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.
I have made some poor decisions in my day but never blown $300 on a bottle of whisky that was this poor. Maybe a finger above my glenfiddich 12 yo. Save your money for another brand, this is junk.
nathing in this world as a jw blue
The ultimate in smooth and the lack of complexity compared to single malts is why I believe JW Blue is "only" overrated or overpriced based on the alternatives available at the moment of purchase. It is my opinion the taste of Blue is undeniably deserving of praise and can only be negatively criticized by comparison to what is available at the JW Blue price (here's where personal preferences take place). Otherwise, I get the sense the negative reviews I'm reading here are similar to the Kentucky snobbery I live through daily when the topic of Bourbon and Whiskey arises. Snobbery….here in Kentucky....really?
Everyone has their own taste I guess, but I could not help but raise a smile when one of the reviewers tried to suggest that this superior blend was "a dram of piss!" I laughed out loud when another said that "Green is just as good!" I lost control totally when someone else remarked that "Bells was better!"
I have a bottle of JW green and a bottle of blue. The green is a bit pricey for Johnnie Walker but kinda worth it, the blue is not. Stick it all over a formula one car and it will sell.
