Johnnie Walker Pure Malt 15 Year Old 1L (1990s Edition)
100cl / 43%
£149.00
- Malt type: Blended Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Caramel, Vanilla, Cinnamon and Smoke
Peppery Smoke, Vanilla and Black Tea
Medium Finish, Smoke, Pepper and Oak
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A highly sought-after, discontinued 15-year-old bottling of Johnnie Walker's "Pure Malt," prized for its age statement and 1 Litre Travel Retail volume.
At-a-Glance:
| Distillery: Multiple (Key Malts: Talisker, Cardhu, Glenkinchie) | |
| Bottler: John Walker & Sons (Diageo) | |
| Country & Region: Scotland | |
| Category: Pure Malt Scotch Whisky (Obsolete terminology for Blended Malt) | |
| Age: 15 Year Old | |
| Vintage: Not stated by the producer | |
| Bottled: Circa 1990s | |
| ABV & Size(s) 43% / 100cl (1 Litre) | |
| Cask / Treatment: Marriage of multiple single malts (Aged for a minimum of 15 years) | |
| Natural Colour: Not stated by the producer | |
| Non-Chill-Filtered: Not stated by the producer | |
| Cask Strength: No | |
| Bottle count / Outturn: Not stated by the producer (High volume Travel Retail) | |
| Intended channel: Travel Retail (TR) / Export | |
| Packaging: Standard glass bottle. | |
| Notes on discrepancies The term "Pure Malt" was banned by the SWA in 2005. The current equivalent is "Green Label" (Blended Malt). |
Historical Context
The Johnnie Walker Pure Malt 15 Year Old is a key discontinued expression in the brand's history, predating the modern "Green Label" designation. Bottled in the 1990s, the bottle is a relic of the era when the term "Pure Malt" was used to distinguish a blend composed solely of single malts from whiskies that contained grain spirits (Blended Scotch). This terminology was banned by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) in 2005.
This specific bottle is highly desired for its 15 Year Old age statement and its large 1 Litre (100cl) size, confirming its exclusive status as a Travel Retail flagship product. The liquid is a sophisticated Blended Malt, containing whiskies from Diageo's premium distilleries, including key Island, Highland, and Speyside malts (e.g., Talisker, Cardhu, Glenkinchie).
The 43% ABV strength of this vintage bottling is a crucial factor, offering superior flavour integrity compared to the standard 40% ABV blends. The combination of verified age, specific strength, and Travel Retail volume makes this a strong collectible asset.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 43% ABV/100cl (1 Litre) is the common Travel Retail format.
- 40% ABV/75cl domestic variants were also available.
- Age: 15 Year Old age statement.
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 100cl | Travel Retail/Vintage | Pure Malt, 15 Year Old, 1990s Bottling | Highest (Superior volume and strength) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The label must clearly state "Pure Malt," "15 Year Old," and the 43% ABV strength. The 1 Litre volume is a Travel Retail marker. The liquid is a marriage of several single malts, aged for a minimum of 15 years.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (formerly Pure Malt). The 43% ABV is the premium strength for this era.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is rich, balanced, and complex, with a subtle smokiness derived from the inclusion of Islay malts.
Nose: Not stated by the producer.
Palate: Not stated by the producer.
Finish: Not stated by the producer.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
- Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Johnnie Walker Pure Malt 15 Year Old is a strong collectible, with pricing reflecting its discontinued status and premium age.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Secondary retail listings are scarce; the price is driven by auction results.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 120.00 GBP (Hammer context).
Pricing stratification: The 1 Litre bottle at 43% ABV is the most desirable format. The 120.00 GBP hammer price reflects strong collector interest in discontinued Johnnie Walker age statements.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate. Sourcing is competitive in the secondary market.
Price Snapshot:
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (Hammer Context) | Not specified | 100cl / 43% ABV | 120.00 | Estimated winning bid |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Johnnie Walker (Diageo) is the world's largest Scotch whisky brand. This Blended Malt is composed of malts from Diageo's portfolio, with Cardhu providing a smooth Speyside base and Talisker contributing a crucial maritime/peppery note. This expression showcases the blender's art in marrying diverse single malts into a complex, age-stated profile.
- Sourcing
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The 1 Litre, 43% ABV bottling.
- Red flags to avoid: Avoid bottles labelled 40% ABV, which are less valuable.
- Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): High fill level is essential.
- Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: Velocity is moderate. Margin potential is strong when acquired under the 100.00 GBP mark.
