Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker is one of the most famous names in Scotch whisky. Blue Label sits at the very top of its core range. It is a blend of rare malt and grain whiskies with no age statement. Some of those whiskies come from "ghost" distilleries that closed their doors long ago.

What makes it special is the selection. Only one cask in 10,000 makes the cut, and each one is picked by hand. Master Blender Dr Emma Walker now looks after the blend. That strict choice is what sets it apart from other blended Scotch whisky on the shelf.

Johnnie Walker says honey, dried fruit and vanilla are the first flavors you meet. On the nose, look for honey and soft rose petals beside the fruit. The palate is very smooth and layered, with vanilla and ripe dried fruit. Then come gentle waves of smoke, which carry on into the finish.

Blue Label has a strong record in competition. In 2013, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition gave it Double Gold. It took gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2019. A year later, it won gold at the International Spirits Challenge.

The best way to enjoy it is neat, in a tulip glass or snifter. Keep a glass of ice-cold water beside it. A small sip of water between tastes refreshes your palate and lets the next sip open up. If you use it in a cocktail, keep the recipe short so the whisky leads.

New to the category? You can explore more Scotch whisky and work your way up to this one. It also makes a memorable gift for a big birthday, a wedding or a retirement.

Johnnie Walker is one of the most famous names in Scotch whisky. Blue Label sits at the very top of its core range. It is a blend of rare malt and grain whiskies with no age statement. Some of those whiskies come from "ghost" distilleries that closed their doors long ago.

What makes it special is the selection. Only one cask in 10,000 makes the cut, and each one is picked by hand. Master Blender Dr Emma Walker now looks after the blend. That strict choice is what sets it apart from other blended Scotch whisky on the shelf.

Johnnie Walker says honey, dried fruit and vanilla are the first flavors you meet. On the nose, look for honey and soft rose petals beside the fruit. The palate is very smooth and layered, with vanilla and ripe dried fruit. Then come gentle waves of smoke, which carry on into the finish.

Blue Label has a strong record in competition. In 2013, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition gave it Double Gold. It took gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2019. A year later, it won gold at the International Spirits Challenge.

The best way to enjoy it is neat, in a tulip glass or snifter. Keep a glass of ice-cold water beside it. A small sip of water between tastes refreshes your palate and lets the next sip open up. If you use it in a cocktail, keep the recipe short so the whisky leads.

New to the category? You can explore more Scotch whisky and work your way up to this one. It also makes a memorable gift for a big birthday, a wedding or a retirement.