Johnnie Walker has re-branded Platinum and given it a new look. Some people thought this was a Gold replacement, but it wouldn't make much sense to have a new 18-year and an 18-year Platinum. They did that before when Gold and Platinum both carried an 18-year age statement. It was very confusing and it left you wondering why the Platinum was $10 more expensive. They dropped the 18-year age statement from Gold and called it Gold Reserve. Although, I think the recipe did change due to a shortage of 18 year whiskies. Gold Reserve is not the same as Gold 18-year.

They should have used a new color. Not gold, not silver. To me it just looks like a new Gold. It's been a while since I've had a bottle of Platinum, so I can't compare the flavor. It is absolutely fantastic. They supposedly did not change the recipe, but I can't tell if it's any different.