Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Blended Scotch Whisky
40% ABV
$220 – $250
Website
What the Blender Says
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is an unrivalled masterpiece. It is an exquisite blend made from some of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavour to deliver the’ remarkable signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. An extraordinary whisky for extraordinary occasions.
FLAVOR
NOSE: Take in the wonderfully mellow, rounded nose – replete with dry smokiness artfully mixed with the sweetness of raisins.
PALATE: Serving a velvety combination of vanilla, honey and rose petals – before broadening out to include a zesty orange flavor with notes of hazelnut, sherry and dark chocolate.
FINISH: Signing off with a rich and luxuriously long finish, which showcases Johnnie Walker’s trademark smokiness in the most sophisticated way.
What Gary Says
Nose: Nice with a bit of sherry, peat, and nutty spice with dark fruit; hint of pipe smoke while laid back in an old overstuffed leather chair.
Palate: Creamy rich mouthfeel, fruity (melons and raisins), hints of chocolate with allspice, nutmeg, anise and dark candy.
Finish: Long, slow and mellowing.
Comments: This is one of the main reasons I wanted this sample pack. I’ve been wanting to try Johnnie Walker Blue for years, but not enough to buy a whole bottle (and not wanting to try it in a bar/restaurant where the environment isn’t often conducive to giving a dram my full attention. In comparison to the Platinum 18 yr, I found this to be only a marginal step up in the line-up. On its own, it is a very nice pour. It is absolutely one of the more intensely flavored drams I’ve had at only 40% ABV. Nothing objectionable either – very well balanced, and I appreciate the craftsmanship that went into blending this. It too leaves me wanting to try it at a higher proof, and for my tastes, there are plenty of bottles I’d pick over this for the money.
Rating: Stands Out
(Richard and Matt had reviewed this as part of a ‘taste off’ in 2009; below are their notes from that post)
What Richard Says:
Nose: Peatier and smokier than most blends. You can really smell the Islay in here. Fresh cut wood and non-orange citrus. Limes maybe?
Palate: An initial sweetness quickly shoved aside for a rich smokiness that settles to brine notes of the sea. Rich, complicated, and ever changing on the palate.
Finish: A very slow and long finish. It leaves you with a mellow smokiness more subtle than the robust smoke on the palate.
Rating: Must Try
What Matt Says:
Nose: Peat, chocolate, honey suckle and other sweet florals. Quite lovely.
Palate: Very smooth, but a little one-dimensional. There are some very light hints of peat, but mostly sweet and fruity.
Finish: Peaty and dry.
Rating: Stands Out