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.
For me, Blue is simply exquisite. I always taste it with a splash of pure spring water. Just because it's a blend, it doesn't make it inferior. Certainly beats the hell out of most of the so-called connoiseurs single malts I've sampled, which are very mood dependant. For those reviewers who say it's overpriced, I would say it's a free market economy - it's priced to sell! And to my palate, it's as exciting as some whiskies at many times the price. The beauty of the Johnnie Walker stable is that there's a blend (and price) for every occasion. The mates round for football get Red; everyday social do's get Black / Double Black; Blue is for very special occasions and locked securely away on football days!
This soft drink
Because I paid a fortune for it, I firstly pretended it was superb. Then I had a reality check, mixed it with unbranded cola and began to enjoy it. Woke up on the sofa in the morning with the empty bottle on the floor.
Excellent. But all about the hype. Smokey and a nice scotch.
Too much money for a blended whiskey. It should be under $100.00
