Scotch

The Ultimate Review: Johnnie Walker Blenders Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish is a limited-edition release from 2017, appealing to fans of bourbon and rye more than traditional scotch enthusiasts. 

OVERALL RATING

7
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Tasting Notes

About:

Originally released for travel retail this Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish blends single malt and grain whiskies matured in first-fill Bourbon casks and finished for up to six months in ex-rye casks. The third release in the experimental blenders series carried out by a small team of blenders led by master blender Dr Jim Beveridge.
Appearance:
The liquid is deep gold in colour with quite a vibrant orange shade to it. The bottle retains the ubiquitous Johnnie Walker look, with a much more reserved and experimental label.
Nose:
Possibly through the power of suggestion, the classic rye notes start to appear with cherries, brown sugar and that unique rye spice. Apple filled pastries and dry toast can be found with a hint of PVA glue.
Palate:
Werther’s Original Salted Caramel Popcorn instantly springs to mind, which is popcorn covered in sweet and salty caramel. The texture itself is very thin so it really struggles to carry any punchy flavours but there are subtle notes of apple pie, cinnamon and strawberry jam.
Finish:
There is a dry sweet effervescent fizz, like berry flavoured sparkling water that hangs for quite an impressive length after the glass.
Comments:
With a small bump in ABV this could really bring and carry a lot more flavour into this interesting experimental release. It is great seeing Diageo experiment with their vast portfolio with some exciting finishing under the Johnnie Walker brand and certainly makes me want to investigate more.

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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