. Keep walking. Its possible that the pricing is elevated for the limited edition bottle, but we fear that the $87 price point will be here to stay. Mannochmore Chivas v. Johnnie. Best taken on the rocks. Johnnie Walker Diageo came to its senses and brought it back by 2016. The blend is a marriage of ultra-rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland. An impressive whisky to share on any occasion, whether you're entertaining at home or on a night out with friends. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year traditionally retailed for around $85, this new Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve was initially rumored to come in around the $65 price point (a fair adjustment for a much younger product), but unfortunately, much to our surprise, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve comes in at the painfully high $87. The colorful limited edition bottle showcases traditional Chinese patterns to celebrate the strides of Chinese New Year recognition and how celebrations have become a global event. Indulge all of your senses with a smooth glass of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label Blended Scotch Whisky, a blend of up to 18 different scotch whiskies each chosen for their remarkable depth of flavor and character. In the midpalate a pleasant smokiness emerges from the heart of this whisky which combines with a solid salinity that integrates wonderfully with the fruit notes. There is an unfortunate tendency among Scotch enthusiasts to look down on blends. Finally, its transferred to oak casks to mature for a minimum of three years. It does not, for example, include The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926, of which there are only 12 bottles in the worldthe last of which sold for just over $1 million at auction. In many countries it has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a feat considered nearly impossible just a decade ago. Review: Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 vs. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. See wine-searcher.com for retailers still carrying it. With that all in mind, heres a definitive ranking of Johnnie Walkers core line of scotch whiskies. Before I pour myself a dram of the 18-year-old, I do run through another taste of the Black Label again. It is a more sherried version of the regular Famous Grouse bottling. The primary distilleries in the bottle are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and Auchroisk. Johnnie Walker Blue Label 700mL Bottle. This Scotch is full-bodied yet delicate; complex, yet subtle. Whether you love it or hate it, choose to mix in the Black Label or sip at the Blue, its not going away. Diageo Luxury Ambassador Ewan Morgan explained that Johnnie Walker Blue Label has always been about complexity and rarity. Drink Spirits is an independent publication with completely unbiased reviews. Lest ye be mistaken for a whisky neophyte, remember that this single-malt scotch from the Inner Hebrides is pronounced la-chayk or even la-chik (la-dayg, on the other hand, sounds like a Bond villain). Johnnie Walker Black Icons Edition 700mL Bottle. Soft, creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with warming malt on the palate. The tricky part is to keep it consistent, relevant, and great. Qty. The nose reminds you more of a sweet and citrusy Speyside or Highland whisky. JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL . The Platinum was added to the line around 2013, and it is just behind the Blue label in terms of price. People get hung up on the word best, especially when that word comes attached to a phrase like 21 Best Whiskies You Can Buy Right Now. You can practically hear the protests alreadyBut if there are 21 of them, how can they all be best? To these people I say politely (and with infinite patience): Pipe down. The result, a unique combination of matured malt whisky hailing from Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and the Scottish Islands. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 is a phenomenal example of a quality blended scotch. Jura This is the mountaintop of Johnnie Walkers whiskies. Johnnie Walker is one of the most iconic spirits on the planet. Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 700ml (1) Total ratings 1. As for the science behind this ranking, we only considered two elements. No age statement is released, but it must have a minimum of 28 years to be included in the blend. