Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Review #42 - Whisk(e)y #28 Sampled as part of a complimentary offer at Budapest airport, preventing a detailed aromatic assessment. Nose: remarkably mild, well-rounded, and intricate, with a subtle, harmonious smokiness, malt sweetness, fruit notes, and an inviting, balanced profile. Palate: begins very mild, approachable, and smooth, featuring vanilla, honey, smokiness, malt, sweetness, and an oily texture that coats the mouth with hints of dried fruit. However, the latter part is disappointing, presenting a rather strong alcohol presence, sharp spiciness, and possibly graininess. Finish: medium-long, very pleasing and mellow once more with additional dried fruit, but most notably characterized by a prominent caramel, vanilla plum aroma. Overall: It's certainly distinctive, but I firmly believe it doesn't justify the very steep price of 150-200 euros. I find Chivas Regal 18 Golden Signature to possess much better integrated aromas, despite potentially being less complex (and costing a third as much). Perhaps I could better appreciate the flavor with more time than the given context allows, but based on this sample, it's definitely not a top priority purchase for me. Rating System: 5.0 - Legendary 4.5 - Exceptional 4.0 - Very Good 3.5 - Good 3.0 - Decent 2.5 - Average 2.0 - Below Average 1.5 - Barely Drinkable 1.0 - Undrinkable 0.5 - JB

Initially, it seemed dull and overly smooth, lacking any real depth. Yet, with a generous pour and dedicated tasting, no water or ice needed, numerous flavors emerge, and the experience continually improves. It opens with botanical and herbaceous notes, akin to a field, accompanied by desiccated fruit. Subsequently, honey becomes more prominent, followed by hints of holiday spices and added sweetness, reminiscent of festive baked goods. This is truly excellent spirit if you give it your full focus.

Nose: A hint of bitter peat, dried apricot, plum, and lightly toasted leather. Palate: Light, smooth, with possibly some bitter wood and more of that dried apricot/plum. It's a subtle fruity note, pleasant and easy to drink. Herbal/vegetal notes are also present, complementing the dry fruit well. It seems like it would pair nicely with a charcuterie board. Finish: A very light and smooth continuation of the palate. Not my personal preference, but among the better Scotches I've encountered.

The aroma starts with a powerful scent that brings to mind a delightful piece of buttery wheat toast. This is a total opposite of the taste, which shifts to sweet raisins or plum jam at the beginning. The ending is brief and returns to the aroma with toasted wheat and peat, featuring a brief baking spice heat that lingers for just 4-5 seconds. Generally, a pleasant, cyclical whiskey where the aroma and ending mirror each other, and the taste effectively connects them.

Bottled July 2025. Appearance: Clear, rich gold. Nose: Complex aromas of aged furniture, cigar box, deep musk, tree bark, licorice, orchard fruits, leather, bonfire, pine, humus, forest floor, and honey-vanilla woodiness. Palate: Warm and rich with notes of toasted aged wood furniture, orchard fruits, smoked sausage, bonfire, tree bark, earthiness, dried spice, garam masala, a trace of smoky ash, and gunpowder. Finish: Exceptionally balanced, long, spicy, woody, and fruity with a malty character. Alcohol by Volume: 40%. Body: Medium to full.

Nose: Gentle smoke mingled with sweet raisins and dates. Subtle floral and spicy undertones are present. Palate: A delicate initial taste of vanilla, honey, and rose petals evolves into more pronounced smoke, accompanied by zesty orange, dates, dark chocolate, and raisins. Finish: Extended and persistent. Rich and smoky. Overall: Is it delightful? Yes. Is it too expensive? Yes. Is it a whiskey everyone should try at least once? Absolutely.