Blended
Scotland
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label story begins in 1987 when the Distillers Company launched Johnnie Walker Oldest. It quickly became known as Blue Label, for obvious reasons, and was a blend of rare malt and grain whiskies bottled without an age statement with stylishly retro packaging that echoed the 19th century Johnnie Walker bottle.
Though expensive, or perhaps because it was expensive, it proved an instant hit. By 1997, it was selling 50,000 cases globally. As a known currency throughout the world, it’s perhaps the ultimate gift whisky. You know you’ve done a good job or your in-laws approve when you receive a bottle.
Blue Label is drawn from unparalleled Diageo reserves of maturing malt and grain whiskies from across four regions (Highland, Lowland, Speyside, and Islay), including ghost distilleries, that Johnnie Walker has privileged access to. Whatever the exact blend, a consistent flavour profile that’s a beautiful balance of rich, slightly smoky, and fruity elements.
Fragrant with good body. Notes of oak, crisp spice, dried fruit, pastries. Berry fruits, aniseed, hints of cedar, a touch of spice and citrus.
Supple and balanced. Good toffee and hints of very wistful smoke. Chocolate, hints of grass and a good hit of malt.
Floral, oaky, good length, urged on by a plume of very well-kept, highland style smoke. Dried fruit, spice, honey.
One of the ultimate premium blends, Blue Label is a legend in its own right and will continue to be.
Was: £187.90Now: £181.50
This spirit is definitely one of those that possess some degree of universal awareness of its existence and cost in society, as I've noticed (not referring to anyone here, but personal observation) people refer to it with reverance regardless of actual experience with it. A comment someone made to me that embodies this phenomena was "... until you've had Blue, then there's just no going back" with regard to my enjoyment of Black on the rocks as one of my "staple" drinks. Really? lol Hope that was sufficient context... as stated, I suppose my expectations were unattainable from all I'd heard about Blue, because I was underwhelmed from the first sip to the last drop of the bottle. To this day I will take Gold over Blue in a heartbeat, and price is only a small part of the reason. Sure it's smooth and "pretty good," but I don't pay 200 a bottle for "pretty good," especially when I can be perfectly satisfied with Black for a fraction. My advice is try it with an unsullied [mental] pallete and judge for yourself. Like someone else already said, you can make your own conclusions on what you consider "good" or "worth it." Personally, I'll continue to reach for the Gold, but still appreciate Blue for what it is.
I must say that I personally found Johnnie Walker Blue Label to be to akin to a watered down flavourless blended scotch, but with a ridiculous price tag. Its seems like a scotch aimed at those who don't like scotch at all! The weak palate and non-existent aftertaste made for a disappointing dram. For a such a large price I was expecting a lot more, and in this price range i would suggest the Glenfarclas 175 Anniversary or the Chivas Regal 25yr old, both of these blends are head and shoulders above JW Blue Label in 'Class' and more importantly, nose and taste!
You need to try this particular Whisky at around 9.00 am on a cold and frosty morning down by a Scottish salmon river, Nectar. I am a single malt man too.
JP you are quite correct, you are most probably worth lots more than a bottle of Blue Label....it is a nice drop however.......have you tried the Explorers` Club Collection ? It`s a dash sight cheaper and not bad at all....I picked up a bottle en route back to Scotland from Florida last week...Nice.... Enjoy retirement.
Forgot to put +5 to counter the unfair negatives
