Trader Joe's Blended Scotch Whisky

Aroma: alcohol and a paint thinner-like punch right off (you can tell it’s a cheap budget Scotch, difficult to get past), light orchard fruits, light honey, shiny grainy notes, herbal grassiness, almost a distinct funk that I can't quite identify, nothing spectacular in the aroma, the alcohol smell never really dissipates. Taste: light and thin, watery, a light sweetness that gives way to the alcohol mixed with a touch of barrel char, some herbal notes, overall very little flavor. For a budget blend, it's actually quite serviceable and is ideal for scotch and soda, meaning whatever mixer just needs a blended scotch. For the price, this is more than adequate to put on that bottom shelf.

2.8.22 Served: Neat, in a Flute Bottle Opened: 2 years, nearly empty. Likely significantly oxidized. Smell: Banana, walnuts, and caramel. Taste: A light and smooth texture. Banana Bread is the most prominent note (primarily bready). Begins with papaya. Mid-palate features caramel and banana bread. A slight sharpness on the finish. Banana candy notes become noticeable after palate fatigue. Overall, a pleasant sipping experience. Also tried it in a toddy (with honey, angostura, orange blossom, lemon), and it was quite agreeable.

It's difficult to dispute the value here. This possesses a distinct 'funk' I've observed in several of the TJ's scotches, but it's not unpleasant. I typically purchase a couple of these when visiting Washington state. $11 for a full liter (before the state adds its significant tax) is hard to beat for a dependable blend that consistently makes a solid scotch and soda. I enjoy it on ice or even straight.

This store-brand blended Scotch is clear and amber. It smells like corn with a hint of white bread. The taste is nutty, vanillied, and generally grainy. It has a medium body and a moderately long finish. A reviewer's initials.

Smells awful and tastes like the start of a chain of poor choices. We all need a night like this occasionally.