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Johnny walker blue label
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Jul 9, 2012 13:10
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Ragingstiffballs posted:Johnny walker blue label 
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Jul 9, 2012 13:14
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Ragingstiffballs posted:Johnny walker blue label Whenever I mention to people that I'm interested in whisky, they inevetiably ask if I've tried Johnny Walker Blue Label. When I tell them I haven't they seem disappointed. Now, I've read the reviews and know that by all means its a pretty mediocre whisky with a hell of a lot of branding. Has anyone tried it? Also, god drat, I could buy a Bruchladdich Octomore for virtually the same price. Or two bottles of Lagavulin 16. NightConqueror fucked around with this message at 14:19 on Jul 9, 2012 |
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Jul 9, 2012 14:14
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NightConqueror posted:Whenever I mention to people that I'm interested in whisky, they inevetiably ask if I've tried Johnny Walker Blue Label. When I tell them I haven't they seem disappointed. Now, I've read the reviews and know that by all means its a pretty mediocre whisky with a hell of a lot of branding. Has anyone tried it? I have, and it does not live up to the hype, AT ALL. It's kinda nice and velvety in it's mouthfeel, and it has some good flavors, but it just disappears almost instantly. There's no finish.
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Jul 9, 2012 14:58
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Blue Label tastes more like Crown Royal than Scotch. It's been made to be smooth above all else. So it's got very little flavor more assertive than silky and caramely notes, little finish, and the alcohol kick is masked by, well, something. By the mouthfeel? Does glycerol mask perception of alcohol?
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Jul 9, 2012 16:48
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pork never goes bad posted:Blue Label tastes more like Crown Royal than Scotch. It's been made to be smooth above all else. So it's got very little flavor more assertive than silky and caramely notes, little finish, and the alcohol kick is masked by, well, something. By the mouthfeel? Does glycerol mask perception of alcohol? I think so but you're not allowed to add it to whisky.
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Jul 9, 2012 16:51
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Voodoofly posted:Is that Chamucos Reposado you have there? I love that tequila. Indeed it is! Good eye. Probably one of my all time favorites, my all time favorite being Don Julio Real that some crazy rich customer at work bought me (I work in a bar). Had a decent week at work, probably gonna finish off one of these bottles with some friends and go pick up a new bottle of scotch. Most likely the Highland Park 12 that was recommended to me. e: NightConqueror posted:Whenever I mention to people that I'm interested in whisky, they inevetiably ask if I've tried Johnny Walker Blue Label. When I tell them I haven't they seem disappointed. Now, I've read the reviews and know that by all means its a pretty mediocre whisky with a hell of a lot of branding. Has anyone tried it? I have as well, and IMO it's worth trying but only if someone else is paying for it. For the price point there is MUCH better to be had, but if you're well to do and want something to show off to your friends that they will easily recognize as "status symbol" go for it, but thats just my opinion. Old Man Pants fucked around with this message at 17:44 on Jul 9, 2012 |
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Jul 9, 2012 17:36
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I wouldn't even say Blue Label's flavor disappears. It honestly tastes dilute from the very beginning, like there's a layer of water between the whisky and my tastebuds. What wood flavor does come through is faintly mildewy or soapy... I try it every time I go to a whisky expo or tasting, it's just not very good. I have no issues with Black Label or Gold Label, and am a little sad that Green Label will eventually become restricted to Taiwan and maybe Duty Free. I guess they want to fill that pricepoint with the reformulated NAS Gold Label and try something 'new' with Platinum? Who knows?..
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Jul 9, 2012 17:43
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kidsafe posted:I have no issues with Black Label or Gold Label, and am a little sad that Green Label will eventually become restricted to Taiwan and maybe Duty Free. Wait, what?
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Jul 9, 2012 17:46
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Caramel color is colloidal, and an emulsifier, so it's possible that they use larger quantities of lighter caramel to achieve a given amount of darkening with greater mouthfeel boosting properties. Either way, since that's the only permitted additive, they either play with that, or are doing it with the wood/aging/new make.
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Jul 9, 2012 18:00
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spankmeister posted:Wait, what? Green Label is disappearing from the North American market and only being sold in Asia, where it's fairly popular, apparently. A shame, really, because I think Green Label was my favorite of the Johnnie Walker family.
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Jul 9, 2012 18:20
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NightConqueror posted:Green Label is disappearing from the North American market and only being sold in Asia, where it's fairly popular, apparently. A shame, really, because I think Green Label was my favorite of the Johnnie Walker family. Well, that sucks. Green Label is arguably the best of the line.
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Jul 9, 2012 18:24
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spankmeister posted:Wait, what?
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Jul 9, 2012 18:25
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NightConqueror posted:So I finally did it - I grabbed the last Laphroaig Cask Strength bottle at the store. What reason is there to drink cask strength without any water? All the alcohol just burns the nose and palette making it hard to appreciate all the flavors. To each their own.
