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.
God they took an excellent smokey blend and made something that is average and every day. It must have become too expensive to blend the islay scotches to keep the blend. Seriously, I see people talking about ow good this new version is, and it is basically Dewars or J&B for a little more money. What's the point.
Rich, creamy, Carmel, vanilla, honey, complex baking spices, and a kiss of peat. Full rich mouthfeel and nice finish. Love it!!!!
I NEVER tried the old style. Only the post 2013 version. I LOVE IT. one of the best blended scotches under $40. Delicious. Blows JWB out of the water at half the price. Sweet, With a a slight hint of peat sort of in the background. Like a kiss of peat in the finish. Very subtle, not overpowering. I get some sherry, Carmel, vanilla, some baking spice (maybe cinnamon and nutmeg). Very smooth. Nice mouthfeel. Warm full finish. Would buy it at twice the price. A real bargain.
It maybe is not complex, but its a well balanced fruity very drinkable blend.Is there a better blend for the money (£14) ? . I am sure there is not. Lovely stuff. Cheers.
I was never happy the old style that contained some pretty ropey young Islays. This is a more polished blend with a little Islay character. They use some quality well matured grains that that make this a well rounded and complete blend. I don't think you can beat this for a standard budget blended scotch. I prefer Islay Mist 12 but this is now in a different price category.
