Johnnie Walker Red Label is a blended Scotch whisky at 40% ABV and, unlike Black Label, carries no age statement. It was built for a specific purpose: to be a Scotch that keeps its character when it is mixed rather than one that disappears into a glass of soda.
The profile is brisker and more assertive than the Black. Light smoke, a pepper note, cereal malt and a short, lively finish. Neat, it is punchier and less rounded than the 12-year blend; in a drink, that punch is the whole point, because it is still recognisably Scotch after ice and mixer.
So mix it. A Scotch and soda highball is the best use, ginger ale is excellent with the pepper note, and cola works if that is what is in the fridge. It also stands up in a whisky sour.
If you want a Scotch to sip slowly, spend up to Black Label. If you want a Scotch for a room full of people making their own drinks, Red Label is the correct bottle. 247BOOZE delivers it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across our active service areas.