Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Whisky

All around the world, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky is seen as a globally acclaimed symbol of super-premium whisky excellence. Sipping on this blend in South Africa signifies that you’ve arrived and are living your best life.

As I’ve explored in my previous posts, the Johnnie Walker saga traces its origins back to a modest grocery shop in Ayrshire, Scotland. John “Johnnie” Walker’s vision laid the foundation. His grandsons, Alexander Walker II and George Walker, revolutionized the whisky industry by introducing the colour-based naming system.

This innovative approach commenced in 1909 with the iconic Johnnie Walker Red Label. It soon expanded to encompass a spectrum of colours.

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Yet, among these illustrious blends, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky reigns supreme. This blend represents a harmonious marriage of 35 grain and malt whiskies, some aged for up to an astonishing 60 years. Master Distiller Jim Beveridge crafted this masterpiece to reflect the essence of early 19th-century whiskies.

But is it just the marketing that makes Johnnie Walker‘s Blue Label extraordinary? Let’s dive into the taste experience of this blended whisky.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Whisky Review

ABV:  43%

COLOUR: Golden amber. It is a thick and oily whisky with long slow fingers on the inside of the glass.

NOSE: Layers of aromas unfold, first some oak and malt, followed by the subtle embrace of barley. Following this are hints of smoke and peat that dance in harmony, and as you explore further, faint suggestions of dark Christmas cake, spice, and dried fruit emerge. Should you add a touch of water, the nose reveals a bouquet of fresh flowers and delicate florals.

PALATE: Peat and old wood with toasted nuts and toffee. Without water, the palate offers a delightful hint of spice. However, a drop of water transforms the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky into a more floral and sweeter symphony, balancing its flavours. The Blue Label presents an easily approachable yet complex enough profile with a velvety texture.

FINISH: A medium-length finish, leaving traces of spice, caramels, and oak in its wake. Gradually, notes of pepper and nutmeg emerge, with a touch of citrus adding depth to the finale.

RATING: EXCELLENT

While Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch undoubtedly stands as a remarkable whisky, it raises the question of whether its premium price tag aligns with its overall value. It is a well-balanced whisky, but the taste is not exceptionally remarkable or memorable.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch in South Africa is typically priced around R2,500, making it quite expensive.  You can pick it up from Amazon for around £165 in the UK.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this iconic blue bottle stands out as a premium luxury.

Other Premium Category Comparisons

In my evaluation, other blends in the super-premium category have received higher ratings and might take precedence on my list.

I’ve compared the Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the Johnnie Walker XR whisky in a dedicated post to shed more light on the matter. The nuances between these two exceptional expressions are explored in-depth, providing further insights into the world of Johnnie Walker’s whiskies.

Another captivating side-by-side exploration awaits comparing Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the Black Label whisky. Playing with colour, I did a comparison between the Green Label and Blue Label as well.

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