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Johnnie Walker Swing
The house of Johnnie Walker has been a mainstay in the scotch market for many years. For good or bad they have created whisky branding that is easily for the average consumer to identify and define the quality of the spirit in the bottle. Obviously I'm talking about the Red, Black, Green and Blue labels. But, there is more to Johnnie Walker than coloured labels, they do have other products like Swing. For those who are not familiar with this Johnnie Walker product, it was created in the 1932 and has a convex base that causes it to rock back and forth when pushed. On ships, the action of the waves would cause the bottle to rock. The bottle is interesting, but what is inside the bottle is even more interesting.
Many years ago, when my parents came back from a trip, they picked up a bottle of Johnnie Walker Swing at the duty free shop. We estimate it was around 1991 when the bottle was purchased. I was about 20 years old at the time and remember the rocking motion of the bottle and thought it was pretty cool. I was easily amused in my youthful years. Since then the Swing bottle has been hanging around my parents home, collecting dust, and unopened for the last 15 years. Every once in a while, when I visited, I'd come across the bottle and bring it to the table, rock it back and forth and then try to convince them to open it so we could taste it. For 15 years the answer was no. Then, I found the bottle again and when I dusted the Swing bottle off, the answer about opening it changed to yes. So we opened it, much to my surprise.
It was probably better to wait until I was in my mid 30's before opening it, since I can appreciate it better now. Back then I was drinking scotch with club soda (or water) and now I just sip it straight. Johnnie Walker Swing is one of those whiskies that is best appreciated straight. Partially because Swing is hard to find and partially because the whisky tastes very good when served neat.
Once we unceremoniously opened the bottle, everyone poured a small amount and gave it a taste. The general impression was a good one. My first impression was of sweetness, both in the nose and on the tongue. The finish was long, smooth and smoky with a little bit of spiciness. After that first taste we went on about our business. In a surprising move, my parents told me to take the bottle home, so I did, and here I am reviewing it.
Since my first impression was more about opening the Swing bottle, than actually contemplating the taste, I figured I'd do a more thorough review. The basic facts about Johnnie Walker Swing include that it is a blended whisky with no age statement on the bottle. This is pretty normal for the Johnnie Walker line of scotch whiskies. Up to 35 whiskies are used in its creation, the majority from Speyside, where single malts vary between those matured for many years in sherry casks to gain richness, and others that are lighter and more aromatic. Swing uses a high proportion of these contrasting malts in the blend, complemented by malts from the northern Highlands and Islay to add spice and weight.
Tasting Notes:
First, the whisky is actually a deep golden brown in colour, similar to Marker's Mark bourbon. On the nose it is sweet and you can pick up some sherry fruitiness and some smoke and peat. It smells quit nice if you allow it to open up for a few minutes. On the tongue it starts of sweet and then the spicy notes hit about mid palate and then the smoke and peat come out. It has a smooth lingering smoke and spice finish. The one aspect that is very noticeable is that this is an exceptionally smooth scotch. There is no bite or raw alcohol heat. There also doesn't seem to be a lot of maltiness, but I'm OK with that since I find Swing to be so well balanced and the taste stages are so well defined. Adding water doesn't seem to improve the flavour, but it does bring out some wood notes.
Unlike Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Swing is more subtle and relaxed. I'll have to get some Black Label to do a better comparison in the future. This is a good whisky to give as a gift, it has all of the characteristics of a good scotch, but is smooth enough to be enjoyed by anyone.
For me this was a fun scotch to taste, mostly because I had to wait 15 years to try it. I wasn't disappointed though, and after waiting so long, sometimes things like this can be a let down. Happily it worked out well. Now, it is time to finish this little dram and bring the bottle back home. It doesn't seem right having the bottle on my desk when it spent so many years collecting dust at my parent house.
534 Comments on Johnnie Walker Swing
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Man, great find and good review.
Now where do I get it?
Thanks. The only place that I know for sure you can get Swing is at a duty free shop (airports, border crossings, etc.). Actually, eBay has three listings for bottles of Swing, but they are a bit pricey ($115+). If you do find a bottle, it is a pretty good scotch for unpretentious sipping.
I will like to receive the latest news of your new drinks, also more information about Johnnie Walker Swing
My wife and I picked up a bottle of Swing in St Thomas about 25 years ago. I made up my mind that I would save it until the 1st of my two sons became engaged. How was I to know that these late blumers would make me wait this long for the older one to take a bride. Now that he has done so in South America we all have a date this summer to open the bottle here at home. I hope it is as smooth as the Gold I tasted last year when I visited him in Colombia. The anticipation is certainly heightened by your family story. By the way, how long has Swing been aged?
Johnnie Walker Swing is approximately 17 years old. The Gold Label is said to be around 18 years in age. Swing is a good scotch and I'm sure you will enjoy it.
My parents also purchased a bottle in 1974...
I still have not opened it...
tempting...!
