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.
Very young, rather bland and totally devoid of the Islay character that once made this a stand out blend. It will develop a little in the glass if you give time , but plenty of better blends available at the same price point, and cheaper. As another reviewer said it's going in the cupboard for guests who drink their whiskey with a mixer. A shame if you stumble across the old stlye bottle I would suggest snaffling it up.
Smoky, briny, peaty, iodine and hint of umami with well balanced fruitiness. I have never tried the old bottling but this one really hit the spot. Discovered this in my Brooklyn local boutique wine store for around $26- $30 USD. My wife hates peaty whisky but she loves this one due to the lack of "medicinal taste". You know, not everyday I can afford to drink a Lagavulin or Ardbeg Uigeadail. Best bang for the buck, period!
ABSOLUTELY GREAT
A good introduction into the smoky, peaty Islay whiskies, without the high price tag, one of my favourite blends.
Great value blend. Bought as a go to bottle to save some of my more expensive bottles and ended up enjoying this just as much. Very smooth and easy to drink which was what I was looking for so it was spot on, short finish to this but just makes you want another sip.
