Country:
Scotland
Brand:
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Type:
Blended Scotch Whisky
Age:
NAS
ABV:
40%
Colour:
Amber/Gold
Nose:
The Blue Label does not give its Aromas away very easily. Give it some time!
First impressions are Peat, Smoke, Heather, Charred Oak, Tobacco, Leather and
Grains. It’s like entering a Cigar Shop! After a while I get some Peach,
Peanuts, Malt, Butter and Dried Fruits. I find some old Oak influence as well.
Some of the whiskies in this blend might well be over 20 years. Hints of Wood
Polish and Licorice.
Taste:
Smooth but slightly Watery delivery. This should have been bottled at 43-46% ABV.
Nevertheless, a good balance of Peat/Smoke, Honey, slightly Bitter Oak, White
Pepper, Ginger, Caramel, Orange Zest, Licorice, Butterscotch and a Salty edge.
Finish:
Middle-Long but on the dull side with Peat/Smoke, White Pepper, Cloves, Hay,
Lemon and Salt. The Finish remains the weakest part of most Johnnie Walker Blends.
I
added a couple of drops of Water and that gives you some more Floral tones on
the Nose. It waters down the Palate though and does not materially alter the Finish.
Therefore, my advice is to drink the Blue Label neat. Although I can imagine it
would taste quite well with a bit of Ice.
Rating: 85.5
Nose: 22 – Taste: 21.5 – Finish: 20.5 – Overall: 21.5
General
Remarks: The Johnnie Walker Brand is owned since 1997 by the Diageo Group. The
Blue Label is the Brand’s premium Blend that was launched in the early Nineties
to try and recreate some of the early Blends of the 19th Century. At
the heart of this Blend we find Royal Lochnagar. Another 15 or so whiskies are
used in the Blending process. All Bottles are numbered and come in a silk-lined
Box together with a certificate of authenticity. I received a sample from my
colleague Milton out of bottle nr. AY1 70223. The Blue is very expensive for a NAS Blend at around US$ 200, -. The
packaging was updated in 2011.
Drinking
Experience Neat: Good
Conclusion:
I’m sure this will not come as a surprise but I will write it down anyway. It
can’t be denied that the Johnnie Walker Marketing Machine has succeeded in
creating a worldwide hype around this Blend. Presidents and important
businessmen love it. It’s being served at all important cocktail parties. Well,
in my humble opinion the Blue Label is nothing more and nothing less than a very
decent – but certainly not exceptional Blend and it’s way too expensive when
compared to Gold and Green. And Green is the better Blend! Therefore, I would rather
spend my US$ 200,-- on a great Single Malt!
Jan
van den Ende October 14, 2012
The Royal Lochnagar Distillery near Balmoral