We had a bottle of this in South America last year. At the time i had no idea that the contents were so rare & valuable. It was one of the smoothest scotches i had tasted in a while. My relatives over there usually drink Gold & Green Labels as their regular whisky though, so they didn't think it was anything too special.
Found a bottle around the corner in South Jersey. I bought it immediately. $80 bucks and no regets, but I haven't opened it yet. Not sure if I should. Since it seems to be so rare, I might consider saving it till a special moment, but then again life is short..............
i am trying to sell jw swing and it was purchased dated 1957. It was kept in its safe place. the box is a green one..it is in good shape and its with a box. also im trying to sell my haig n haig dimple at a fair price.... try to contact me at xsemenelinx@yahoo.com
I just found out my favorite liquor store carries Johnnie Walker Swing, bought a bottle last week for $48.
Amazing stuff, might have to go back and pick up some more (I had never heard of it and did not know it was rare)
I have actually never seen a Johnny Walker Swing at ANY store. Fortunately my father had one of these stocked up from over 20 years ago (bought from Panama). That rocking bottle certainly is something special. I checked out my bottle at EBAY and someone was selling it for as much as $160. Does anyone know any reputable online stores that carries this for less??? Can anyone tell me what would actually be considered a reasonable price?
Please contact me at shumvictor@gmail.com if you have any useful information
Could you tell me were I can get in Dublin.
Regards
Aarons
I actually first heard of this scotch while I was working a part time job to pay for school. I was a driver for a rental car company and I was getting to know one of the management trainees there. She mentioned that when she goes out drinking she enjoys drinking whisky neat in a glass. When I asked what her favorite was she answered "Swing" and I had no clue what she meant. A few months later I went to visit my sister in Grenada where she was attending veterinary school at the time. As I was checkign out the duty free store on my stop in Barbados to return home I saw the box finally and said "That's gotta be it... I'm getting one." $20. Didn't seem like anything special at the time. We didn't even wait at all, it was opened immediately and EVERYONE loved it. We sent emails to my sister to bring home 2 more bottles when she visits for the summer, as we couldn't find ANYONE that sold it in the states. A few years later (present day) I see it at nearly every store here in Jersey for $80+. It's still $20 in Barbados Duty Free.
I just bought a bottle at COSTCO.. $45....awesome
My wife got a bottle for me at the duty free shop on a cruise earlier this month for $20 or so she says. I just found it at COSTCO in Fla for $46.
i bought a johnnie walker swing bottle in 1946. was told it was part of a shipment to celebrate end of ww2.it has a white label.would like to know the value.it is unopened.many thanks
i have botle of WHITE LABEL johnie walker swing white label that i purchased at the peeke inn restaurant in phillipsburg,n.j. in 1975 0r 1976. it does have white label it was sent over to u.s. in celebration of world war 2.if any one is interested contact me at fincyn@ aol.com
A liquor store by me now carries Swing for ~$50 a bottle, and I've also seen it at Stew Leonard's for a similar price. Can't wait to try a bottle of it.
Man, I bought a bottle of Swing in Turks and Caicos. I must say, it is one of the smoothest tasting scotch around. Much easier to the tongue than Blue.
I was given a bottle of Swing as an xmas present around 1980. It is still in its golden card box with purple silk lining.I have always wondered what it is worth.I am not a whiskey drinker.
My Boss Just Gave me one Today for my B'day... Since is a Present, Can't ask for Price... I know that I have seen it before in the Dominican Republic... Never had Taste it... But Today is the Day... I'm In NYC, I know I can Find it... Happy Birthday to Me and Bottoms UP!!!! Cheers!!!!
hi I'm ann and we have about 5 Jhonny walker swing in stock selling at only 50$ if anyone is interested pls email me at kit_ty_n@yahoo.com
I first discovered SWING at the Holiday Inn in Woburn, MA. about two years ago. I was dining with friends at the grand opening of their new Spanish theme restaurant when I spied this funny looking bottle with a round bottom on the top shelf. "What, pray tell, is that?" I inquired.... And that is how I was introduced to Johnnie Walker Swing. Swing is one of the modern world's best kept secrets and quite deserving of a place on the Top Shelf.
I've been to several Johnnie Walker Scotch tasting parties and nobody ever addresses the subject of SWING. It it either one of the "Seven Wonders Of The World" or one of God's greatest creations.
What is the availability of Swing today? I just learned about it. I love great scotches and I would consider having this in my cabinet. What is the approximate retail on a bottle?
I posted last february after finding it for $80 a bottle around the corner. It is the only place I've ever seen it in my area and I've checked. Life is short as I said before and I opened it. Unbelievablely smooth. Similiar but also different in taste to Black Label. At first sip, you can tell it is from the Johnny Walker collection, but as you savor it, and particularly after you swallow it, a sweet almost honey flavor envelopes your mouth. Try it neat or on the rocks. If you take it neat, add a little water, as you will open up more of the after flavors. I do get up to Cape Cod, MA from time to time and found it in a KAPPY'S liquor store for 57.99. Excellent buy at that price.
