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Scotch Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Blue Label

While not the most expensive, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is possibly the most prestigious and well know release in the Johnnie Walker core range. Synonymous with luxury, this blended scotch is marketed as being a "super premium" expression comprised of the best malt and grain whiskies across Diageo's wide range of distilleries.

OVERALL RATING

8
$179
  • Jeff, a UK-based whisky reviewer with a lighthearted approach.
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Tasting Notes

About:

While not the most expensive, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is possibly the most prestigious and well know release in the Johnnie Walker core range. Synonymous with luxury, this blended scotch is marketed as being a “super premium” expression comprised of the best malt and grain whiskies across Diageo’s wide range of distilleries.


Appearance:
The bottle itself is iconic from the gold embossed “Striding Man” to the blue tinted thick glass. The liquid is artificially coloured to a rich gold with quite a thin texture and little beading when swirled.
Nose:
The first note is a soft, slightly sweet smoke with a hint of pepper spice, which is very reminiscent of Talisker 18. The sweeter notes continues with the aroma of melted chocolate, oat porridge and freshly baked fruit cake. A light vanilla and floral note manages to dance on top of the deeper aromas and provide an impressively balanced and approachable nose.
Palate:
A velvety texture on first sip which quickly turns disappointingly thin and diluted leading to reaching for a second visit almost instantly. Sweetened coffee notes with a friendly amount of salty smoke builds with green apples, hazelnut and dark chocolate. An earthier sweetness appears similar to raw buckwheat honey and peppercorn sauce. Again it is a remarkable balance of flavours though none demand the full attention you would expect with a premium product.
Finish:
The finish fades swiftly after each sip leaving a gentle hint of charcoal fire smoke and orchard fruits for a few moments before vanishing without a trace.
Comments:
For me there is no question on the quality and balance of this whisky but feels more like a strong background presence than a whisky which will make you sit up and take note. With a premium price point, artificially coloured, chill filtered and released at 40% abv it is not a bottle enthusiasts reach for but it certainly deserves the pedestal it has carved out in the international whisky market. No matter your attitude to whisky

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.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

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