Johnnie Walker -12 Years Old – Extra Special Old Scotch (1980s Edition)
75cl / 40%
£99.00
- 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 definitive 1980s expression of Black Label, often at 43% ABV, showcasing richer depth and pronounced old-style smoke.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Johnnie Walker and Sons Limited / Scotland, Blended Scotch |
| Category | Premium Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Bottled 1980s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% vol (premium export) or 40% vol / 75cl, 100cl (1 Litre) |
| Cask / Treatment | Aged for a minimum of 12 years in oak (Not specified) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No (Standard practice for core blend) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | High Volume (Core range) |
| Intended channel | Global Retail and Duty Free |
| Packaging | Square bottle, slanted label, metal seal |
| Notes on discrepancies | 43% ABV variants (especially 100cl) are substantially more desirable than the standard 40% ABV. |
Historical Context
Johnnie Walker originated in 1820 in Kilmarnock and has grown into the world's most widely distributed Scotch whisky brand, currently under the ownership of Diageo. The Black Label expression, introduced in 1909 as "Extra Special Old Highland Whisky," became the benchmark for premium deluxe blends. It carries a guarantee that all components are aged for a minimum of 12 years.
The 1980s bottling, identified by the full label description "Extra Special Old Scotch," represents a peak period for this blend. Enthusiasts often regard this era highly, believing the blend contained a more significant proportion of older, high-quality malt whiskies, including key Islay components which contribute noticeable phenolic notes.
The variations in bottling strength are key indicators of quality and target market. While 40% ABV was common in domestic and some retail settings, the 43% ABV variant was frequently used for high-end export and Duty Free channels. The presence of this stronger proof is critical for collectors, as the reduced dilution helps to stabilize and better preserve the complex, smoky, and oily characteristics of the blend over decades. Consequently, the 43% ABV and the 100cl Duty Free format represent the most sought-after acquisitions from this period.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This is a premium blended Scotch whisky guaranteed to be aged 12 years. It is a complex vatting of malt and grain whiskies. The target bottling for collectors is the 43% ABV version, available in both 75cl and the larger 100cl (1 Litre) size, the latter usually designated as Duty Free. The product was bottled by Johnnie Walker and Sons Limited.
Documented variants
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 100cl (1 Litre) | Duty Free / Export | 1980s label, higher strength, Duty Free designation | Highest (Collector and volume premium) |
| 43% | 75cl | Export / Retail | High strength, standard volume | High |
| 40% | 75cl | Domestic / Standard Retail | Standard strength of the era 31 | Moderate (Less intense) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The bottle retains the famous square shape with the distinguishing slanted label. Authentication requires verifying the presence of the "Extra Special Old Scotch" text. A vital physical component is the original metal seal/closure, which serves as a necessary authentication marker for 1980s production.
Given the volatility of old whiskies, particularly blends of this age, fill level management is critical. While "Middle Shoulder" (MS) is frequently observed, it indicates greater oxidation risk. Therefore, bottles with a "High Shoulder" (HS) fill level or better are strongly recommended to ensure liquid quality integrity. Deterioration of the closure over time is a documented risk requiring buyer caution.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The blend complies with standard Blended Scotch Whisky rules, ensuring a minimum 12-year age guarantee. The term "Extra Special" is purely historical branding for the Black Label expression. The two standard ABVs, 40% and 43%, are both permissible, though the higher strength is functionally superior for long-term preservation.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The 1980s expression is prized for its depth, richness, and historically high smoke content.
Nose: Aromas are reported as complex and engaging, featuring black pepper, honey, winter spice, and a distinctive light umami note reminiscent of dried mushrooms or burnt seaweed. This is layered with citrus and a gentle, aromatic smoke.
Palate: The taste is smooth, medium-bodied, and notably oily. It delivers woodsmoke, creamy toffee, and cereal notes, balanced by the herbaceous, slightly medicinal peatiness characteristic of Islay components.
Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, carrying lingering flavours of sultanas, citrus, and a balancing astringency from oak. The intense presence of medicinal and smoky notes validates the belief that the malt composition of this vintage blend was significantly more robust than subsequent standard releases.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special is a high-liquidity item. Original RRP is not stated by the producer. Vintage retailers list the 75cl, 40% ABV variant at high prices, reaching up to £225.00 for pristine, boxed examples. Auction prices are wide-ranging: results can be as low as £24.00 for bottles with poor fill levels, but estimated hammer ranges for good condition are typically £61.00 to £79.00. The highest prices are reserved for the premium 43% ABV and 100cl Duty Free formats in excellent condition.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retailer (Listed) | Recent | 75cl, 40%, Boxed | £225.00 | High-end vintage retail price 40 |
| Auction (Estimate) | Recent | 75cl, Black Label | £61.00 – £79.00 | Typical hammer estimate range 36 |
| Auction (Hammer) | Undisclosed | Extra Special, Middle Shoulder fill | £24.00 | Low end result for confirmed condition issues 39 |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Johnnie Walker is the global industry leader in blended Scotch, providing immense brand assurance. This bottling serves as a historical benchmark, allowing consumers to experience the richer profile of the blend from the 1980s.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Prioritize 43% ABV, 100cl Duty Free bottles with the "Extra Special Old Scotch" label.
Red flags to avoid
Avoid fill levels below Mid Shoulder (MS). The absence of the original metal seal is a significant red flag for authenticity and integrity.
Condition thresholds
High Shoulder (HS) fill level, intact seal, and Very Good (VG) label condition are essential.
Margin/velocity expectations
Expect extremely high velocity and strong brand liquidity. Maximum margins are achieved on premium 43% ABV stock.
