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.
The Black is better and a fraction of the price. The Islays and Talisker better and less expensive so are the higher Irish/ Redbreast and Jameson 12. If you want to spend north of $200.00, buy Mac Allan 18. It may not be "Scotch" but it's made there and beats the hell out of Courvoisier!
One of the best blends you could ever get your hands on, and no you are not just paying for the fancy packaging the whisky itself is luxurious smooth, full of rich, complex flavours and pairs beautifully with cigars. The only reason Johnnie Blue cops so much hate is because most people can't afford it so they automatically assume that it's overpriced and overrated.
Some whiskies tend to improve and reveal more tastes once some air is in the bottle.... I'm about a quarter way through a litre bottle and it already tastes different then when first opened. First few sips weren't amazing - very nice but not too complex, but now the whisky has really opened up revealing peach, subtle smoke, sweet stewed fruits, and a spicy floral quality. Works well with a touch of water. Yes, it's probably over-priced but it give it some time and a little breathing space and you'll find a blended whisky of supreme quality. Rather classy.
Its good, not fantastic, overpriced and overrated to say the least.
Was really looking forward to trying this as the distillery says it features some of the oldest whiskies within their stocks. The nose was promising, there is definitely some age in there. But the palate was not what I was expecting, it was not particularly complex and something a bit off about the the finish. It might go well with for Ray Donovan and Vince Vaughn on True Detective but we had a bottle of Glenfiddich 18 that was far superior in many aspects to the JW Blue Label. Perhaps this might taste better with a cigar. I've tried a number of different whiskies from Whyte and MacKay Special to 40 year old malts. I'd recommend Nikka from the Barrel for a more satisfying dram ahead of spending the better part of double on this bottle. Carpe Diem!
