I'm long overdue to review this one; thanks to Rob Martin for the sample!! Johnnie Walker Black Label (aged 12 years) in a blend of almost 40 malts and grains, including:
- Cardhu
- Caol Ila
- Oban
- Talisker
- Lagavulin
- Glenkinchie
- Dalwhinnie
- Cragganmore
- Clynelish
- The Singleton (Glen Ord, Dufftown, Glendullan)
- Royal Lochnagar
- Glen Elgin
- Knockando
- Auchroisk
- Benrinnes
- Blair Athol
- Dailuaine
- Glenlossie
- Glen Spey
- Inchgower
- Linkwood
- Mannochmore
- Mortlach
- Strathmill
- Teaninich
It's safe to say that a little bit of almost every Diageo whisky gets funneled into this. It's one of the best selling blends in the world. I haven't had it in some time, and it's time to review it. Bottled at 40% ABV (for profit margin reasons - it's the legal minimum), and you can bet it was colored and filtered within an inch of its life. Let's drink:
Nose: An interesting mix of Highland and Speyside - orchard fruit, and also a dry, sour, leathery element. Hints of smoke. Floral elements, but very vague. Mild grassy elements, also indistinct. Completely inoffensive.
Mouthfeel: Thin, as expected at this ABV.
Palate: While it's more Highland on the nose, it's more Speyside on the palate. An immediate fruity splash of flavor comes through - apple, pear, strawberry, vanilla, oak. As the palate progresses, though, it gets worse - there is definite grain alcohol burn on the back end, which is bitter and peppery.
Finish: Evaporates almost immediately. What little is left behind is oak and pepper.
Verdict: For a very affordable scotch blend, you could do worse. This really reflects the 12 year age of all the ingredients - it has rounded corners and a general "smoothness" about it. It won't win any awards, with the semi-bitter palate and non-finish, but it's absolutely solid and drinkable all day and night, and it's obvious why it sells like hotcakes all over the world.
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