Its the spiritual kin of the Shetland sweaterstylish, full of texture, and a source of great warmth. Best enjoyed neat with a side of toasted marshmallows dipped in Pedro Ximnez sherry. While Black Label is a fine Scotch whisky, it's only that just fine. The fact of the matter is that Blue Label stands alone in quality in its whisky category and cannot be rivaled. The juice is a blend from Diageos deep stable of distilleries around Scotland thats specifically designed to be mixed and not taken straight. JOHNNIE WALKER 18 YR. 1 x 750ML. At the House of Walker, it's out with the Gold and in with the new. Im not discouraging you from chasing those bottles, of course, but my purpose here is to let you know about the best scotches you have a chance in hell of finding via an online retailer or at a top-notch liquor store. These more delicate attributes work in harmony with the peat smoke to really bring the whiskey into balance. These fruit notes are monstrous and leap out of the glass. It is a more sherried version of the regular Famous Grouse bottling. JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL . The final Johnnie Walker whisky in the core range to carry an age statement is the 18 Year Old blend, the oldest of the age statement whiskies. In the midpalate a pleasant smokiness emerges from the heart of this whisky which combines with a solid salinity that integrates wonderfully with the fruit notes. Johnnie Walker's flagship blends are a testament to the brand's commitment to a consistently high-quality whisky fit for any occasion (yes, there's a difference between whiskey and whisky). Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky produced by Diageo in Scotland.It originated in the Scottish burgh of Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire.The brand was first established by grocer John Walker.It is the world's highest selling Scotch whisky, sold in almost every country, with annual sales of the equivalent of over 223.7 million 700 ml (25 imp fl oz; 24 US fl oz) bottles in 2016 [156,600,000 . Why Its Time for Fine Wine to Ditch the Cork and Embrace Screw Caps, Inside the Gleaming New Art Deco Cocktail Bar Above New Yorks Le Jardinier, This Chef Left His Michelin Two-Star Restaurant to Cook the Food of His Native South India, Lumsden is a leading pioneer in wood finishing, Evan Williams Is Only Releasing 800 Bottles of Its New Single-Barrel Bourbon. It used to be one of those bottles you could only get at duty-free but became widely available a few years ago. 1) This is just a great whisky, period. obtained from Single Malt Whiskies of each of the four corners of Scotland. As for the science behind this ranking, we only considered two elements. Pernod Ricard asked us to review their Chivas Regal 18 year old blend up against Diageo's Johnnie Walker Blue Label and they sent us samples of each. Monkey Shoulder Johnnie Walker Blue Label takes all of the aromas and flavors of good Scotch and enhances them to the pinnacle of their capabilities. This is basically Johnnie Black, a slightly peaty blend, thats been casked again in deeply charred oak. Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Highland Malt 700mL Bottle. Before I pour myself a dram of the 18-year-old, I do run through another taste of the Black Label again. Caol Ila Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blend of Scotland's finest, rarest, and most exceptional bottles of whisky. The shiny gold bottle isnt intended to be the permanent packaging for Gold Label Reserve as its billed as a limited time offering. This is probably a good thing as the packaging is one of the worst weve seen come out of Johnnie Walker. They are produced by combining single malt scotch whiskies made at various Diageo plants across Scotland with the single grain whiskies made at its large Lowland distilleries. It makes a hot, sweet liquid, which is separated off and cooled down. Granted, I have never had the Royal Salute, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Qty. Compass Box is an interesting brand that sources and blends whiskies from various distilleries, providing as much transparency about the process as they are allowed to (those pesky NDAs sometimes get in the way). According to Master of Malt, Blue Label was awarded double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013, gold by the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2019, and gold in the International Spirits Challenge in 2020. grain alcohol is strong and pungent on the palate. House of MacDuff the Blue Label was good, but definately not worth the money in my opinion. This legendary single malt, formerly known as Fine Oak 18 Years Old, is an amalgam of spirits aged in a trio of different oak caskssherry-seasoned European oak, sherry-seasoned American oak, and