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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I got the smoke but also a weird herby mint hint to the after taste. Quite sweet though so not to everyone’s taste.
Tasty, quite sweet - didn’t get any smoke, but that’s not a bad thing in my book.
Bought in Sainsbury's at only £18.00 for a 70CL bottle, I have been wanting to try this for a little while now. In all honesty I am very impressed. A little deeper in amber colour, on opening, my first whiff was reminiscent of an Irish whiskey; very much like a Bushmills (white label) keen toasted coconut aroma, then followed by a warm peaty, sea-shore breeze tickle with a timid bouquet of heather and moss. My first taste did not disappoint. Warm, cosy and sweet, definitely a sipper, stacks of honey and malt, a little cheeky caramel and butter and a very welcome smoky after-bite. I shall definitely be buying this again. Ideal with a small splash of Highland Spring at room temperature for me.
This is great value and one of my favourite blends. It's not up there with fine single malts but neither is the price. Good enough to sip with a splash of water or an ice cube, cheap enough to souse fruit cake. Ideal for whisky cocktails too.
It’s been so long since I had the previous version that I can’t really comment on the change. There’s a faint smell of smoke but nothing of it in the taste. But it’s good solid warming stuff. A bit rough round the edges but you can’t expect single malt quality at less than £20. May be more one for a hot toddy than for sipping but still perfectly drinkable on its own.
