Johnnie Walker Blue Label

I have had the JW Blue a few times before including the very week it first appeared on American shores where I "traded" an Opus X for a double shot of the just arrived Blue Label at the local high end tavern. I am reviewing this both uncut/neat and will add a few comments when splashed with some water.

The color hue is slightly darker than most JW blends but still gold.

Aroma: The nose first detects a mild peaty smoke and vanilla barrel along with heather, wild flowers, honey, walnuts, cotton candy and an earthy mineral quality. If you open the nose more with some water you can find a hint of Turkish pipe tobacco, leather and raw cacao but risk the loss of the fine mild charred barrel and peat.

Taste: Starts with a smooth mild peat, earthy wood, sea salt, herbal and honey character. Some nutty and marzipan tones are noticed but faint. A light sour apple and allspice tone adds to the profile. The thing is that JW Blue really lacks the forceful roundness and complexity found is single malts, no master blender skill can add what is not there in the spirits. Adding a touch of water really does little but to water down the already mild palate.

Finish: Short on flavors but long on warming when uncut. A tad minerally and tannic dry. Annoying smooth and forgettable when cut with H20.

Mouth feel: Smooth, very balanced and comfortable, like an old pair of shoes.

Overall: Served neat this is a quality dram that you can enjoy with a fine cigar or steak, but simply is a tad short on overall complexity. When (or if) you make the mistake of adding anything beyond just a few DROPS of water you may as well be drink a less expensive whisky, you ruined it. I took one for the team and this review. Final verdict... not worth what you payed for it.

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