Bell's Original

Rating: 11/23 I haven't heard anything about this, but I fully anticipate it to be mediocre at best. Nose: Faint sulfur, smoke, meat, and possibly a touch of peat. Then some grain appears. I start detecting light apple and then mineral notes with a hint of cardboard or perhaps chalkiness, indicating the dram's youth, but there's also a balanced butterscotch and light baking spice aroma. A trace of light, sweet perfumed lemon, similar to a wet wipe, emerges as well. Initially, I thought there wasn't much exciting happening, but the more I smell it, the more balanced and pleasant it seems. Significantly better than The Famous Grouse already! Palate: This actually has a pretty decent profile, blending Highland and Island characteristics. It's a bit harsh, but it features a good smokiness combined with minerality, sweetness with a touch of apple, light orange zest, and salt that borders on sea spray. The flavors are surprisingly solid and balanced. I eventually detect some vanilla, along with some (non-mildewed) cardboard notes. There might be a hint of peat, but it's difficult to distinguish from just smoke and a young herbal presence (somewhat like Copper Fox Rye). It reminds me somewhat of a disappointing Highland Park. The body is medium-thin and maintains a lightness. The flavors are perhaps too subtle, and a bit of the sulfur does come through, but this is a surprisingly balanced and drinkable dram despite its youth. The main issue is that while there might be a slight white pepper flavor, most of the heat comes from alcohol harshness. It's actually quite harsh for its proof. If not for that harshness, I would actually enjoy the palate quite a bit (around a 13 to 14 level). The other primary flaws are the slightly excessive sweetness and general lightness, but surprisingly little alcohol flavor is apparent. Finish: That smoke definitely lingers, along with some grainy cardboard notes and some minerals. A touch of tartness from either the peat or apple remains, but it's unclear which. It's still somewhat sweet. I am genuinely surprised by the quality of this. It's a bit rough around the edges, but it lacks that cheap scotch sewage taste and does a commendable job of balancing adequate complexity with pleasant flavors and overall balance. Being a blend, some flavors are a bit indistinct, but I wouldn't mind drinking this. I believe it's slightly superior to Sir Edward's 12 because it doesn't have the same peculiar flavors. I also think it's better than Highland Queen Majesty Sauternes, placing it outside the barely-drinkable budget scotch category. This puts it somewhere around an 11 or perhaps even a 12. I do wish it were less harsh so I could rate it higher, like a 13 or 14. I am surprisingly pleased with this dram, but I think I'll stick with an 11. It seems like a good choice for a budget scotch.

Nose: Light, common sweet grain, fruit, and floral scents. Not much complexity, but no major drawbacks either. There's a faint scent of low-quality barrel and a slight alcohol sting, which is typical for an inexpensive blend. Adding a few drops of water enhances the vanilla and brings out a light floral note. Palate: The initial taste is mild and dominated by straightforward alcohol sweetness. Subtle flavors of grain, malt, fruit, and a hint of smoke are present, but they are all very subdued, and the industrial grain whisky sweetness that forms the base is always noticeable. A slightly harsh metallic note also comes from the grain whisky, but it's not unpleasant, just apparent on the latter part of the palate. The texture is unremarkable. Finish: Brief. The palate fades quickly, leaving almost no aftertaste. I have a fondness for whisky and Coke. It's not that I prefer diluting my whiskey with Coke, but rather that I enjoy my Coke with added flavor (some prefer vanilla Coke, others cherry Coke... I like whiskey Coke). For this reason, I always keep at least one bottle of supermarket-brand blended scotch in my cabinet, and I rotate through a couple dozen brands, one of which is Bells. It possesses a distinctive mild earthy smokiness that I don't find in many other affordable blends. It reminds me of Teacher’s Highland Cream from the 1990s. Bell’s is among the most budget-friendly blended scotches labeled "distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland" that you can purchase. It makes no claim to being a sipping whiskey (though drinking it neat causes no discomfort) and is often overlooked by connoisseurs, but there are many inferior whiskies available at a similar price point. If you're on a strict budget, Bell’s is a viable choice, but plan to consume it over ice with Coke, dry ginger ale, or tonic water. “Adequate”: 73/100 (2.25 stars)

