Black Bottle whisky is a Scottish whisky that has been around since 1879. It is a blended whisky, made with a mix of different malt and grain whiskies. Black Bottle is known for its smoky flavour, which comes from the use of Islay malt whisky in the blend.
Black Bottle Blended Scotch whisky was relaunched in 2013, and now features a balanced mix of fruitiness and spice alongside the peaty Islay notes that the brand has been known for. This change in direction is a return to Black Bottle's past, as it is said to have been inspired by what the whisky was like when it was made all the way back in 1879. This has also inspired the new old-style black glass bottle, which gave Black Bottle whisky its name.
Black Bottle previously had a high percentage of peated Islay whisky featured in the blend. With this relaunched bottling, they're aiming for a blend and flavour reminiscent of Black Bottle whisky from when it was first made in 1879, which means the smokiness is balanced with fruitier notes.
Polished oak and porridge with a sprinkle of brown sugar, with cut grass and very subtle smoke in support.
Candied ginger and cigar box, with charred herbs, chocolate spread on brown bread and a drizzle of golden syrup.
Oak spice and honey.
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Was: £22.75Now: £21.50
While maybe people claim older bottlings of Black Bottle to be akin to Johnnie Walker black or have Islay peat on budget, I am afraid the most recent (2018) bottling has none of this. As someone who enjoys both cheap blends ( Ballantines, Teachers ect), I found this to be near undrinkable. The nose is complex with dried fruits, nuttiness and mild ethanol. On the palate there is an instant blast of oak, much like a cheap North American rye, following that there is mild caramel, an influx of vanilla and the smallest , microscopic amount of smoke. I wouldn't dare use the the word peat. In short there is way too much of oak, barrel taste and sugary vanilla. Very disappointed like a cheap rye. I recommend you avoid this one.
I purchased this in time for the pending arrival of one’s parents. I thought, let’s buy a blend... that way I won’t have to serve any of the expensive stuff like last time. My parents like a drink, like most retirees. Tried it prior to their arrival to make sure it wasn’t filth... wow, what a pleasant surprise. Thick luscious whisky with a lovely smoky toffee note. Honestly, a really well done blend. Light years ahead of the other cost effective blends I’ve tried. Definitely will buy another bottle (as my parents will polish this off) as I will like to include this on a blind flight with friends. 10/10 for the money. Honestly, do yourself a favour and buy a bottle.
Top blend with a whisper of smoke, dark fruits and liquorice palette. Very smooth too
I was a big fan of the previous black bottle and I just despair that it is still not available. People who have given this a favourable review have probably never tasted what went before, or are unable to recognise what a poor offering on offer. I would compare the taste to a perfume that has been left on the dressing table for a long time with the cap missing.
To all the single malt snobs - this is damn good blended scotch whisky! For under $50 can't be beat. Just the right amount of smoked peat and minimal grain in it. This is better than JW Black and rivals Chivas. Get over it - just drink it, enjoy it, and stick your head out of it.