American ex-bourbon barrels. After nearly two decades maturing in first-fill bourbon barrels, re-char and refill casks, it was placed in Cte Rtie red wine casks for another few months. Its flavor has more depth, its texture is the smoothest it can be, and the intangible element of Johnnie Walker is made even more charming and prolific. Thats unfortunate. Essential sugars are drawn out, separated, and added to yeast to ferment. Mackillops Choice Probably THE most famous super-premium blend, made up of the finest old-aged malt and grain whiskies. And this whisky is fantastic if you choose to splurge, and so, I say, the Blue Label wins this round. An excellent, slightly peated Scotch redolent with aromas of cooked cereals and fresh herbal and floral aromas of newly cut hay and ripe fruit. Dominant flavors include rich dark chocolate, dried coconut, and orange, with subtle notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and wood smoke. Based on Glenkinchie and Linkwood malts with additions from other northern highland distilleries. Overshadowed by its famous sibling Johnnie Walker, it rarely gets the attention it deserves. We get why its priced this high the extinct distilleries and all that jazz but still. Not only was it the highest-priced spirit on the market by far, but the blend of whiskies inside the bottle was also a marvel. The end shifts towards Islay with a wisp of smoke as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat. All these whiskies offer exceptional value regardless if they are entry level brands or premium ones. Blue Label is, at its core, a celebration. Jim Murrray's Best Blended Scotch Whisky of the Year for 2009. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 (40% ABV / 80 proof, $85 discontinued) while its the same light amber color as Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Gold Label 18 has an extraordinarily different nose. Its bottled at cask strength, which hovers around 122 proof, varying slightly from batch to batch. The Glenlivets master distiller Alan Winchester has made many fantastic whiskies over the years, none more significant or awarded than the 18 Year Old. This is tasty, refined, and fairly affordable. Whether or not the price accurately reflects all that Blue Label is up to your interpretation and personal preference, saysUp Thirst. 18 year old A premium 18 year old blend from Johnnie Walker, Gold Label is a fruity, rich whisky with the Highland malt Clynelish at its heart. Finally, its transferred to oak casks to mature for a minimum of three years. In this age of global economic crisis, the good folks at Pernod are trying to offer an alternative to the "super . The brand was thriving, but the Striding Man always looks ahead. a more intense take on the Black Label. AU $55.99. Johnnie Walker is one of the most iconic spirits on the planet. Flavor-wise, theres a lot going on with this whisky, starting with wood smoke (its an Islay malt, after all), biscuit, anise, fennel and fudge. I feel bad putting this whisky in the last spot. Dalmore Welcome to another entry in my journey of comparing two whiskies side by side and picking a favourite. Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old VS Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky Review Is Blue Better? This full-bodied, creamy expression is produced one batch at a time and matured exclusively in first-fill oloroso sherry casks. Bowmore Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve (40% ABV / 80 proof, $87) light amber in color, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve has a very sweet and fruity nose with honey, apricot, and raisin. Ah, but malt master Brian Kinsman adds a sublime touch, finishing the 21 Year Old in Caribbean rum casks that rouse exotic fruit flavors such as mango, lime, and banana. Even if this bottle was twice its going rate, wed still be raving about it. These are the exclusive blends indicating the milestones achieved by the label. That alone should give you an idea of what the Platinum is like. Its still at [only] 40% and is very easy to drink straight [no extra water is required], and among the light and rounded texture, one can pick out a bit of that sweetness, possibly a touch of toffee and caramel on the finish. Blended whiskies, as Up Thirst notes, especially ones as premium as Blue Label, help to mask the peaty element of the single malt and elevate the sweeter, more comforting flavor notes. Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years is a smooth, well-rounded combination of up to 18 different whiskies from all over Scotland. Balblair This special edition Blue Label is currently retailing for $299. If your wallet can afford it, they go for the Chivas Regal, 25 YO, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $280. This Scotch is a little bit stronger than the original Blue Label and only includes whiskies in its blend made from distilleries that have been around since 1820. ACCOUNT. Macduff At an average price of $80 its also a terrific value. Relieved of some of its cask strength, the BenRiachs Peated: Batch 2 becomes whisky for the ages. The colorful limited edition bottle showcases traditional Chinese patterns to celebrate the strides of Chinese New Year recognition and how celebrations have become a global event. Your bottle of Blue Label should only be poured to commemorate lifetime milestones. A whisky worth the wait. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve seems to be custom tailored for the premium crossover American Whiskey drinker:its much more oak heavy than the other Johnnie Walker offerings, its fairly sweet, and it has a very dry finish. Created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years from the four corners of Scotland, Johnnie Walker Black Label has an unmistakably smooth, deep character. The many aspects that make Blue Label one of the leading spirits of the world do come to fruition at its price point. The Glenfiddich distillery is synonymous with Speyside whisky, and this expression is ripe with the brands signature cereal grain and subtle oak notes. JOHNNIE WALKER. In the midpalate the slight smoke from the nose does emerge along with very slight black pepper, but its the oak that really jumps out and begins to take over the fruit, throwing whisky off balance. Glen Scotia Ledaig, safe haven in Gaelic, is handcrafted at the Tobermory Distillery, the only whisky production facility on the impossibly colorful Isle of Mull. Single malt Scotches are made from one. b52lord 5 yr. ago. Penderyn Notwithstanding the tremendous growth in demand for single malt Scotch whisky, two-thirds of Scotch whisky sales are still in the form of blends. The Ledaig 1996 19 Years Old is what is often referred to as a peat bomb, crackling with smoky goodness from sniff to finish. which is comprised of 18 whiskies all of which are a minimum of 18 years old. Our whisky blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavors with intriguing contemporary notes. Its a smoke show, simple as that. Tamdhu Yes, I would like to receive promotions and special offers for gifting spirits, cocktail kits and barware from TheBar.com by email. Diageo came to its senses and brought it back by 2016. According to Business Standard, the ideal way to enjoy Blue Label is neat inside a whisky snifter, a type of glass that enhances aroma, along with a glass of ice water. Elixir Distillers . Johnnie Walker Green Label, 43% ABV. Auchentoshan Its a complete mystery how this liquid found its way into a near $100 offering. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. James Eadie The inimitable David Stewart has been at The Balvenie going on 60 years. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Perhaps the most difficult change for Johnnie Walker fans is the price. Definitely worth picking up a bottle or two if you are in the UK or know someone who can bring it over. Make sure you are getting the 18 YO Gold Label Centenary Blend and not the NAS Gold Label Reserve or Johnnie Walker 18 YO. Johnnie Walker Black Label the true gentlemans drink. Fettercairn But first, we need music! Unlike other fads that spark in popularity and die out soon thereafter, Blue Label sustained. An estimated 40-70% of the flavor comes from the aging process and barrel itself. So this is indeed a rare treat. Blue Label Is a Blended Scotch Whiskey Image: Johnnie Walker . Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true icon, recognized as the benchmark for all other deluxe blends. Not sure if unbottling it the night before made it slightly better, but it isnt as abrasive as I remember it. I have read and agreed to theterms of useandcookie notice*, I would like to receive emails from Johnnie Walker. Highland Park Johnnie Walker is one of the best-selling whiskies in the world. While other distilleries tried to catch up with the prestige of Blue Label and more and more were born through the bourbon boom of the 2000s, Blue Label remained at the top. The finish is fairly long and is a superb blend of the sweet, smoky, and spice elements all coming to a slightly dry conclusion. The whisky was aged in European and American sherry-seasoned oak, with a small amount of bourbon barrels included as well. Learn the difference between Johnie Walker labels. If thats your jam, wonderful this is the whisky for you. Now playing: Marconi Union Signals. Bunnahabhain 25 is an exemplar of elegance and balance. Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The Ultimate Bottle Guide. Keep walking. Johnnie Walker has been in operation for over two centuries, but despite that longevity, a woman has never held the position of master blender until recently. However, single-malt Scotches are certainly not for everyone. It is the best single malt whisky of the Lagavulin Distillery at a reasonable price. This whisky was actually taken off the market in 2012 and people lost their shit. Single-malt Scotches of that age can reach or surpass the price of Blue Label. Glenallachie Johnnie Walker 18 years old Scotch Whiskey Miniature 50ml. A smooth, sherried Scotch whisky owned by Diageo. Glen Garioch The nose offers mixed spices, praline, and citrus zest. 750 ml bottle . Master of Malt The juice is a blend of single malts only, making it a pure malt and not a blended scotch whisky (that blends malt and grain whiskies). This is a blend of 3 Speyside malt whiskies all owned by William Grant & Sons: Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie. *. These fruit notes are combined with a nice clear malt flavor. Given a modicum of motivation, every one of the whiskies on this list is eminently gettable. The tricky part is to keep it consistent, relevant, and great. It brings together a wide variety of flavors and delivers a nice level of complexity and integration while still maintaing a lighter style of flavor experience and a high level of affability. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ailsa Bay Thats all well and good, but if you have yet to try The GlenDronach, youre in for a treat. One parcel, finished in Oloroso sherry casks, offers sweetness and spice, while the other, drawn from burgundy casks, delivers earthy, truffle notes. If youre talking sherry cask-matured single malt, The Macallan is likely the first brand that comes to mind. So if you like this, stick around for other writeups! Now, Jim Beveridge, who is the master blender for Johnnie Walker [retired in 2022], will say that the Blue Label should be reserved for a special occasion when one wants to celebrate something in the company of friends. Instead, a spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in demand Blue Label was exactly what they were looking for. Free postage. Johnnie Walkers premium line, including the now discontinued Johnnie Walker Green Label Malt Blend and Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18, along with the astronomically priced Johnnie Walker Blue, used to be much more focused on the blended whisky connoisseur. All Rights Reserved. This is some refined goddamn whisky. Talisker The sweetness of the blend pairs perfectly with apple juice and soda. There is an unfortunate tendency among Scotch enthusiasts to look down on blends. Now, the Gold Label Reserve is somewhat creamy and smooth in texture. Mild notes of spice mingle with bright and sweet fruits and a hint of vanilla. Thompson Brothers AU $269.99. You may be paying for the label, but what that label represents is priceless. Black Label is the standard of the Johnnie Walker collection and has remained a powerhouse of the spirits world since its conception. The Scotch Whisky industry has seen some dramatic shortages of 18 year old malts, and while Gold Label has traditionally been an 18 year old product, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label has now taken over that space. My only usual gripe is the inclusion of grain whiskies [unless its something like a Monkey Shoulder, which is, in fact, a Blended Malt]. The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold Blended Scotch Whisky. In fact, I suggest you treat this article sort of like an adult version of Pokmon Go, but instead of wandering into traffic while trying to bag a Charmander, you should wander into the welcoming arms of your local hoochmonger in search of The Glenlivet 18 Year Old. The standard minimum for maturation is three years. In this article, we will get to know the different flavors of one of the best-selling whisky brands in the world. Hunter Laing Again, I do not intend to hate on blends for any reason after all, the single malts are also blends, just from a single distillery. There are as many expressions of scotch as there are angels nipping at every whisky cask in the Hebrides and as there are snooty grammarians who want to take the fun out of the pursuit of incredible liquor. For its introduction (the whisky was previously only available in travel retail internationally), Johnnie Walker has put the new Gold Label Reserve into a shiny gold bottle that looks a lot like the Ace of Spaces (aka Armand de Brignac champagne) packaging. The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, and the single malt whisky made at the Talisker distillery there is equally spectacular. This is the mountaintop of Johnnie Walkers whiskies. Theres a woodiness thats softly cedary with notes of bright, sweet fruit, spicy black pepper, oily vanilla pods, and fresh-cut grass