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Jul 9, 2012 21:32
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Allantois posted:What reason is there to drink cask strength without any water? Tried without water first, then added a few teaspoons afterwards. You're absolutely right, by the way, that the flavors overall are muted without the addition of water. I drank it strictly for the impact value of trying a high-proof, peaty liquor. It really gave off more of its flavors and smells after sitting with water for about 5-8 minutes.
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Jul 9, 2012 21:38
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spankmeister posted:Well, that sucks. Green Label is arguably the best of the line. Yeah, I liked the Green label as well. I have a few inches left at the bottom of a bottle, I guess it's time to pick up another before it goes away. re: blue label discussion. I've only had it once, and it was quite good. I didn't pay for it, so that probably helped. I didn't notice any watery taste at all, and the smoothness was nice. They poured me a full glass too, which was a nice surprise.
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Jul 10, 2012 00:13
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Green has always been great value for money to me. Having access to reasonably priced green means I don't even bother drinking red or black :snob:
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Jul 10, 2012 15:12
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NightConqueror posted:Whenever I mention to people that I'm interested in whisky, they inevetiably ask if I've tried Johnny Walker Blue Label. When I tell them I haven't they seem disappointed. Now, I've read the reviews and know that by all means its a pretty mediocre whisky with a hell of a lot of branding. Has anyone tried it? I've tasted it a few times. Last time we had the Blue Label in a blend tasting not too long ago. Ended up being the crowd favourite. Granted, we only had one other 'super-premium' involved, Ballantines 21. As a whisky, it's a good one. But when considering the price point and the 'status' it has, it is an inevitable disappointment to most whisky enthusiasts.
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Jul 10, 2012 22:57
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I'm rewarding myself for paying off all my consumer debt with a bottle of decent scotch. I have about $70 to spend in Ontario which is probably like having $45 in the US? I drink a lot of scotch but mostly at the low end (Islay Mist, Grant's). Occasionally I'll get bottles of stuff like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich as gifts, and I was even lucky enough to get a bottle of Macallan 12 from my grandparents. I really like the peaty, smokey ones and usually will order Laphroaig at a bar but I'd like to maybe try something new. Is there anything in that price range that I should try or is Laphroaig my best bet (750ml is $69.95 at my local LCBO).
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Jul 11, 2012 02:40
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I really think Laphroaig Quarter Cask is your best bet when something like Lagavulin 16yr seems to be CA$110 thanks to the LCBO... Other peated options around your price range or cheaper: Jura Superstition Bowmore 12yr Talisker 10yr None of the above are quite as peaty as Laphroaig, and Talisker has quite a distinctive taste of its own. TobinHatesYou fucked around with this message at 07:32 on Jul 11, 2012 |
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Jul 11, 2012 07:28
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Of the above options kidsafe gave, I vote for Talisker 10. It's a cracking dram in it's own right, and it has enough peaty characteristics that I think you'll enjoy.
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Jul 11, 2012 08:12
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Talisker 10 us a great one, also Jura Superstition is a personal favourite of mine.
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Jul 11, 2012 09:05
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kidsafe posted:something like Lagavulin 16yr seems to be CA$110 thanks to the LCBO... Yeah, that's what I'd really like to buy but the idea is STAY out of debt! I'll try the Talisker, thanks guys.
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Jul 11, 2012 14:16
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Aramoro posted:Talisker 10 us a great one, also Jura Superstition is a personal favourite of mine. How's the Superstition? I've heard that the regular Jura is a generally uninspiring single malt.
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Jul 12, 2012 00:14
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I turned 21 last month, and purchased my first bottle of bourbon based on conversations in this thread: Bulleit (95) Rye Small Batch. For my first bourbon, I think it's delicious! It is a little too strong for sipping without being cut, but I enjoy the contrast of the sweet honey smell with the burnt sugar and really bright taste, and the smooth vanilla finish. Based on my enjoyment of this bourbon, do you have any suggestions of what to try next? I am a student, so please nothing over $60 a bottle.
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Jul 12, 2012 01:22
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Tig Ol Bitties posted:I turned 21 last month, and purchased my first bottle of bourbon based on conversations in this thread: Bulleit (95) Rye Small Batch. I'd suggest a bottle of makers mark or maybe even famous grouse for your next bottle. Thats just me though.
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Jul 12, 2012 02:01
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Tig Ol Bitties posted:I turned 21 last month, and purchased my first bottle of bourbon based on conversations in this thread: Bulleit (95) Rye Small Batch. Rye whiskeys, in general, are a little more spicy and intense. I haven't tried Bulleit Rye, but I'd bet it'd make a great manhattan or old fashioned. Here are my tried and true recommendations: Four Roses Single Barrel ($37-40) - Sweet on the nose, ends spicy Evan Williams Single Barrel ($28-33) - Probably the best single barrel value bourbon Elijah Craig 12 ($28-30) - Fairly mild, unassuming, but very pleasant to drink Wild Turkey 101 ($18-22) - One of my favorites, but it is definitely a hot whiskey. Lots of spice, but very enjoyable to sip. Plus you can't beat the price.
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Jul 12, 2012 02:28
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Go to a bar and try a Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, like the 20 year version. It will be an expensive drink but worth it to try a drat fine bourbon. Take it neat, without ice.
