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.
Enough said.
It used to be superb value and, to my taste, the best of blends and first choice when a single malt isn't available. The changes have now made it no more than a reasonable blend amongst blends. And am I alone in preferring the old-style bottle? More stability and you could see how much was in the bottle!
I bought Black Bottle and Glenmorangie Original yesterday. I like them both, but BB has a fuller taste and mouth feel. I tried the BB a few years ago and I remember it having more peat than the current offering, but it's been so long ago that I really can't say which is better..the new or the old. I prefer it over the Glenmorangie, and it is 1/3 less in price ($23 vs. $35); the name is also easier to pronounce and type correctly. I'll continue to enjoy both, as my mood sees fit.
Good one
Differs from old, More Islay Salty peat less Fruitiness. But still completely underrated.
