Johnnie Walker Pure Malt 15 Year Old 20cl (1980s Edition)
20cl / 43%
£59.00
- 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 rare 20cl small-format bottling of the classic, discontinued 'Pure Malt,' showcasing the blend structure of the 1980s.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | John Walker & Sons / Scotland |
| Category | Pure Malt (Blended Malt) Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 15 Years Old / Bottled 1980s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV (Common Export Strength) / 20cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated (Refill oak and ex-sherry casks) |
| Natural Colour | Yes (Likely E150a) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | No |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | High volume (overall), but 20cl format is low survival rate |
| Intended channel | Travel retail, specialist miniature/sampler sets |
| Packaging | Distinctive square-sided Johnnie Walker bottle, small format |
| Notes on discrepancies | The term 'Pure Malt' is now legally obsolete. |
Historical Context
The historical significance of this bottling is rooted in its use of the term 'Pure Malt.' This designation, sometimes referred to as 'Vatted Malt,' was widely used in Scotland until the 2009 revision of the Scotch Whisky Regulations (SWR), which mandated that the liquid be labelled as 'Blended Malt'. The historical use of 'Pure Malt' therefore automatically designates the bottle as a pre-2009 vintage, making it a chronological artifact sought after by collectors.
The 15 Year Old Pure Malt was renowned for its highly sophisticated component malts, which included contributions from key distilleries such as Talisker, providing characteristic maritime smoke and spice, alongside the delicate fruit and floral notes of Linkwood and Cragganmore.
The 20cl size is particularly unusual. This format rarity ensures that the 20cl bottles exhibit a much lower survival rate than standard 75cl sizes. The value proposition for this bottle is uniquely tied to its regulatory antiquity. The disappearance of the 'Pure Malt' designation automatically grants older stock a collector's premium. Furthermore, the scarcity of the specific 20cl format means that these small bottles often command a disproportionately high price per millilitre.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The 15 Year Old age statement confirms guaranteed maturity. The bottling strength of 43% ABV was a common choice for export stock, designed to maintain a richer and bolder flavour profile in comparison to the more common 40% domestic UK versions.
The 20cl size, due to its niche use, is inherently rarer than the primary bottle formats.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 20cl | Travel/Export | Small format rarity, high ABV | Highest (Niche collector appeal) |
| 40% | 75cl/70cl | UK/Domestic | Standard size/strength | High (Essential classic) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The bottle must display the classic square-sided Johnnie Walker shape, miniaturised for the 20cl size. The most crucial verification points are the clear display of both "Pure Malt" and the "15 Year Old" age statement.
The closure is typically a small metal screw cap. Given the high surface-to-volume ratio in small format bottles, the liquid is highly susceptible to oxidation if the seal is compromised. Therefore, perfect integrity of the closure and a high fill level are absolutely essential for market acceptance. This specific bottling must not be confused with the modern Johnnie Walker Green Label.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The classification of 'Pure Malt' is historically significant. Buyers must understand that this term is functionally equivalent to the modern 'Blended Malt' designation but serves as a clear indicator that the liquid was bottled prior to the 2009 SWR change.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The 15 Year Old Pure Malt is known for its complexity, derived from its varied component malts.
Nose: Highly complex and layered. Exhibits distinct maritime smoke and black pepper (Talisker), balanced effectively by deep fruit notes and floral sweetness (Speyside).
Palate: Full-bodied and exceptionally rounded. It offers clear waves of spice, sea salt, dry peat, and mature oak. The 15-year age statement ensures superb integration and smoothness.
Finish: Long, warm, and distinctly peppery, characteristic of the robust Island and Islay malts used in the composition.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The valuation for the 20cl format is disproportionately high relative to its volume, driven by rarity and specialist collector demand.
Original RRP (GBP): Low (Estimated GBP 10–GBP 15 for the small format).
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 100–GBP 190 (Specialist pricing).
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 90–GBP 160.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (UK) | 2024 Q1 | 20cl, 43% | 155.00 | Hammer price, high collector premium for format |
| Auction (EU) | 2023 Q4 | 20cl, 43% | 95.00 | Hammer price, entry level small format |
| Standard Auction (75cl) | 2024 Q2 | 75cl, 43% | 320.00 | Reference price for standard volume |
Pricing stratification: The high hammer price achieved for the 20cl size confirms the significant collector premium attached to format scarcity.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low for this specific small format, as it is a niche collector’s item. Sourcing is generally confined to auctions specialising in vintage miniatures and unusual bottle sizes.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Johnnie Walker's 15 Year Old Pure Malt was an exemplar of the potential of blended malt whisky, expertly utilising mature single malts to deliver a reliable, complex, and high-impact flavour profile. It is a vital marker in the brand’s history.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Verification must focus exclusively on 20cl bottles clearly marked 'Pure Malt' and '15 Year Old' from the 1980s. Verify 43% ABV where possible.
Red flags to avoid: Bottles labelled as 'Blended Malt'; any signs of cap corrosion or compromised fill levels.
Condition thresholds: Perfect closure integrity and fill level are essential, given the high risk of oxidation in small volumes.
Margin/velocity expectations: Low velocity; high margin potential driven by specific collector demand for the rare format.
