Proof of true greatness
Written: Oct 17 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Your ego needs it
Cons: Your wallet doesnt agree.
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| lirubis's Full Review: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blend of Rarest Scotch W... |
I parted from whiskeys a long time ago, when I discovered the super premium tequilas, specially extra aged ones. Johnnie Walker has always been a close friend of my tastebuds, but until now, the Black Label was on top of the preferences chart.
To describe the experience of this Blue Label, I must go back when my dilemma centered on the Blended VS single malt dilemma. Blended types have always been more interesting because the basic flavor structure imposes a greater challange, but then again: this is the only way to distinguish between the good whiskeys and the superior ones. Blending is a pure form of art, and I must aknowledge that Blue Label has to be among the best blended whiskeys in the world, not because of the pricey status, but because it is really a superb spirit that combines the malt character with the oak notes and spices in a way no other brand can match.
The color is a rich, dark amber, displaying an elegant, dense attitude that travels marvelously along the glass. This behavior is more evident whan you take the first sip, as your mouth becomes the lucky host for such a robust, silky beverage that doesnt waste time impressing your tastebuds.
Distilled malt spirits have this unique character that separates whiskey from the rest. Its a sensation, more than a flavor, and in the case of J.W., a singular attribute completely define it as a superior quality blend. I immediately identified this unique flavor structure, balancing between the sweet-sour notes from french white oak, highland malts and spring water, having this mineral accent as you move the drink around the mouth.
Spices such as lavander, clove, nutmeg and cinammon are enclosed in a discreet yet positive manner. The woodden notes are quite evident, but not overpowering. I pick a slight sourness feeling in the aftertaste, but the retronasal feedback is very "J.W.esque"...direct, vibrant, energic, agressive, packing quite a punch. Very dry for my tastebuds and throat, with a heavy attack on the tongue and pharinx.
Other blends like Pinch, Hine and Ballantine´s simply do not have such a complex and robust attitude, but instead rely on a simpler flavor structure, by far less spicy and more on the woodden notes instead.
The question remains: is it really worth it? Sincerely I dont feel that such a heavy price tag is justified other than for marketing purposes. Shure it is very unique and delicious, but should be no more than $130USD, tops. I still find it more intelligent to simply have a highball of good ol J.W.Black Label, that is every drop as pleasing, maybe not as smooth and complex but certanly delicious as well. I´ll leave this dilemma to the whiskey experts, and go back to my aņejo tequilas for some peace of mind.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lirubis
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