Johnnie Walker -12 Years Old -Black Label Millennium Edition
70cl / 40%
£149.00
- Malt type: Blended Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
White Pepper, Winter Spice and Citrus
Woodsmoke, Cereal, Creamy Toffee and Herbal Sweetness
Long Finish, Sultanas, Citrus and smoke
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The globally recognized 12 Year Old blend presented in bespoke commemorative livery for the landmark turn of the century.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Johnnie Walker (Diageo) / Scotland, Blended Scotch |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Not stated by the producer / 1999–2000 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40.0% ABV / Not stated by the producer |
| Cask / Treatment | Premium Blend of Aged Malt & Grain (Standard JW regime) |
| Natural Colour | No (Caramel added - E150a) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Standard chill-filtration) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Limited Edition based on Temporal Scarcity) |
| Intended channel | Duty-Free, Premium Retail, Gift Market |
| Packaging | Bespoke Commemorative Outer Packaging (Tin/Box) |
| Notes on discrepancies | Investment value is almost entirely dependent on the condition of the commemorative packaging. |
Historical Context
The Johnnie Walker 12 Year Old Black Label Millennium Edition is an iconic event bottling whose value is tied to its association with the universally recognized 1999–2000 transition. This special edition captures a non-recurring global phenomenon, appealing to event collectors and a broad consumer base interested in cultural milestones. The liquid itself is the classic, reliable 12 Year Old Black Label blend, ensuring a baseline of intrinsic value. The investment asset's premium is concentrated on the unique presentation and bespoke commemorative packaging, which serves as the tangible symbol of the event.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The Millennium Edition is a 12 Year Old Blended Scotch adhering to the stringent Black Label quality standards, bottled at 40.0% ABV. The blend is a premium composition of aged malt and grain whiskies, ensuring high drinkability and upholding the Johnnie Walker brand prestige. The technical specifications are identical to the standard Black Label of the era.
Documented variants
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40.0% ABV, standard bottle formats (likely 70cl/75cl/1L), bottled 1999–2000 in commemorative packaging.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40.0% | Standard | Global / Duty-Free | Commemorative outer packaging (Millennium date) | Medium-High (Temporal Scarcity Premium) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication focuses intensely on the bespoke commemorative outer tin or box, which frequently highlights the "2000" date. The bottle itself carries the standard Black Label label. The condition of the outer packaging is critical; dents, fading, or missing boxes significantly diminish the collector's premium. The standard screw cap ensures a high degree of security against ullage. A common mix-up is a standard bottle placed inside a loose Millennium tin, making verification of the specialized packaging paramount.
Regulatory/terminology notes
As a high-volume, global blended Scotch, this product utilizes standard industry practices. It is not Natural Colour (E150a added) and is chill-filtered to maintain clarity and stability across diverse climates.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The liquid profile perfectly matches the established, complex 12 Year Old Black Label standard.
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Nose: Signature Black Label profile with smoky undertones balanced by sweet honey, vanilla, and dried sultana fruit.
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Palate: Medium-bodied and robust, achieving a balance of creamy malt character, dark spice, and an integrated peat smoke. Notes of orange peel and oak warmth.
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Finish: Medium length, a lingering layer of dry smoke alongside residual cereal sweetness.
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With water: Not commonly used due to the 40.0% ABV, but may slightly emphasize underlying cereal grains and reduce the smoke influence.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
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Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. (Likely a small premium over standard Black Label.)
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Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Not stated (Highly variable, dictated by packaging condition.)
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Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Not stated (Stable, high-frequency traded asset.)
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Pricing stratification: Price is determined by the condition of the commemorative packaging. Bottles without mint packaging trade near the price of a standard Black Label from the same era.
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Liquidity & sourcing note: Provides critical portfolio stability and is the most easily liquidated asset due to immense global recognition and constant, reliable demand, making it an ideal diversification tool.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Not stated | Recent | Sealed, Boxed Mint | Not stated | High liquidity and reliable price discovery. |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Johnnie Walker is the world's most recognized Scotch whisky brand, known for its blending expertise that ensures remarkable consistency across vast global volumes. Black Label is the definitive benchmark 12 Year Old blend, providing a globally appealing flavour template (smoky depth balanced by Speyside fruit).
Sourcing
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Target Formats/Eras: 40.0% ABV, strictly contained within the original, undamaged commemorative packaging from the 1999–2000 release window.
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Red Flags to Avoid: Oxidized or heavily faded tins (common defects from Travel Retail exposure) or bottles missing the original commemorative packaging.
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Condition Thresholds: Outer packaging condition must be near-flawless (95%+). The screw cap ensures a high liquid fill level.
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Margin/Velocity Expectations: High liquidity means low transaction difficulty and makes it the ideal asset for tactical selling or portfolio rebalancing.
