Someone explain Johnnie Walker to me
 

Not a JW drinker by any means. But let's say I were to bring a bottle as a housewarming gift (context: making a good impression, e.g., dinner at the boss's house), ... which label should I buy?

Is Blue going overboard? Double Black a slap in the face? Gold impressive enough without being pretentious?

Pabst would be so much easier...

Someone explain Johnnie Walker to me
 

I'd say Blue would definitely be overkill unless you snag a good deal (~$180 USD duty free).

Most people would appreciate anything above red as a gift so I'd personally look at something like double black or green, unless gold or platinum turn up at a reasonable price (sub ~$85 USD)

Basically the bottles vary by age,blend and price as a result of the former two.

If you know someone coming in from overseas there's the 21yr old XR in airports and also the 'travellers range' if you just wanted something unique but if that's not possible then obviously I wouldn't worry about it.

Obviously other people may have varying opinions and of course it depends on what you intend to spend on a housewarming gift, if JW blue falls within that budget then it won't go unappreciated

I agree with this assesment - BTW the father of my grand children is a Scotsman.

Thanks, that was very helpful ^

That is the allure of JW -- well priced and reliably good. Each increment in price does lead to more exclusivity and recognition of the cost. As for taste, there is a different flavour to each one, personally I prefer Green over Blue (despite being much cheaper). In some ways the Double Black is the best of all. But Glenmorangie has it beat at all levels, just much harder to acquire and not as well known, so I drink Glenmorangie for pleasure and give JW as gifts.

Diageo's brands include Smirnoff (the world's best-selling vodka),[6] Johnnie Walker (the world's best-selling Scotch whisky),[7] Baileys (the world's best-selling liqueur)[8] and Guinness (the world's best-selling stout).[9][10] It is also the exclusive international distributor of José Cuervo (the world's best-selling tequila),[11] Crown Royal, and owns 34% of Moët Hennessy, which owns brands including Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Hennessy.

this thing is extremely well marketed, and directed, as are their other products to dedicated label buyers.

Good to see I'm not the only one, the character Green from each of the individual malts actually makes this my preference over many single malts as well. I just bought 10 bottles since they've stopped making it.

Also a good option as a gift, since its not as commonplace as Red, Black or Blue so its more unlikely he'll have one.

It's all going to depend on who you are bringing it to and what they drink. If all they drink is red, they would be happy with everything. If they consider blue to be their go to variety, they would not be happy with less than blue probably. If they don't drink whiskey, or don't drink at all they would wonder why you picked that. There's no right answer unless you really know what they like.

Blue sells for $120.00 at Costco every Nov.

+1

If someone gives me something "less" than what I normally drink, it usually languishes for years or is given away to others for free when they're visiting my place.

i'd prefer glenfiddich 15yr single malt for USD$80

I agree with your preference for the Green over the Blue. On the other hand, for a "Guest's Gift", I'd do a bit of reading here and buy a single malt, likely more impressive unless your host is a JW drinker.

JW Red is meant for mixing only.
JW Black drinks well but is considered on the low end as a gift (great for say a dinner party gift)

All other JWs are fine as higher end gifts.

I do like to drink JWs But.... I think they are clearly overpriced, mostly marketing I say.

For people who understand scotch's I would go for some single malts.

I always avoid giving JW as a present as most people have heard of it.

A lesser known brand will make a bigger impact on the person receiving it.

^

Glenmorangie, Laphroiag, or an elderly Macallan.