A few years ago, JW's controlling group introduced three new blends to the market: Double Black, Gold Label Reserve and Platinum Label – the only one with a defined age of the three. On the other hand, it excluded the 18-year-old Gold Label and the 15-year-old Green Label from its permanent portfolio. The latter, the only pure malt blend in the line. After all, Diageo would have eliminated two whiskeys with a defined age – one of which was the only one in its portfolio made up entirely of single malts, without the introduction of grain whiskey – and would have replaced two blended whiskeys without an “age statement” and a with. The impression is that the brand was sacrificing quality to reach a larger consumer base. Like making a movie with Michael Caine, but casting Nicholas Cage in the lead role. Compared to Gold Label 18 Years Old (Centenary Blend), its predecessor, Gold Label Reserve is less rich and complex, and much less aromatic. Source: Cão Barrafado website.