Gold Label Reserve is built on Clynelish, the Highland distillery near Brora in Sutherland that has long been the backbone of this blend. The first Clynelish distillery was built in 1819, and a new one opened alongside it in 1967. The older plant reopened in 1969 as Brora.
The Gold Label name itself first went on an 18 year old. Gold Label Reserve carries no age statement and sits between Black Label and Platinum Label in the Johnnie Walker range. It is bottled at 40 per cent and was put together from whiskies chosen for their sweet, honeyed side.
Diageo describes heather honey on the nose, then tropical fruit and creamy vanilla on the palate, and a long, sweet, gently smoky finish. Reviewers also pick up baked apple, banana and a little beeswax, along with a touch of gingerbread.
Neat is the best way to find the honey. Chilled, or over a single large cube, it turns a little sweeter and creamier.