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.
Although I'm a fan of the original Islay peatiness, thw new recipe is still (to me) a good dram. Laphroaig and the likes will be at the top of my list as usual - but Black Bottle has retained a place. A bold move to revert back, for whatever reason ... comparing old and new really isn't fair - it's a different beast...
I'm not familiar with the original, but I find the new Black Bottle to be simply the best value in a Scotch Whisky: a blend that tops many Islay single malts at more than twice its price, not to mention such blends as the Black Grouse and Johnnie Walker Black Label! Black Bottle is a well-rounded blend with some fruit and herbs up front, and toffee and creamy caramel on the palate. It has a dark amber color and piquant nose and initially seems to be more than 40 percent alcohol, but the finish is mild, rich and smooth. All in all: an excellent value, but a very fine whisky at any price.
The old bottling was a great bend of Islay and Speyside. This new stuff is a mixer at best. They are trying real hard to tell you about the old recipe, old ways, original etc,..bunk! It is a well drink now.
I am also one of those people that had not had the old one. I use this one as my every day dram. People need to keep in mind it is an non age statement blend. It only costs $35 in my store. This all being the case it is very good for what it is. I felt it even gives some lower end single malts a run for it.
Ordinary, a blend for bartenders serving people who don't care - jsut want "scotch".
