Johnnie Walker Blue Label

This is my first review so lets see how it goes. This bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label was given to me as a gift from my mother in 2010 for my 25th birthday. Each year, on my birthday, I enjoy a dram. So yesterday looking at my 3/4 full bottle, I decided to have a dram just so I could review the Blue. On the nose there is floral perfume with hints of soft smoke, cherries, honey and roses emerge. Absolutely gorgeous. This nose reminds me of a Monet painting, beautiful and rare. I also detected nutmeg and caramel in the background, old, complex and rich with malt characteristics. Digging deeper there is old oak hidden but presents itself. There’s a lot going on here. The taste is fresh, smoked roses, rose petals, peppery spices, old sherry cask, honey, almonds, rich floral, malty and divine. The finish leaves the mouth dry and desiring more. This is very similar to the Highland Park 18yo finish, its dry then mouth watering, but very mellow. It’s pleasant but short. It’s smooth but lacking. Final thoughts: It’s good, I buy the Blue Label every now and then, but the price and the finish are what ruin this blend for me. I would prefer, for the same price, the Balvenie 21yo Portwood. As I sip the Blue Label which has lasted 3 years and counting, I don’t see the need to purchase another for a long while. This dram reminds me of a beautiful day where everything goes just right, but as the days pass is soon forgotten.

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