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.
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As a single-malt snob, I tried this recently and (1) it was exactly what I expected but oddly (2) I liked that way more than I thought I would. JW Black is fine, blasé but whatever. Blue is that refined to a science. You never want to admit it, but sometimes that's exactly what you want. Now, price-wise, here in Michigan, it's the same as a Yamazaki 18. I can't laugh enough about how stupid that is. I'll probably rarely-to-never buy a bottle just out of principle due to the Yamazaki comparison, but really it's a shame, because this is a very enjoyable drink. Just in a different way.
You pay for the label. It's not a bad drop in itself, but it's just rather dull! The flavour hardly develops. I was expecting a lot more.
A delicious infusion of aged whiskies, some that no longer exist and who's legacy will remain in this bottle. Fresh fruity notes with a smokey tinge highlighted by a peppery splash of honey and muscatel. Definitely a classic to the most discerning scotch drinker. Nectar of the Gods.
For a whisky of this price I expected more depth and breadth in flavor. In itself it is a nice gentle whisky with soft notes of dried fruits, oak and spices. But it lacks a layering, a story in its flavor. Got lucky at the bar of my hotel, they charge the same for any whisky, but I will not buy it again.
18 years better than this and half the price or less.
