Whisky Forum - I tried a blended - am i damned?

WinBase · Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2020 2:09 pm Post subject: I tried a blended - am i damned?

Ok, i need to confess, i saw a bottle of johnny walker 12yo black label on offer at morrisons while assisting the missus christmas shopping, and for Â£21 thought how bad could it be. As I have'nt bought any blended for many years, curiosity got the better of me at the price. My opinion was that although i did'nt have any great expectations, it really wasn't that bad, and tasted ok, if a little 'generic' even though it doesnt have an individual character like you get in most single malts. btw i drink my scotch neat with the occasional drop of h2o, but am i committing heresy here?, and am i a malt whisky snob?, or should i feel peace to all drams at this time of year (not bells obviously).

arqueturus · Master Of Malts Joined: 31 Jul 2016 Posts: 262

BigShing · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Feb 2019 Posts: 283

When people think of blended whisky they tend to think of cheap blended scotch, but there are well established companies like Compass Box who do high quality malt blends and companies like Johnnie Walker, Chivas, and various Japanese distilleries like Nikka have a number of quality grain/malt blends in their range.

Johnnie Walker Red is pretty decent for a bargain basement entry level scotch. Black is a step up and pretty nice until your palate develops into appreciating finer malts, then it may be time to stick to Green, Gold, or Platinum. Blue Label is nice but it is outrageously overpriced for what you get. I've heard good things about Johnnie Walker Swing but I've never tried it.

unblended · Master Of Malts Joined: 20 Mar 2015 Posts: 439

when i want to go to the dark side Laughing

i usually go for johnnie walker black never dissapoints

TheWM · Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 9:13 am Post subject:

Black and Double black are excellent stables to have, especially for guests.

The 15 has always been a great dram (theyâ€™ve altered the recipe though not as good but still decent). Great value too.

Iâ€™ve always stayed clear of red - if you canâ€™t afford to spend more than Â£15 on a bottle perhaps whisky isnâ€™t the right game for you!

UncleBoo · Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2021 7:55 pm Post subject:

Try some of the older blends from auctions. Usually cheap and often contain malts/grains from closed distilleries.

lincoln imp · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2021 12:39 am Post subject:

UncleBoo · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2021 8:04 pm Post subject:

That's sadly true but with a bit of detective work and some luck, there's still the odd gem out there for the taking.

lincoln imp · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2021 11:50 pm Post subject:

blackcipher · Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2021 12:05 am Post subject:

I really enjoy a good blend. Ballantines 17 is one of my favourites. Nothing wrong with a blend.

James T · Master Of Malts Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Posts: 2965

Ballantines 17 is a long time favourite of mine