It is my first blend for 2017, the Firstwatch whisky. This year, I want to do something a bit different. It is great to try some of the more expensive blends available, and over the years, I have managed to taste quite a few exciting (and costly) blends.
This week I try another blend, one in a unique bottle, the Johnnie Walker Swing blended Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker is owned by Diageo and originated in Kilmarnock, Scotland. It is the most widely distributed Scottish blended whisky brand in the world.
Earlier in 2020, I started exploring whisky from the Glenglassaugh distillery. The first whisky I tried was the first release of the series, the Revival release. It’s named to celebrate the reopening and revival of the distillery. Today it is time for the second release in the series, the Glenglassaugh Evolution single malt Scotch whisky.
After trying it for the first time last year, Ballantines has quickly become my favourite blended whisky. The Ballantine’s Finest received my first divine rating, and the Ballantine’s 17 year old was my Blend of the Year 2014.
I tasted the Compass Box No Name No. 1 and the Compass Box No Name No. 2 blended malt Scotch whiskies about 18 months ago and have yet to capture the tasting notes. Released in 2019, this is the second limited edition in the Compass Box No Name series. The third bottling in this series was released in 2021.
Today I look at the Ardbeg Day release of 2021: The Ardbeg Scorch Islay single malt Scotch whisky. I seldom buy or open my Ardbeg day releases because the liquid does not always live up to the hype, fanfare (and high price). The Ardbeg Day releases are drinkable but nothing mind-blowing most of the time.