Passport Blended Scotch Whisky

PASSPORT (40%) Blended Scotch Whisky Distillery: Chivas Brothers Importer: Drink International Key Malt: Glen Keith (Speyside) *First 'Special Grade' Whisky in Korea What is 'Special Grade' Whisky?: In the 80s, whisky could be sold if it contained only 30% of the original spirit. Passport was the first to introduce 'Special Grade' whisky with 100% original spirit. Unfortunately, at the time, other spirits like Captain Q and Napoleon were popular, so many people think of it in that category. - Manufactured by Jimmy Lang in 1965 - Launched in Korea in 1984 - 49.3% Korean market share in 1994 - Marketed in 2020 for its retro appeal and as a highball ingredient 200ml: Around 8,000 won at convenience stores -> Converted to 700ml: 28,000 won -> Compared to: Johnnie Walker Red, Black Bottle, Famous Grouse, Jameson, etc. Aroma: It's not a sharp alcoholic scent. It has an oaky, cloudy alcohol aroma, like something smoked with earth or dust. Occasionally, you can find a similar oak scent in inexpensive blends, reminding me of Famous Grouse or Naked Grouse. Additionally, there's a slight bitterness from lemon peel (with a slight lemon syrup-like tartness), and if you inhale deeply, a faint floral note emerges. Taste: Fortunately, the alcohol isn't overpowering. I think this is quite excellent compared to other whiskies in the 20,000 won range. (For example, compared to Ballantine's Finest). Given the price, expectations are naturally low, but it's around the level of 'Wow, for a 20,000 won bottle, this is decent liquor.' Because you don't usually have high expectations due to the price, you might unexpectedly think, 'This would be smooth mixed in a highball.' It's not strong alcohol, and it subtly resembles field grains. While not comparable, it's like Glen Garioch or Springbank (the feeling is similar, not the taste itself). Finish: Surprisingly, it has a floral and smooth finish. However, it doesn't hide its inexpensive price; the alcohol scent subtly emerges. One-liner: #If you go to the convenience store for beer and don't find anything appealing, grab a 200ml Passport with ginger ale. #People have low expectations due to preconceived notions, but marketing it for highballs instead of trying to confront them head-on was a good strategy. Since I didn't have ginger ale, I tried mixing it with pineapple soda... It was a disaster, so I quickly added some Paxareto... but it was beyond saving.

It's sometimes astonishing how many whiskies I've tried before encountering market staples like Passport Scotch. This is a very reasonably priced blended Scotch whisky that has been available for a long time. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume, with a golden hue. The nose is quite pleasant, making you think you might get more than you paid for. Notes of fondant, slightly off vanilla, marshmallow, and corn are present. It's a bit grainy but not unpleasant. It's acceptable. Mostly vanilla with a faint almond scent. On the palate, it's far too young and ordinary. Vanilla and corn dominate, with a hint of toffee. There's a mild burn. The finish isn't off-putting but isn't great either. Corn and a tree leaf are noticeable. Lots of corn. It's young, but not bad. Overall, this is a good option for an inexpensive drink. You won't hate it, nor will you die from drinking it. It's quite consistent. My rating is 66 out of 100.

I'm done with the converted value on the price, so I'll comment here since it doesn't appear in the reviews. I paid 60 for this, and honestly, I like it better than White Horse. However, for about 7 more reais, you can get Teacher's Highland Cream, which is MUCH better. So, I'll make a comparison. Passport's uniqueness comes from its sea and salt aroma. It has maritime notes, but strongly leaning towards that salty sensation you get in your mouth after diving into the sea a few times. Anyway, that's about it. Highland Cream offers more for the same price and is more versatile, better neat, and less alcoholic. Passport has a lot of alcohol, isn't as pleasant neat, but mixes well in a drink. It's an ordinary whisky, meh.

A very straightforward spirit. It's a decent alcoholic beverage, but don't anticipate anything remarkable. Despite being a blend of Highland and Lowland spirits, it leans more towards the Lowland character. It offers good value for its cost.

Purchased a large bottle to ensure I had enough for quarantine. It's very light, not very complex, but thankfully without any off-flavors. It will suffice for mixing or serving over ice.

Frankly, nothing remarkable, just standard, somewhat harsh liquor. Aroma: a bit odd, sweet-salty (?), licorice, grain. Taste: unremarkable.