Scotch

Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker High Rye

We review Johnnie Walker High Rye. Rye makes up 60% of the mash bill for this blended Scotch.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Johnnie Walker High Rye

Tasting Notes

About:

No age statement but it is mentioned that the barrels are American oak. 90 proof. Average retail price of $36 for a standard 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
Golden color with a medium body.
Nose:
Big vanilla and pepper. The spice tingles the nose a bit but after that sensation wears off I catch a bit of fruit that I’m hesitantly describing as banana. I’m only hesitant because it smells like a real banana, sweet but also vaguely starchy, nothing like banana flavorings.
Palate:
The rye is assertive with big pepper, clove, and allspice notes right at the outset. These fade off into a bright, juicy green apple sweetness which unexpectedly carries a faint hint of smoke that did not make itself known on the nose. A really nice touch I think.
Finish:
Comments:
The blending here is expertly done, capturing recognizable, complementary aspects of Scotch and rye whiskey styles. While I think there’s a fair bit to like in the glass served neat, I think I agree that this is most interesting as a cocktail ingredient. The blend is creative and the bottle is relatively inexpensive, so I see this as a fun whisky for the amateur mixologist to experiment with. The mix of Scotch and rye flavors gives this bottle a potentially broad “vocabulary” and I could see it adding a cool twist to an old fashioned, a Manhattan, a toddy, or a blood and sand.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jacob Wirt

Jacob Wirt, whose past lives as a cook and cultural studies researcher, continues to shape his deep appreciation for fermented grain beverages. His understanding extends beyond the mere enjoyment of the drink; he recognizes the knowledge, labor, and rich history behind every glass. With a passion for homebrewing beer, Wirt finds a similar fascination in whiskey, exploring how techniques, ingredients, and nuanced variables create the distinctive character of each expression.

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