Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch Wine Cask Blend Whisky Review

Whisky giant Johnnie Walker looks to be having fun playing around within their experimental series known as Blender’s Batch.  Last year, the U.S. market saw the release of a 10-year-old Triple Grain American Cask whisky.  Just last month, Johnnie Walker dropped their Wine Cask Blend.  This new blend was led by Aimée Gibson, a member of the Johnnie Walker blending team.

According to a press release, Wine Cask Blend was influenced by experimentation of maturation in wine casks.  The NAS whisky is partly comprised of malts from Clynelish and Roseisle, and grain whiskies from Cameronbridge.  As the name states, some of the whiskies used in the blend were matured in wine casks.

If you’re expecting the signature smoky touch synonymous with Johnnie Walker, look elsewhere.  Wine Cask Blend is light and fruity on the nose, with a certain youthful character coming through at times.  Light malt and raspberries fill the nose, with hints of vanilla and green apples.  On entry, toffee apples and berries dominate.  Maybe some raspberry jam? Those notes provide the sweet side of the whisky, which is balanced by some citrus and a hint of spice.  There is slightly vibrant (read: young) malt in the midpalate.  The grain whiskies add a vanilla-tinged creaminess to the experience.  The clean finish features hints of a berry tart.

Bottled at 40% abv, Johnnie Walker Wine Cask Blend is a very smooth whisky.  The $29.99 per bottle asking price isn’t a big hit on your wallet.  I would say I’m not in love with this blend, but I’ve returned to it several times and have quite enjoyed each dram.  It’s different from any core range Johnnie Walker by a mile.  I’ve tasted this whisky neat each time I’ve gone to it.  Maybe it’s the summer heat, but I can see this in a sort of highball.  A few berries.  A splash of club soda.  A sprig or two of fresh mint or even an orange twist.  After all, this blend was designed with cocktails in mind.  That could explain the whisky’s airy and fruity character.  Bottom line, don’t expect a bold, smoky Johnnie Walker.  If light and fruity is your thing, Wine Cask Blend will be right up your alley. 7/10

Johnniewalker.com

Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch Triple Grain American Oak Blended Whisky Review

New from Casa de Walker is the limited edition Triple Grain American Oak.  It’s the third entry in the Johnnie Walker’s experimental Blender’s Batch series, and first released here in the U.S. The Triple Grain American Oak (TGAO) is made up of three grain whiskies (wheat, barley, and corn) including some from Port Dundas, and two malt whiskies from the Cardu and Mortlach distilleries.  The whiskies here are at least 10 years old, and have matured in American oak casks.  

This blend is said to be inspired by Master Blender Jim Beveridge’s interest in American whiskies.  The last new Johnnie Walker expression I tried, Select Casks Rye Cask Finish, also tried to cater to the American whiskey drinker.  I really enjoyed that blend.  I’d love to see rye whiskey barrels used more in Scotland.  Johnnie Walker TGAO is bottled at 41.3% abv and can be found for about $30 a bottle, while supplies last.

Information from the brand suggests it was designed to be a mixer in cocktails, but it’s really nice on its own.  On the nose, I pick up – no smoke!  A rare deviation for Johnnie Walker.  Instead we get candied fruit, vanilla, caramel and a light floral note.  The palate is creamy, and combined with the vanilla on entry comes across as vanilla pudding.  Some caramel apple and spice follow, with hints of buttered wheat toast and very, very light whisp of wood smoke (maybe I’m imagining).  The finish is short and clean – sweet grain with just a touch of spice.

Add this to my list of Scotch whiskies for bourbon drinkers to try.  Sweet fruit and vanilla are the stars here, and are two notes usually found in bourbon.  There’s virtually zero peat here, which I know seems to turn off a lot people thinking of getting into Scotch.  I have to reiterate that Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch Triple American Oak is a one-time release and very well priced for what it delivers.   8.5/10

Thanks to Diageo for the sample!  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Favorite Whiskies of 2015

Spirits-based websites and blogs generally post a Top 10 list or Holiday Gift Guide at the end of the year.   I did the same in 2014, but this year I’m changing things up a bit.  Reflecting back on the past year, I came up with a listing of whiskies that I not only thoroughly enjoyed, but ones that I found were memorable.  These cover both American and Scotch whiskies, regular offerings and limited editions.

Except for the top spot, these are listed in no particular order.

The year is not over yet.  I’ve got some potentially incredible whiskies waiting to be tasted.  Who knows if they’ll make this humble blogger’s list of favorite whiskies of 2016.  Until then, Sláinte!

What’s the best whiskey you’ve tasted this year?