Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is one of the most recognizable premium blended scotch whiskies on the market. Its iconic blue box, heavy-duty bottle, and gold accents promise a luxurious experience. But, is it worth the hype? 

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. So, let’s take a balanced look at Johnnie Walker Blue Label and help you decide if this whisky is for you. 

Context Is Key 

It is important to understand who Johnnie Walker Blue Label is marketed towards. This whisky is not aimed at seasoned single malt scotch lovers. Instead, it is aimed at those who are looking to elevate their blended scotch whisky experience and perhaps dip a toe into the world of luxury blends. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is still priced at a fairly accessible price point and yet it feels more premium than other JW expressions such as Johnnie Walker Red Label. 

For those accustomed to budget blends, Blue Label might feel like a revelation. However, for single malt scotch enthusiasts, Blue Label might not deliver the expected level of complexity. 

What Do The Reviews Say? 

With the above in mind, it follows that the reviews of Johnnie Walker Blue Label vary widely. The opinions on the whisky tend to vary depending on the level of whisky experience held by the drinker. So, let’s take a look at some reviews of Johnnie Walker Blue Label from various sources. 

Serge Valentin – WhiskyFun 

Serge Valentin is one of the most respected whisky reviewers in the world. Founder of WhiskyFun, Valentin has reviewed almost every whisky you can think of, resulting in a refined palate. 

Valentin awarded Johnnie Walker Blue Label 87 points out of 100 upon his last sampling in 2021. He found notes of jams, honey, sponge cake, herbal liqueurs, and nuts, eventually commenting: “Great NAS composition. I could quaff gallons, really, well done Dr Jim and team.” 

DerelicteDrams – Reddit 

So, what does the everyman make of Johnnie Walker Blue Label? DerelicteDrams on Reddit also awarded Blue Label 87 points out of 100, saying: “There seems to be a general consensus around Blue Label in the scotch world: most people seem to agree that the whisky itself is good but not mind-blowing, and certainly not for the price. I don’t really know what else I can add beyond that. Is the whisky good? Yeah, it is. Even at 40%, this still has some great flavors going on.” 

However, the reviewer does not seem too enthused about buying the whisky again, saying that they might if “there was literally nothing else more interesting.” 

Nick Leghorn – Thirty One Whiskey 

Nick Leghorn at Thirty One Whiskey was incredibly impressed with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, calling it “the Disneyland version of a Scottish whisky – and I mean that in the best of ways.” He notes that Johnnie Walker Blue Label has captured the essence of what is great about scotch and put it in a bottle. 

He summarised: “This is a delicious and enjoyable whiskey with some unexpected complexity and great execution.” 

Has Johnnie Walker Blue Label Won Any Awards? 

Yes, many! Johnnie Walker Blue Label is consistently acclaimed and has won awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirit Competition. The blend has also won six Monde Selection Grand Gold medals in its time. 

Again, it is important to consider the target audience for the whisky here. Many awards are based not only on the flavor of the whisky but also on how well it serves its intended consumers. It is also worth noting that Johnnie Walker Blue Label is not in competition with single malt, cask strength, or single cask expressions. Rather, it competes against other blends, usually around the same price point. 

So, How Good Is Is Really? 

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Essentially, it depends on your preferences and your frame of reference. 

If you are well-versed in drinking mass-market blends, Johnnie Walker Blue Label may feel like a big step up in terms of flavor and complexity. However, single malt drinkers might find themselves underwhelmed. 

Essentially, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a whisky for those who seek a refined blended whisky tasting experience. It is smooth, approachable, flavorful, and priced fairly reasonably in comparison to other NAS premium blends. It is, undoubtedly, a good whisky. But it will not necessarily blow you away. 

The Golf GTI Analogy 

One of the best analogies that I have heard for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the Golf GTI analogy. Think of Blue Label like a well-tuned Golf GTI. It’s an exceptional step up for someone driving a standard car, but it’s not pretending to be a supercar. The problem arises when whisky enthusiasts expect a Lamborghini experience because of the price or branding. Blue Label isn’t trying to be that—it’s delivering luxury within a very specific scope.

Should You Try Johnnie Walker Blue Label? 

Yes, you should try Johnnie Walker Blue Label, as long as you go in with the right expectations. It’s a polished, smooth, and iconic whisky that offers a noticeable step up for those new to premium whiskies. But if you’re looking for the bold character and complexity of a single malt, you might find it falls short.

Ultimately, Blue Label’s value lies not just in the liquid, but in the experience: the branding, the story, and the feeling of indulgence. It’s a great whisky, but it’s not a supercar. And that’s okay.

If you’ve never tried it, give it a go—you might just enjoy the ride.