Ahhhh blind tastings...so much joy. You can't have favourites and you can't give extra points because of a name. When I started writing tastings notes and the Naughty Three (Minou, Drew and Pat), gave me samples to taste without knowing what it was, was I ever conservative in my comments. Plus, I didn't know my regions yet so I couldn't really tell at least if it was a blend from Scotland or single malt from Japan. Sometimes, it does taste like shit and it's well deserved. Sometimes, it’s the super hot product of the moment, but you don't taste it. Disappointment. It happened to me once with Arran. My goodness. I cried for two freaking days. But then, it was it. I kept my note because what I tasted was real and it was my first impression.
So Drew gave me this four samples to taste a couple of weeks ago. I had to taste them one after another, unilaterally. This mean, they were from the same shop, four different expressions. (Minou hates it when I say “expressions” or “products”, he thinks these words are used in the sex industry only). I was not blown away. I hadn't taste anything from this distillery before because I had unfavorable bias. For me it was only for cocktails. Here are the tasting notes for four Johnnie Walker labels:
Except the first one, to my nose, they smell pretty much the same. Same color too, almost.
Black Label: Blend...Pretty nice at the beginning. The balance is ok and the final much better. There is a weird taste and I’m a little destabilized. And bran flakes? Definitively a more sulphuric drink. Smoky leather and honey. Vanilla comes at the end to save the lot. I’m generous : 82Red Label: It’s Ok at the beginning even though I taste fibres. I can also taste coffee or very dark chocolate. Soapy with sweet herbs. The more I get to the final, the less I enjoy. Save by the vanilla again ! 84
Gold Label Reserve : This is something else. More character and attitude, but still find the grains. I like the little peak at the top of the palate. More fruity, closer to citrus, orange pulp and I find some sort of burned granola bar with custard. I like. 85
Blue Label: Different ! Soft, round, fat and silky at the beginning. In between the tip of the tongue and the rest, we have spices. The aftertaste is very present with wood and ginger and even little fruits. I like it, I think... 88
