: Black pepper, leather, nail polish
• Palate: Pepper, caramel, oak spice, leather, tobacco
• Finish: Short, black pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Highball
• Similar to: Bushmills
• Rating: ⭐

Taste:

The nose delivers a peppery note, accompanied by a leathery aroma and a hint of nail polish.

On the palate, Red Label disappoints with its thin body and a pronounced warmth that brings forth a dominant spice and pepper sensation, resulting in an unpleasant mouthfeel.

There are subtle undertones of butterscotch, along with leather and tobacco notes.

The finish is thankfully short, sparing you from prolonging the less-than-pleasant experience.

It remains warm and peppery until the end.

Is it good?

Johnnie Walker Red Label is not recommended as a sipping whisky due to its overpowering peppery and boozy flavor profile, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.

However, it does improve when served in a highball co*cktail, as the addition of mineral water helps to mellow the heat and spice.

Nevertheless, this is not a significant achievement, as most drinks tend to fare better in a highball presentation.

Overall, Red Label does not qualify as a good whisky.

It is not recommended for both newcomers to whisky and those who appreciate a smoother dram.

For those on a budget, there are better options available, such as Dewar’s, which excels in its ability to mix seamlessly in any co*cktail.

Red Label facts:

• Johnnie Walker Red Label has held the title of the best-selling Scotch whisky worldwide since 1945, although it is not the top seller in the UK or Scotland.
• It is a blend of over 30 whiskies crafted at various distilleries throughout Scotland.
• This renowned brand is owned by Diageo, a prominent British spirits conglomerate with an extensive portfolio in the industry.
• Their diverse range includes popular names such as Casamigos, Don Julio, Captain Morgan, Talisker, Bulleit, and many more.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Jameson vs Red Label: Which Wins?

While Jameson may not be the ideal choice for sipping neat, adding a large ice ball enhances its flavor and makes it more enjoyable.

However, its true strength lies in its versatility as a mixer, blending seamlessly with various ingredients in co*cktails.

On the other hand, the Red Label falls short with its overpowering peppery and harsh characteristics, making it the worst whisky in the Johnnie Walker range and among Scotch whiskies overall.

Considering both options, Jameson offers a better value proposition, making it an easy and logical choice for whiskey enthusiasts.

Differences between Jameson and the Red Label

Jameson Whiskey is crafted by blending malted and unmalted barley, which undergoes a minimum aging period of 4 years in casks previously used for maturing bourbon and sweet sherry wine from Spain.

These distinctive influences contribute to the unique flavor profile found in Jameson.

On the other hand, Johnnie Walker Red Label is a blend of 35 different whiskies, comprising both grain and malt whiskies sourced from various distilleries across Scotland.

With no age statement, this blend combines the smoothness of certain whiskies with the smokiness of others.

In terms of production, Jameson undergoes a triple distillation process, a technique employed in the Irish whiskey industry to ensure exceptional smoothness.

In contrast, Red Label is distilled twice, showcasing a different approach to crafting whisky.

Whisky or Whiskey?

Jameson is classified as a “whiskey,” following the American and Irish spelling convention, while Red Label is referred to as a “whisky,” adhering to the Scottish spelling tradition.

Both “whiskey” and “whisky” are widely recognized and accepted variations, with no definitive right or wrong form.

The spelling distinction reflects the historical and regional differences in the production and labeling of these spirits.