Hello,
I was fortunate enough to find an estate sale where a woman passed on but kept her husbands collection of many different types of liquors and wines. He had many different types of bottles from the prohibition era. I purchased as many of them as I could carry in my 4Runner at the time (1996). Since then I have taken some bottles out on special occasions with family. I was fortunate enough to obtain a bottle of Johnnie Walker Swing that I found to be a real conversation piece (As many other of my bottles have become also). I don’t know the actual date that this was made because there is no date on the bottle. But there are things on the bottle that make its era a little clear to me. On the back of the bottle the glass has a note formed into the glass that says “FEDERAL LAW FORBIDS SALE OR RE-USE OF THIS BOTTLEâ€. It also has a shield logo with the letters W&S on it and there are 2 squirrels holding it up from each side. There are also ribbons with the words “Confido†“Gold†“Berry†on it. But on the bottom back there is a signature of “John Malhert Sons ltd kalmarnock Scotlandâ€. The bottle has a couple of stickers that are very old and frail.
While I was in Chicago I showed it to one of my friends that worked as a bartender and he offered me $300.00 for it. Knowing my friend the way I think I do he could get 3X’s more for it. I am writing to find out if anyone has any information about this bottle? Please feel free to contact me if there are any questions or comments. I have high res pictures if anyone would like to see the bottle.
I have been on several cruises and the JW Swing has always caught my eye. This past Nov(2007) I was cruising and decided to purchase the SWING for a mere $30 and the gift box of Black, Green, Gold & Blue for $90. After tasting the SWING, I wish I had purchased 4 bottles of SWING. I am not a stranger to the other brands but the SWING has such a unique taste. I have been on the internet trying to locate another bottle at a reasonable price to no avail. However, last night one of my local liquor stores in central TX has this brand in stock for a little less than $60. Today I am giving up Black, Green, Gold and Blue labels and sticking to the SWING. Salut!!
I have an empty John Walker & Sons Ltd swing bottle that I am trying to find the age of. Can you help me?
In where i live you can get Swing basically any club/bar/lounge. Per bottle would be around $90 at these places. bottle shops sell them for $40-$45.
I've had swing for a few years now...roughtly 2 bottles a week with my friends for 3 years. Swing is a good drink but it tends to be inconsistant. The oak flavour is there at times. It is still good but u can a different taste from each bottle. Thats what i can share.
I had my first sip of JW Swing yesterday. Swing is advertised as an exceptionally smooth scotch and my taste buds certainly agree. I'm a rum drinker by trade and only take the scotch occasionally, usually JW Black. I had a Black yesterday immediately after my Swing and there was no comparison - the Swing is simply awesome. The Swing I imbibed was purchased this past Christmas at a duty free shop in Cuba for the equivalent of $55 Cdn. My personal bar will soon have Swing featured, that's for sure!
I won a bottle at a church fete about 12 years ago. The bottle is still in its original box and looks like it is quite old. I was trying to find the date of the bottle and came across your web site very interesting ...
didnt even know the bottle rocked..
If any one can help with the date it will be much apreciated, its in a kind of green box which fades to dark blue , with a full size bottle on the front. its a 75 cl bottle to...dont even like whiskey but intresting all the same
I have never tasted scotch whiskey before.just the smell of it made me sick. Yesterday on my way home from costa rica, I stopped to see a friend at one of the duty free shops,at the airport. I was looking for something that I don't have at home. My friend started telling me about Johnnie Walker Swing. The more I listened , The more I looked at the bottle. SOLD . I couldn't wait to get home. I opened the bottle,and to my surprise ,I was about to taste scotch whiskey. WOW was I shocked. I had another taste today.It was as good as it was the night before. I go back to work tomorrow,so I'll probably wait another week before I dare try it again. This has been a wonderful experience for me . I thank you very much. Jake Looney
I have been a member of The Striding Man Society for some time and just tried Swing for the first time. Great stuff. Going to keep a bottel on my boat. Harry Gates Allendale, NJ
Hi Everybody,
I am just browsing after my father today gave me a bottle o Swing which he has apparently been keeping since the seventies. He remembers to have been told that the bottle was 50 years old (unlikely, since JW is only producing the Swing since 1932).
In all cases, I would love to date this bottle (which really ROCKS).
No dates anywhere, but surely there is a way from the label appearance and the box? (the box is dark brown with gold prints, and it does look a way older than any of the Swing boxes I could find online. ).
There might be a date on the cork, but I do not want to remove the top metal package (with SWING printed on it) just yet. The bottom of the bottle has soem leters printed on the glass, in a column, like
A
N
OC
Any idea? How does one date the swing?
Thanks in advance for any help,
Sandro.