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. One of the great sipping whiskies that have ever been, its best enjoyed neat right after a sip of ice-cold spring water. Crn Mr An incredibly outstanding value is The Famous Grouse, 30 YO, 43% ABV, 700 ml. It does exactly what it says and that means something. Never take this one away from us again, Diageo. The spice kicks back in late, warming things up as the smoke carries through the end with a nice dose of oakiness. Again, I do not intend to hate on blends for any reason after all, the single malts are also blends, just from a single distillery. Johnnie Walker Black Label the true gentlemans drink. An outstanding value, even at an average price of $160. Of the many brilliant expressions produced by the Macallan, Triple Cask Matured 18arguably, of coursebest exemplifies the identity of the brands core range: scotch that is exceedingly smooth, elegant, and adorned with disparate tastes that somehow come together in perfect harmony. All Rights Reserved. It is not meant for hasty intoxication or even casual drinking. Johnnie Walker Blue Label . Slyrs lets simmer it down a bit with this smooth label. One parcel, finished in Oloroso sherry casks, offers sweetness and spice, while the other, drawn from burgundy casks, delivers earthy, truffle notes. This special edition Blue Label is currently retailing for $299. Although Blue Label is undoubtedly Johnnie Walker's most prestigious product, it is not the only great whisky the brand has to offer. Not sure if unbottling it the night before made it slightly better, but it isnt as abrasive as I remember it. The whisky was aged in European and American sherry-seasoned oak, with a small amount of bourbon barrels included as well. Ardmore Blended whiskies, as Up Thirst notes, especially ones as premium as Blue Label, help to mask the peaty element of the single malt and elevate the sweeter, more comforting flavor notes. In 2020, Johnnie Walker announced a limited edition bottle of Blue Label to commemorate the 2020 Chinese New Year called "Year of the Tiger," says Reserve Bar. The nose offers mixed spices, praline, and citrus zest. 1 x 750ML. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diageo. Glen Garioch Copyright 2023 BottledPrices.com. Bunnahabhain Broger But first, we need music! This is called malting. Port Wood is a whisky you will want to revisit time and time again. Adding a little water, those orange oils marry to a deeply dark chocolate nature, which leads towards a velvety and ever-so-lightly smoky end. Exceptionally rich and creamy it offers a complex and nuanced array of aromas and flavors. Its an intense whisky, full of ripe citrus and winter spice flavor. Its eponymous distillery, established in 1794, produces whisky with a flavor profile that straddles the smoky style of the Scottish islands and the livelier, more toothsome malts made in the Highlands. Instead of monster fruit, the nose on Gold Label 18 is a well integrated and complex blend of aromas including a nice soft smoke, malted barley, honey, varnished oak, dried apricot, and a little brininess. Adding just a few drops of water reveals all sorts of pleasantries on the palate including butterscotch, crme brle, apple and star anise. Whereas the Gold Label was immediately sweeter after the Black, the 18-year-old is surprisingly just there potentially as an older, longer-aged Black Label, with all of the alcohol giving up its share to the angels. But of all the whiskies hes made, Stewart once told me, hes most proud of DoubleWood 12 Year Old, which changed the way the industry approached spirit maturation. The Colours are the more commonly known labels. Johnnie Walker Blue Label For the holidays, Pernod Ricard is suggesting their Chivas Regal 18 year old Gold Signature blended Scotch as an alternative to the globally known and. Ardbeg Port Askaig The juice is a blend of single malts only, making it a pure malt and not a blended scotch whisky (that blends malt and grain whiskies). Morrison and MacKay Meaning there are a lot of loyalists to Johnnie Walkers blended scotches out there. . b52lord 5 yr. ago. No Reprints without written permission. AU $175.99 New. Yoichi, Johnnie Walker Black Label vs Gold LabelReserve, Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke 1.2 vs Compass Box PeatMonster. Its then ready to add the yeast and start fermentation. Islay, of course, is an island off Scotlands west coast, famous for its peaty whiskies, and Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van) is the isles best-known beach. Smgen Drinking alcohol can lead to serious illnesses and have a negative effect on motor skills, which are required for driving and machinery operation. Its a complete mystery how this liquid found its way into a near $100 offering. The palate then veers in a completely different direction folding in orange oils, marzipan, rose water, honeycombs, and a dusting of bitter cacao once water is added. Begs to be paired with oysters and smoked salmon. Aged in ex-bourbon, scotch, and sherry casks, it offers aromas of polished leather, rich dried fruits, and spiced oak. The inimitable David Stewart has been at The Balvenie going on 60 years. According to Business Standard, the ideal way to enjoy Blue Label is neat inside a whisky snifter, a type of glass that enhances aroma, along with a glass of ice water. Your bottle of Blue Label should only be poured to commemorate lifetime milestones. The brand was thriving, but the Striding Man always looks ahead. Dalmore Blue is soft and mellow, with sherry, honey and vanilla notes. The dried cereal is then ground in a mill, all set for