After seeing the praise for Bell's Original on this platform, I recently acquired the 2017 edition of the mentioned rating guide and found it to be excellent. I had previously sampled Bell's during a golf excursion to Scotland and considered it quite good. Its prevalence throughout the UK and absence in the US made me curious, and upon the initial taste, I exclaimed, "They are keeping it all to themselves!" If my recollection is accurate, this occurred at Moray Golf Club near Lossiemouth. We joined some local individuals who conveyed, "Nobody departs until everyone contributes to drinks." While I respect established customs, the hour was growing late, and we still had a journey to Tain. However, we continued, and the experience proved valuable for the insights gained that day. Separately, one fellow explained to me, "In contrast to Americans, we don't seek counseling when facing difficulties; this serves as our remedy." I replied, "Indeed, but being from New England, our frugality compelled the entire profession to relocate to France." I believe my remark amused him, as I noticed traces of his final drink of Tennents on his face.:)

Edit: I did not taste this specific bottle, but rather an old blend from the 1970s/1980s. For the third round of a whiskey dinner, I selected the bottle on the shelf that had the oldest appearance. The bottle with a heavily worn and torn label turned out to be a 1970s/1980s blend by Arthur Bell and Sons. The Bell's Islander is an Island & Islay blend with components from Port Ellen, Lagavulin, and Talisker. Purely out of politeness, I accepted the dram, but right after smelling it, I knew I should have declined. I suspect the smoke and peat have long since dissipated since the bottle was opened, sometime in the 70s or 80s. It was very malty and grainy but lacked any of the Island/Islay characteristics I enjoy so much. Some lemon flavor had survived the years of oxidation. The palate was malty and flat, but surprisingly, some smoke had managed to remain. The medium finish had the same malty flatness, but some sharp, spicy alcohol did reveal itself after all these years. I genuinely enjoyed the idea of drinking from an old bottle containing Islay/Island spirits, but it was not enjoyable at all due to the oxidation. I advised the restaurant to remove it from their selection.

Smell: Cereals, light smokiness, sweetness, citrus, alcoholic warmth, and honey. All aromas (except the alcohol) are quite subtle, with the smokiness being a bit more prominent. A very, very straightforward whiskey. Taste: Basically the same notes perceived in the aroma, with more alcohol pungency. Bitterness and peppery notes are noticeable, amplified by the alcohol's strength. Absolutely no complexity. Finish: Short, with bitterness and alcohol warmth lingering. In the background, but very discreetly, a smokiness persists. General Impressions: A simple whiskey, lacking complexity, best suited for cocktails. Within its price range, it still offers good value, but this is a very inexpensive whiskey, so don't expect much. Even for cocktails, it's worth exploring other options on the market. The body is very thin, leaving a watery sensation in the mouth. I don't consider it a beginner's blend, but rather a cheap blend aimed at those looking to save money without prioritizing quality.

Nose: Gentle, bright tree fruits, slight sweetness, honey undertones, hints of sharp grain, alcohol presence. For experimentation, try a less conventional approach. Allow it time to air out. Also, let it warm in the glass. The alcoholic vapors will dissipate, revealing its true character. Inhale with extreme gentleness and slowness. You'll detect the fruitiness, accompanied by the barest whisper of salty sea breeze and smoke. It's faint but present. Taste: Fruity, light, a touch of alcohol, zesty oak cask notes, malt, a spice reminiscent of cinnamon. The smoke appears briefly and vanishes. The finish is moderately long, featuring spicy, peppery notes and a delicate malty sweetness. It's drinkable on its own, though it probably excels in mixed drinks. Considering the cost, its quality is unexpectedly impressive.