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Whisky Review: Johnny Walker Celebratory Blend

We review John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend, crafted by the popular blended Scotch whisky brand in celebration of its 200th anniversary.

OVERALL RATING

5
$75.00
  • John Dover, creator of "Johnny Scotch," musician, and author.
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Tasting Notes

About:

The Celebratory Blend, made up of whiskies from distilleries which were operating in the 1860s, is bottled at 51%ABV. It is priced around $75.
Appearance:
It is the color of dry hay.
Nose:
Butter and dried apricot hit the nose first. After a bit I also found a hint of baking spices such as clove, cinnamon, and even a bit of white pepper.
Palate:
This whisky was hot. The heat hit first and grew to a sharp prickle that stuck around through the entire tasting. It has a nutty note that is followed by a bit of orange peel. It is bready on middle of tongue and oak and black pepper hi the back of tongue followed by a hot finish to accompany the hot start.
Finish:
Comments:
What it lacks in nuance it makes up for in heat. There is a trope in movies when someone tries whisky for the first time. They take a drink, hold onto it in the mouth for a second, choke it down then hiss out the heat while saying, “Smooth” through welling of tears. My initial impression is of that moment.rnrnThe whisky is not fun, or nostalgic, or even interesting. It is hot and lacking in depth which for a 200-year-old celebration, my taste buds were not partying down, they were trying to put out the fire. Even over ice, this whisky never really finds its stride. While Johnny Walker may find a place in many a drinker’s hearts, I will reserve my celebration for something more refined.

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.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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