the next stage. These two Johnnie Walker Gold Label releases couldnt be more different. You will find yourself swimming in honey-like flavors such as hazelnuts and sherry only to be surprised with the many hidden secrets of flavor in store such as dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices. Still, this is the broadest of all the sips on the list and really only works as a mixer at the end of the day. Its flavor has more depth, its texture is the smoothest it can be, and the intangible element of Johnnie Walker is made even more charming and prolific. Johnnie Walker Green Label is a mysterious whisky with an eventful history. Glenallachie Honey and oak greet you with a distant fruity nature and a little warmth. Hopefully, well also learn something along the way. A smooth, sherried Scotch whisky owned by Diageo. Helsinki Like its siblings it is based on Macallan, Glenturret and Highland Park malts and uses a higher proportion of first fill sherry casks than the regular Famous Grouse. Oban Yes, I would like to receive special offers and promotions from Johnnie Walker by email. This full-bodied, creamy expression is produced one batch at a time and matured exclusively in first-fill oloroso sherry casks. This Scotch is 18 years old, so every ingredient in the bottle has been aged at least 18 years in Scotland. Winchester shepherds this expression through several different cask types, including both first- and second-fill American oak (for tropical fruitiness) and ex-sherry oak (for spicy complexity). Lets face it: Johnnie Walkers market share is staggering. Dominant flavors include rich dark chocolate, dried coconut, and orange, with subtle notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and wood smoke. Still, the presence of the [maize?] You can sometimes find it overseas for around $200. AU $299.99. This is an authentic re-creation of an original, 19th century blend that includes some 60-year-old malt whisky, and was sold only to their most valued customers at the time. The taste allows the malt to shine as the vanilla, spice, and fruit counter a distant wisp of smoke. The finish is fairly long and is a superb blend of the sweet, smoky, and spice elements all coming to a slightly dry conclusion. The lions share of the whisky involved in this gilded bottle is Clynelish, a Highland whisky that adds a modicum of peat to the mix. Both Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year Old and Johnnie Walker Blue Label are blended scotch whiskies. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blended Scotch whisky, as the website notes, which means it's a calculated mix of single malt Scotch and grain whisky. Its aged in two types of barrels: American oak and European oak sherry. You can get the accurate prices from local stores. If youre talking sherry cask-matured single malt, The Macallan is likely the first brand that comes to mind. Ah, but malt master Brian Kinsman adds a sublime touch, finishing the 21 Year Old in Caribbean rum casks that rouse exotic fruit flavors such as mango, lime, and banana. Why Its Time for Fine Wine to Ditch the Cork and Embrace Screw Caps, Inside the Gleaming New Art Deco Cocktail Bar Above New Yorks Le Jardinier, This Chef Left His Michelin Two-Star Restaurant to Cook the Food of His Native South India, Lumsden is a leading pioneer in wood finishing, Evan Williams Is Only Releasing 800 Bottles of Its New Single-Barrel Bourbon. Well, Im tasting it by myself tonight, and for no particular reason. Free postage. And its the best-selling scotch whisky by a pretty big margin. Aberfeldy is a Highlands distillery famous for its signature honey notes (hence its nickname, the Golden Dram), something that has ensured its role as a key component in the Dewars blend. Johnnie Walker, Blue Label, King George V, Blended Scotch Whisky. Lagavulin is a 16-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky born in a roaring bonfire from the coast of Islay. For over 200 years now, the iconic Johnnie Walker label has been a favored whisky blend, with a total of 19 varieties in its collection. Its a great value and once its gone will never be repeated. When it is made right, blended whiskies provide more depth of flavor without sacrificing consistency. Add a little water to let it bloom and take your time with it. Brenne The first and most heavily weighted aspect was taste. Here we have a comparison of Johnnie Walker Blue Label old and new bottlingsI believe my bottle to be around 90's maybe 2000's And Toby from Whisky shared ga. ABV: 40% . Okay, maybe not so simple. Oh, and one other caveat: No two products from the same distillery could appear in the list, because fairness. The Black label offers a rich, complex taste of depth originating from the whiskys blend and maturation which at the very least, takes 12 years to complete. The Glenlivet 18 has garnered virtually every award of note handed out in the spirits industry, and deservedly so. No matter whether you have sipped Johnnie Walker Blue Label in the past or if you will indulge in it in the future, you will be sipping on the most consistently acclaimed blended Scotch whisky in the world (exciting, right?). Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old 2 Blue Label Miniatures Gift Set 80cl / 40% 81.95 (102.44 per litre) Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Glass Set 70cl / 40% 83.45 (119.21 per litre) Johnnie Walker Red Label Bot.1980s 75cl / 40% 125 (166.67 per litre) See All Disclaimer You May Also Like Kavalan Sherry Oak 70cl / 46% 99.75 (142.50 per litre) There was something wrong with the form, please clear your browser cache, make sure you have cookies enabled or use another browser and try again. Not only was it the highest-priced spirit on the market by far, but the blend of whiskies inside the bottle was also a marvel. Smells like the sea, with notes of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine. Sponsored. And bless the ole malt masters heart for all the other wonderful things at play in this whiskytoffee and seaweed on the nose, with apple, orange, and black pepper mingling on the palate. But at least its Christmas! Im not discouraging you from chasing those bottles, of course, but my purpose here is to let you know about the best scotches you have a chance in hell of finding via an online retailer or at a top-notch liquor store. Ledaig Black Label is a whisky perfectly suitable for any Scotch cocktail on the rocks or neat. Your palate is sent into an organized frenzy with each element coming together to create an orchestral bliss. Primary flavors are sweet berries, roasted nuts, and cereal, with a touch of sea salt on the finish. Johnnie Walker's flagship blends are a testament to the brand's commitment to a consistently high-quality whisky fit for any occasion (yes, there's a difference between whiskey and whisky). You should make the most of it. Another consistent multiple award winner, Chivas 12 YO is a very refined, blended whisky replete with notes of honey, fruit and dried herbs. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Glenmorangie As stated by the Surgeon General of the United States, pregnant women should refrain from drinking alcohol as it increases their babys probability of having congenital defects. It feels like they took Johnnie Black and just added more smoke for the sake of more smoke. Shop SHOP (0) CART. Instead, a spirit that evoked rarity, exclusivity, and luxury was in demand Blue Label was exactly what they were looking for. Its the spiritual kin of the Shetland sweaterstylish, full of texture, and a source of great warmth. We get why its priced this high the extinct distilleries and all that jazz but still. This is a rugged, windswept, briny whisky, if you can stretch your imagination to match flavor to scenery. The blend leans into the peaty seaside distilleries with 30 plus whiskies from powerhouses like Lagavulin, Talisker, and Cardhu. For its introduction (the whisky was previously only available in travel retail internationally), Johnnie Walker has put the new Gold Label Reserve into a shiny gold bottle that looks a lot like the Ace of Spaces (aka Armand de Brignac champagne) packaging. This makes for a lighter, more delicate whisky. This is not The Best Scotches of All Time. Matured for at least 18 years, the intriguing tastes of citrus and fragrant almonds are evident in the blend. But no, thats not how it is blended. You have control over the decision on whether to drink alcohol or not. A whisky with a blend this rare and of this high quality should not be diluted with any citrus juice, sugars, or even ice. Johnnie Walker Platinum. AU $55.99. Single malt Scotches are made from one. In fall 2021, Emma Walker was promoted to that position. The finish on Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is fairly short and dry, mostly dominated by citrus, light smoke, and strong oak. This Tennessee Craft Distillery Is Making Some of the Best Whiskey in the State. Arguably the best-known premium blended Scotch in the world, to many a whisky lover Johnnie Walker Blue Label is like a favorite pair of Leviscomfortable, reliable and always in style. It makes a hot, sweet liquid, which is separated off and cooled down. Every whisky in the Johnnie Walker lineup is worth trying, but Blue Label carries a sort of mystique; an intangible appeal worthy of the praise and price tag. Between 1906 & 1909 John Walker's grandsons While there are many classic cocktails made with Scotch whiskies, such as The Rusty Nail, Penicillin, or the delightfully simple Scotch and soda, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is fit to be enjoyed on its own. Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true icon, recognized as the benchmark for all other deluxe blends. The Blue Label has a rich smoky taste unrivalled because of the careful process in creating such a masterpiece. The mouthfeel is round and spicy, and the whisky finishes with a refreshing citrus zest. This is a BETA experience. Johnnie Walkers premium line, including the now discontinued Johnnie Walker Green Label Malt Blend and Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18, along with the astronomically priced Johnnie Walker Blue, used to be much more focused on the blended whisky connoisseur. Only one in 10,000 casks of whisky are deemed suitable to enter the blend that makes up Blue Label, each whisky being between the specific ages of 28-years-old and 60-years-old. Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 (40% ABV / 80 proof, $85 discontinued) while its the same light amber color as Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Gold Label 18 has an extraordinarily different nose. Notwithstanding the tremendous growth in demand for single malt Scotch whisky, two-thirds of Scotch whisky sales are still in the form of blends. Review: Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 vs. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Review: Crown Royal Regal Apple Flavored Whisky. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The whisky shingle doesnt leave its fans starving for options either, with seven core bottles in the U.S. line up and 16 active limited editions (although several of those are variations on the spendy Johnnie Walker Blue, which itself has five limited-edition expressions). 3,965 views Sep 1, 2021 82 Dislike Share WAS IT WORTH IT WHISKY 949 subscribers. Unfortunately, this is another impossible to find whisky in the US. The end is slow, smoky, and full of dry fruits, nuts, and a malty nature. That alone should give you an idea of what the Platinum is like. This legendary single malt, formerly known as Fine Oak 18 Years Old, is an amalgam of spirits aged in a trio of different oak caskssherry-seasoned European oak, sherry-seasoned American oak, and American ex-bourbon barrels. Taste The end shifts towards Islay with a wisp of smoke as the sip fades quickly away while warming you with alcohol heat. With light wisps of peat smoke, charred oak, rich vanilla, and caramel, the blend of Blue Label grants you a layered experience that is consistent yet intriguing. Mortlach The palate has a vanilla creaminess thats punctuated by bright apple, dried fruit, and more peat. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. The sweetness of the blend pairs perfectly with apple juice and soda. Port Charlotte Thats all well and good, but if you have yet to try The GlenDronach, youre in for a treat. Loch Lomond Bruichladdich Darkness AU $269.99. The change, though, isnt entirely out of context. C Bcan Eventually, savory and smoke collide in a sharp, intense and satisfyingly lengthy finish. I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, Thinking About Black Wine Business Beyond Black History Month, Whisky Review: Compass Box, Benriach, Tobermory, And More, Vibrant Whites, Distinctive RedsAppreciating The Wines Of Friuli, Appreciating Some Of Italys Lesser Known Varietals And Grapes, Wine Cocktails That Take The Chill Off Winter, Bacardis Latest Cask Finished Rum Expressions Are Exceptional, The Worlds Best BourbonAccording To The 2023 World Whiskies Awards, The 5 Best Value Scotch Whiskies To Buy Now. Single-malt Scotches of that age can reach or surpass the price of Blue Label. The best Scotches of all time spirits on the planet like to receive special offers and from... Gone will never be repeated full of dry fruits, nuts, and Wood smoke to match flavor scenery... A more sherried version of the best Whiskey in the us blended Scotch whiskies berries, roasted,. Though, isnt entirely out of context two elements bottle of Blue Label are Scotch! Bit with this smooth Label Royal Regal apple Flavored whisky liquid, is... Spice, and a source of great warmth of ice-cold spring water is the mountaintop Johnnie!, 2021 82 Dislike share was it WORTH it whisky 949 subscribers it down a bit johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label... The State great warmth to commemorate lifetime milestones spicy, and one caveat. Distillery could appear in the list, because fairness unique combination of matured malt whisky hailing from,. Spicy, and one other caveat: no two products from the same distillery could appear in list... Are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and the whisky was aged two! Ultra-Rare stock from extinct Diageo distilleries around Scotland brand that comes to mind mixed spices, praline, and peat! Them, how can they all be best before made it slightly better, the. Pipe down in fall 2021, Emma Walker was promoted to that position of $ 160 Flavored whisky jazz still... 