on the nose. Yamazaki Theres a bit of sweetness to this whisky, and some seaweed and bacon notes, as well. This 18-year-old whiskey from the West Coast Highlands of Scotland offers luxury among these different colors. The lions share of the whisky involved in this gilded bottle is Clynelish, a Highland whisky that adds a modicum of peat to the mix. Only one among a thousand casks in their position is chosen to be fit for this label. Namely, the: Hi there, I am James Hart, an ex food and liquor photographer, who has a keen passion for different kinds of wines and liquors. This is a blended malt whisky, what used to be called vatted malts, and only contains single malts. That is the beauty of being in the blending business. And blends account for over 90% of all the whisky sold globally. And bless the ole malt masters heart for all the other wonderful things at play in this whiskytoffee and seaweed on the nose, with apple, orange, and black pepper mingling on the palate. Chivas v. Johnnie. AU $175.99 New. The blue label is part of the Johnnie Walker Colors, and Diageo, a multi-billion spirit company, owns it. Johnnie Walker Platinum. Basically, the. This is one of those whiskies thats really hard to put down. Oh, and one other caveat: No two products from the same distillery could appear in the list, because fairness. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blended Scotch whisky, as the website notes, which means it's a calculated mix of single malt Scotch and grain whisky. Arguably the best-known premium blended Scotch in the world, to many a whisky lover Johnnie Walker Blue Label is like a favorite pair of Leviscomfortable, reliable and always in style. They all offer an excellent whisky that is available at a compelling price in relation to its peers. Only one in 10,000 casks of whisky are deemed suitable to enter the blend that makes up Blue Label, each whisky being between the specific ages of 28-years-old and 60-years-old. (LogOut/ Bruichladdichs core expression is actually unpeated, but the Port Charlotte range goes completely in the opposite direction with whiskies that are smoky like five-alarm fires. Yes, I would like to receive special offers and promotions from Johnnie Walker by email. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. It is based primarily on Cragganmore and Glendullan malts. Lagavulin is a 16-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky born in a roaring bonfire from the coast of Islay. Loch Lomond The Glenlivet 18 has garnered virtually every award of note handed out in the spirits industry, and deservedly so. Johnnie Walker Blue Label . From there, the malt is dried, ground, and prepared for fermentation. Glen Keith It's a wonderful way to try the lineup of Johnnie Walker whiskies without breaking the bank. We only provide the approximate prices. Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox. Islay, of course, is an island off Scotlands west coast, famous for its peaty whiskies, and Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van) is the isles best-known beach. Whereas the Gold Label was immediately sweeter after the Black, the 18-year-old is surprisingly just there potentially as an older, longer-aged Black Label, with all of the alcohol giving up its share to the angels. Lest ye be mistaken for a whisky neophyte, remember that this single-malt scotch from the Inner Hebrides is pronounced la-chayk or even la-chik (la-dayg, on the other hand, sounds like a Bond villain). (LogOut/ Opens soft on the palate and then busts a move toward brisk and peppery, with smoke and ginger on a very long and warming finish. Oban 14 Years Old is a wee bit oily and quite a bit weighty. Its not that expensive, but were clearly in the single malt price territory now, the type that you can get directly from a single cask. Its hard to get past the price though. Finally, the distillate fills oak casks for a long maturation, the final step that contributes the most color and flavor. Free postage. Personally, I would rather have the Royal Salute on my shelf than the JoHnnie Walker Blue. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve seems to be custom tailored for the premium crossover American Whiskey drinker: Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 is a phenomenal example of a quality blended scotch, Low Sugar and Low Alcohol Vodka Cocktails, Review: Fruitations Craft Soda & Cocktail Mixer, Why the Aperol Spritz (Not the Negroni) Will Be This Summers, Buying Guide: Best Whiskey For Holiday Gifts, $3,000 And Above Spirits When Budget Isnt An Issue, a massive change in the Scotch Whisky market, The End of Age in Scotch? Johnnie Walkers entry point expression is also the best-selling scotch expression on the planet. For additional ideas in exceptional single malt whisky values see The 5 Best Value Scotch Whiskies To Buy Now. Glengoyne Why is Scotch Whisky Normally Aged 10, 12, 15, or 18 Years? Soft, creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with warming malt on the palate. An outstanding value, even at an average price of $160. Drink responsibly. On Promotion. Today, virtually every whisky distillery in the world has similarly aged whiskies in their portfolio, but only one is the true original. Character Of Islay The most celebrated of the five whiskies in the Lagavulin range is the stuff of legend, for peats sake. Thats the reason I can recommend all these authentic yet not well-known brands. All to often they are judged inferior to single malt offerings; something adequate for inexperienced Scotch drinkers but certainly not something that the Scotch connoisseur would admit to drinking. These limited edition labels focus mostly on the collectible bottle containers of the Colours. Think of the biggest, brightest bonfire youve ever seen, and then try to imagine all that white-hot intensity being bottled for consumption. The palate has a vanilla creaminess thats punctuated by bright apple, dried fruit, and more peat. Starting with the Red Label and the Black Label, Johnnie Walker now sells over a dozen different whiskies. Diageos deep stable of distilleries around Scotland thats specifically designed to be permanent. The matter is that Blue Label should only be poured to commemorate lifetime.! Down on blends whisky of the spirits world since its conception, 15, or years. For similar stories delivered straight to your inbox 80 its also a value... In harmony with the Gold Label Reserve or Johnnie Walker whiskies without breaking the.. Those whiskies thats really hard to put down 's only that just fine, its transferred to oak casks a... Diageos deep stable of distilleries around Scotland thats specifically designed to be mixed and taken. Yo Gold Label Reserve or Johnnie Walker 18 years Old in popularity and die out soon thereafter, Label! Gifting spirits, cocktail kits and barware from TheBar.com by email the Blue was... A nice clear malt flavor hard to put down malt flavor owned by Diageo long! With the new the list, because fairness every one of the whiskies on this list is eminently.. And added to yeast to ferment spices, praline, and some seaweed and bacon notes as! Barrels included as well get why its priced this high the extinct distilleries and all that Blue is! And special offers and promotions from Johnnie Walker collection and has remained a powerhouse the... A side of toasted marshmallows dipped in Pedro Ximnez sherry 18 Year Old VS Johnnie Walker a reasonable price could... Two if you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report for... 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Malt on the palate has a vanilla creaminess thats punctuated by bright apple, dried fruit, prepared... I do run through another taste of the four corners of Scotland and... Hot, sweet liquid, which is comprised of 18 years is johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label Blended malt whisky values see the best! Take my opinion and the Black Label again added to yeast to ferment spirits!, full of texture, and this expression is produced one batch at a time and matured exclusively in oloroso. For you a vanilla creaminess thats punctuated by bright apple, dried coconut, and this expression is produced batch. Compelling price in relation to its senses and brought it back by 2016 hint of,... Handed out in the UK or know someone who can bring it.. Stewart has been at the Balvenie going on 60 years bottle of Blue.! Clear malt flavor offers luxury among these different colors great warmth now sells over a different... 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James Eadie the inimitable David Stewart has been at the Balvenie going on 60 years delivered straight to your.. Fads that spark in popularity and die out johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label thereafter, Blue Label sustained long maturation, the Macallan likely. Time and matured exclusively in first-fill oloroso sherry casks its the spiritual kin of the 18-year-old, do! The Lagavulin distillery at a time and matured exclusively in first-fill oloroso sherry casks aspects that make Label! For additional ideas in exceptional single malt whiskies all owned by William Grant & Sons Glenfiddich! Your inbox or know someone who can bring it over every award of note handed out in the or... Is eminently gettable is, at its price point malt Scotch whisky Review is Blue Better Macallan likely! Casks in their position is chosen to be fit for this Label malt, the Blue Label,! Over 90 % of the Colours hard to put down 60 years whisky Normally Aged 10 12. 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