Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Triple Grain American Oak

A while back, I found this bottle of Blenders’ Batch while browsing my local liquor store. I don't know what made me buy it, but the price was reasonable, so I figured, what's the worst that can happen for $30? A little background on this bottling... it's called Triple Grain because, as you guessed, it includes whiskies from 3 grains. Not just whiskies from three grain distilleries, but three different types of grains: barley, wheat, and corn. Only one of the grain distilleries is named: Port Dundas. The malt components are from Cardhu and Mortlach. It's 10 years old and aged in American oak. Bottled at an unusual 41.3% ABV, it's chill-filtered and has added color, giving it a honey gold appearance. On the nose, the grain components are prominent, with vanilla and a bit of the typical harshness of young grain. The Cardhu in the blend contributes a strong honey note. Coconut, oak, and perhaps a bit of sulfur like spent matches, along with a puff of smoke. Slightly waxy, and maybe some of that Mortlach meatiness comes through. Hints of ginger, cocoa powder, more honey, and vanilla. The palate has that young grain harshness, but it's not nearly as bad as I anticipated. Vanilla, oak, coconut, and honey are present. Some fruitiness appears in the form of apricots and pineapple, but it's all overshadowed by the young grain character. The faintest trace of wood smoke and charred oak. A light-bodied mouthfeel that is watery and thin, slightly creamy, and dry. The finish is short with vanilla, oak, honey, and dryness. I expected very little from this bottle, and my prediction wasn't far off. The grain wasn't nearly as harsh as I had thought. It lacks significant depth. It's better than Red Label, but not by much. This reinforces my belief that grain whiskies need much longer to mature than malt, at least two decades, unless the casks are exceptional. Fortunately, a nice peated malt can easily mask this one. 2.75 Cheers

Here's another bottling from the Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch collection: this marks the third, a 10-year-old Triple Grain made with American Oak. Curious about the grains? They are barley, wheat, and corn. It also comes from three distilleries: Port Dundas (now closed), Cardhu, and Mortlach. Unfortunately, it's chill-filtered and has coloring added, keeping it as unremarkable as one might expect from that brand. It's bottled at 41.3% ABV and costs around $30. A companion provided this sample. Let's examine this new JW, shall we? It presents a pale gold in the glass, appearing quite watery with numerous thin legs and heavy droplets clinging to the sides after swirling, all indicative of the low alcohol content. The nose is also rather plain: vanilla and honey are prominent, with a subtle waxy, woody barrel note. There's no noticeable alcohol presence and only a faint floral hint if you wait for it. The palate echoes the nose but introduces a lightly charred, woody foundation that comes across as somewhat harsh and peppery. The rest is solely honey and vanilla – again, without any spice or warmth. The texture is light, brief, and ultimately thin. The whole experience feels diluted, almost dull. Overall, it's an inexpensive blend and should be treated as such: use it in cocktails, pour it over ice, or drink it neat – it won't offend your palate or your wallet. I had higher expectations because some of the Blender’s Batch series have offered intriguing experiments, but this one certainly doesn't. It receives 2.5 stars because it lacks innovation and any real definition. Moving on...

The American Oak and grain whisky impart a flavor reminiscent of Bourbon, making it a good choice for those transitioning from American spirits to Scotch. The color is a coppery orange. On the nose, there's a trace of smoke and a prominent zesty orange note. A slight alcoholic sharpness is present if you inhale too quickly, so allow it to breathe. Delving deeper reveals hints of spice, vanilla, and toffee, with the grain character coming through quite clearly. The taste also carries that orange citrus note. There's a subtle smoky flavor, but it's not medicinal; it's more like a driftwood fire than an intense peat. A sugarcane sweetness is also present, perhaps even toffee. The mouthfeel is rich, oily, and coats the palate, beautifully enhancing the flavors. The finish is long, smooth, and slightly dry – a dryness that invites another sip rather than a glass of water. In summary, this is the whisky equivalent of enjoying citrus fruits near a beach bonfire. Give it a try.

Surprisingly excellent! I'll keep this brief: Nose Sweet bread. Lemon citrus. A faint tartness and mineral note in the background. Palate SWEET but not overwhelmingly so. You detect some of the lighter notes of butterscotch and tropical sea salt before a very faint wisp of smoke concludes. Mouthfeel The oak has performed admirably. It possesses a richness in the mouth that I associate with expensive bourbon. The spirit has a very slight hot and spicy element, but it doesn't detract from the finish. Purchase it! 85/100. Good liquor.

Avoid this unless you intend to use it in cocktails. This whisky lacks depth. It has virtually no mouthfeel, to the point where it seemed like I was drinking water. The nose is adequate, offering sweet fruits, spice, and a hint of smoke. The palate introduces some toffee, caramel, and woody tannins. The finish is similar to the mouthfeel, almost nonexistent.

Minimal aroma, subtle hints. The taste is straightforward and smooth. The smoky finish is excellent, but the other flavors mellow it out... it feels like potent smoky character is being restrained. Not bad, but I had hoped for more.