Whisky · Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker King George V

Name: Johnnie Walker King George V
Brand: Diageo

A Royal Warrant blend built entirely from whiskies distilled during King George V's reign

Diageo

Distillery

Scotland

Country

43.00%

ABV

9.0/10

Rating

★★★★½

9.0/10

Various Est. 1934 43.00% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Deep dark amber

Nose & Aroma

Rich berry fruits, Christmas pudding, dried fruit, honey, poached pear and vanilla, with a hint of smoke

Palate & Taste

Full-bodied and layered with winter spice, oak, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, toffee, citrus zest and dark chocolate

Finish

Long and warm, with nuts, a trace of tobacco, gentle smoke and balanced spice lingering to the very end

History & Background

King George V commemorates the Royal Warrant granted to John Walker & Sons by King George V in 1934, the first such recognition for the brand. The blend is built exclusively from whiskies distilled at distilleries that were operational during George V's twenty-five-year reign from 1910 to 1936, some of which, including the celebrated Port Ellen distillery, closed decades ago and can never be replicated. This makes King George V a genuinely irreplaceable expression, sitting above even Blue Label in exclusivity, and it is positioned firmly as a collector's and connoisseur's bottle rather than an everyday pour.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

A blend built exclusively from whiskies distilled at distilleries operational during King George V's reign (1910-1936), including rare stock from now-closed distilleries such as Port Ellen, selected to reflect the Johnnie Walker style of that era.

Aging & Maturation

No fixed age statement declared, though component whiskies include stock many decades old, sourced entirely from distilleries active during the specified 1910-1936 period.

Distillery

Diageo

Founded

1934

Johnnie Walker King George V Price Guide 2026

Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock. Last verified: July 2026.

India (Delhi) Prices

India (Delhi) INR62,000

Cocktail Recipes with Johnnie Walker King George V

Johnnie Walker King George V Neat Pour

Easy

Ingredients

· 45ml Johnnie Walker King George V

Method

1. Pour into a tulip-shaped glass at room temperature. 2. Let it rest for several minutes to fully open. 3. Sip slowly without water or ice to experience its full layered complexity.

Garnish

None

🥂 Serve in: Tulip or Glencairn glass

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Johnnie Walker King George V so expensive?

King George V is built exclusively from whiskies distilled at distilleries operating during King George V's 1910-1936 reign, including stock from the closed Port Ellen distillery, which can never be reproduced. This irreplaceable sourcing, combined with the historical Royal Warrant significance, places it above even Blue Label in rarity and price.

What is the price of Johnnie Walker King George V in India?

Johnnie Walker King George V is priced at approximately Rs 62,000 in Delhi and Mumbai for a 750ml bottle, with other Indian states ranging from around Rs 52,700 in Goa to over Rs 88,000 in Kerala depending on local excise duty. Duty-free prices at Indian airports are typically somewhat lower, though exact figures vary by outlet given the bottle's rarity.

Johnnie Walker King George V vs Blue Label — which is more premium?

King George V sits above Blue Label in both price and exclusivity. While Blue Label is defined by selecting roughly one in 10,000 casks from Diageo's general reserves, King George V goes further by restricting itself entirely to whiskies from distilleries active during a specific 25-year historical window, including permanently closed distilleries. It is a rarer, more historically specific proposition than Blue Label.

Is Johnnie Walker King George V worth buying?

For collectors, whisky enthusiasts and those marking a truly significant occasion, yes. The historical rarity of the component whiskies and the complexity of the final blend are genuinely exceptional. For casual drinking, the price puts it firmly out of everyday territory, and Aged 18 Years or Platinum Label offer excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.

How should Johnnie Walker King George V be served?

Neat, at room temperature, in a tulip-shaped glass, with plenty of time to let the aroma develop. Given the price and rarity, it is meant to be sipped slowly and appreciated on its own rather than diluted with ice, water or mixers.

Similar to Johnnie Walker King George V

johnnie-walker-blue-label,johnnie-walker-platinum-label-18,johnnie-walker-18-year-old

About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

Website

Last updated: July 2026