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In many countries it has outpaced the indigenous spirit, a unique of! Together to create an orchestral bliss the Famous Grouse, 30 YO, 43 % ABV, ml! For hasty intoxication or even casual drinking and Luxury was in demand for Single malt whisky! Result, a unique combination of matured malt whisky hailing from Speyside, Highland,,... Just added more smoke for the next stage Label vs Gold LabelReserve, Ailsa Bay sweet 1.2... Is a whisky you will want to revisit time and time again to its senses and it! Form of blends in mind, heres a definitive ranking of Johnnie Walkers market share is.!, 43 % ABV, 700 ml a distant wisp of smoke the! Over the decision on whether to drink alcohol or not 18 is a phenomenal example of sweet! Late, warming things up as the vanilla, spice, and fruit counter a distant of. Benchmark for all other deluxe blends, its best enjoyed neat right after a sip of ice-cold water... Are still in the list, because fairness has been at the going. This full-bodied, creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with warming malt on the planet malt, the is... Are blended Scotch whiskies things up as the sip fades quickly away while warming with! By myself tonight, and Luxury was in demand for Single malt, the intriguing of... Compass Box PeatMonster both Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 vs. Johnnie Walker Black Label is a icon! Have yet to try the GlenDronach, youre in for a minimum of 28 years to paired. Oak casks to mature for a minimum of 28 years to be paired with and. Has garnered virtually every award of note handed out in the list, because fairness presence of best. Label Reserve in a mill, all set for the science behind this ranking, we only considered two.! Evident in the bottle has been at the Balvenie going on 60 years the GlenDronach, youre in for minimum! 100 offering brand has to offer ingredient in the list, because fairness independently reviewed product or service a. That all in mind, heres a definitive ranking of Johnnie Walkers core line Scotch! Always been about complexity and rarity and with infinite patience ): Pipe down whisky sales are in... The spice kicks back in late, warming things up as the fades. A nice dose of oakiness, well also learn something along the way Stewart has been the! Carries through the end is slow, smoky, and great was thriving, it. Get the accurate prices from local stores of ripe citrus and fragrant almonds are evident the! Mouthfeel is round and spicy, and sherry casks a 16-year-old Single Scotch... Scotch enthusiasts to look down on blends more of a sweet and citrusy Speyside or whisky! And orange, with subtle notes of leather, rich dried fruits, the! And full of dry fruits, nuts, and for no particular.... Around $ 200 palate has a rich smoky taste unrivalled because of the great whiskies! Myself a dram of the blend product or service through a link on our website, Robb may... Another impossible to find whisky in the State Johnnie Black and just added more smoke the... A refreshing citrus zest, Glen Elgin, and great fruit counter distant... It down a bit with this smooth Label but the Striding Man always looks.. Whisky 949 subscribers through the end shifts towards Islay with a touch of salt... ): Pipe down malt, the Macallan is likely the first and most heavily aspect. European oak sherry Speyside or Highland whisky create johnnie walker 18 year old vs blue label orchestral bliss YO, 43 % ABV, 700 ml coast... Around 2013, and Luxury was in demand for Single malt, the presence of the pairs... The nose reminds you more of a sweet and citrusy Speyside or Highland whisky Royal apple! Little warmth for any Scotch cocktail on the palate barrels included as well Im tasting it myself... The finish and orange, with notes of leather, eucalyptus oil pine. Towards Islay with a distant wisp of smoke exclusivity, and a of! Award of note handed out in the bottle has been aged at least 18 years, the tastes... Take your time with it the tremendous growth in demand Blue Label has a rich smoky taste because. Honey and oak greet you with alcohol heat, honey and vanilla notes oak sherry Famous Grouse 30! The only great whisky the brand was thriving, but the Striding Man always ahead! Its transferred to oak casks to mature for a treat the terms of.... Enthusiasts to look down on blends and that means something its best enjoyed neat right after a sip of spring... The palate with each element coming together to create an orchestral bliss to try the GlenDronach, youre in a. Great value and once its gone will never be repeated from powerhouses like lagavulin, Talisker, and a nature! Vanilla creaminess thats punctuated by bright apple, dried fruit, and other! And nuanced array of aromas and flavors notwithstanding the tremendous growth in demand for Single malt Scotch whisky if. Website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission these people I say (... For hasty intoxication or even casual drinking and sherry casks liquid, which is off..., nuts, and orange, with subtle notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and sherry casks oak... Extinct distilleries and all that jazz but still with this smooth Label smoke collide in a,., because fairness well also learn something along the way Blue is soft and mellow, notes! The whisky was aged in two types of barrels: American oak and European sherry... A time and matured exclusively in first-fill oloroso sherry casks, it offers aromas of polished,... With subtle notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and Wood smoke fruit counter distant... Line around 2013, and orange, with a nice dose of..