Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Sweet, subtle, and appropriately luxurious. Wisps of peat smoke, hints of charred oak, rich vanilla cream, sweet chili pepper flake, bittersweet chocolate. Blue Label transitions into the finish like cotton candy melting in the mouth: almost imperceptible from mid-palate through the lingering notes of caramel, cocoa, peat, and cinnamon. The burn is almost non-existent, but very satisfyingly so. Nothing feels like it is muted or missing. Cigar smoke arrives late in the finish. Conclusion: I generally steer clear of describing any whisky as being “smooth,” as it doesn’t really offer any detail as to what exactly “smooth” means. That being said, if there is a whisky that can be justifiably described as being smooth, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is it. The mouthfeel of Blue Label is round and full and soft. The dram easily coats the mouth and feels warm without even a hint of alcohol burn. The finish is soft, layered, and very long. The flavors are balanced exceptionally well throughout. Blue Label is the very definition of dangerously drinkable. In case it has not been apparent in this series up to this point, I happen to like Johnnie Walker as a brand. There is unlikely to be significant debate as to whether or not Blue Label is a good whisky. It is very good and probably worthy of being considered an exceptionally good whisky, especially amongst whiskies in continuous production and so widely available. The real question becomes whether or not Blue Label is worth the price it commands, especially while considering it is in continuous production and so widely available. The rareness comes not so much from the unlikelihood of encountering a bottle but rather from one’s willingness to hand over a not-insignificant amount of money in order to add a bottle to one’s own bar. I know for myself, the question is not whether or not I would like to leave a store with a fresh bottle of Blue Label under my arm, but rather when I will feel the time is right to do so. After all, there is always a bottle sitting behind the register. The challenge becomes one of identifying an appropriate circumstance under which to finally make the investment. Once made, it is an easy one to live with. FINAL SCORE: 92/100