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Jul 12, 2012 06:17
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mod sassinator posted:Go to a bar and try a Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, like the 20 year version. It will be an expensive drink but worth it to try a drat fine bourbon. Take it neat, without ice.
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Jul 12, 2012 06:54
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NightConqueror posted:How's the Superstition? I've heard that the regular Jura is a generally uninspiring single malt. It's a lot better than the standard bottling IMHO, but it's still a divisive whisky. Some people like it, some hate it. I don't really like it all to much but some people do. The thing with Jura is that they bottle it too early. The 15YO is miles ahead of both the standard 10 and the superstition. It's just not really available and quite expensive.
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Jul 12, 2012 09:03
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Tig Ol Bitties posted:I turned 21 last month, and purchased my first bottle of bourbon based on conversations in this thread: Bulleit (95) Rye Small Batch. Seeing as how you've gotten your sea legs with a much more characteristic bourbon I don't know if you'd enjoy Maker's Mark as much. I would recommend Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve, the former being cheaper in my experience by far.
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Jul 12, 2012 09:16
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NightConqueror posted:How's the Superstition? I've heard that the regular Jura is a generally uninspiring single malt. I find the Superstition nice, lightly peaty with honey tones to it. But as spankmeister said it's a decisive one. Try it before you buy it. Jura 16 year old and Jura Prophecy are both excellent and less controversial but harder to get hold of.
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Jul 12, 2012 09:29
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spankmeister posted:The thing with Jura is that they bottle it too early. The 15YO is miles ahead of both the standard 10 and the superstition. It's just not really available and quite expensive. Do you mean the wine-cask finished Paps series 15 year olds? But you're right about the age, seems like Jura needs a few more years in the cask. I remember tasting the 10, 16 and 21 side by side. The 10 was interesting but immature, the 21 already a bit too mellow, but the 16 was lively and just mature enough, a clear favourite. I don't know why Jura is so badly regarded, they must have bottled some really weak batches that I haven't tasted or something. The Prophecy is my current favourite Jura, the boutique barrels have been wonderful too.
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Jul 12, 2012 12:43
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Much like Tig Ol Bitties, I'm a novice whisk(e)y drinker. Besides a little Wild Turkey 101 in college, the only thing I've really tried is Makers' Mark. I was at the liquor store yesterday and decided to get myself an early birthday gift, and picked up a bottle of Woodford Reserve based on the reviews you guys were giving it. It was a toss-up between Woodford Reserve or Bulleit, but I am a sucker for packaging and thought the Woodford looked nicer. I'll let you know what I think. Thanks for helping a newbie choose!
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Jul 12, 2012 13:23
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I think in general the Whyte & Mackay owned distilleries have an image problem despite the presence of Paterson as a PR powerhouse. Dalmore and especially Fettercairn aren't nearly as popular as they could be. Whisky hobbyists in particular disapprove of all these whiskies being bottled at 40% with caramel added.
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Jul 12, 2012 13:25
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NightConqueror posted:Rye whiskeys, in general, are a little more spicy and intense. I haven't tried Bulleit Rye, but I'd bet it'd make a great manhattan or old fashioned. Blantons is another strong consideration.
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Jul 12, 2012 13:41
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kidsafe posted:I think in general the Whyte & Mackay owned distilleries have an image problem despite the presence of Paterson as a PR powerhouse. Dalmore and especially Fettercairn aren't nearly as popular as they could be. Whisky hobbyists in particular disapprove of all these whiskies being bottled at 40% with caramel added. There's a bit of that, but also there's a strong vein of 'Not Islay Not Good' as well. People will cream themselves over Ardbeg very young but baulk at the idea of someone else doing it. The Jura 10 year old is young, it tastes spicy and very light but I don't think that makes it bad, just different. The caramel thing people get their panties in a bunch about a lot, but most Laphroaig , Lagavulin , Highland Park, Talisker etc all have caramel added.
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Jul 12, 2012 13:44
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smn posted:Do you mean the wine-cask finished Paps series 15 year olds? But you're right about the age, seems like Jura needs a few more years in the cask. I remember tasting the 10, 16 and 21 side by side. The 10 was interesting but immature, the 21 already a bit too mellow, but the 16 was lively and just mature enough, a clear favourite. Yeah I meant the 16. 
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Jul 12, 2012 14:22
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kidsafe posted:I think in general the Whyte & Mackay owned distilleries have an image problem despite the presence of Paterson as a PR powerhouse. Dalmore and especially Fettercairn aren't nearly as popular as they could be. Whisky hobbyists in particular disapprove of all these whiskies being bottled at 40% with caramel added. Tried some Fettercairn (Fior?) at a whisky show recently. Lovely new bottles, something pretty grim inside. It got added to the very short list of 'drams I have chucked away'. Jura is better than it was a few years ago. Better Wood Management caused that as opposed to a 're-branding' exercise. I got one of the 'Paps' range when I was over there for the Islay festival a couple of years ago. Very nice too, as is the 16y/o. As has already been said, Superstition divides opinion. My wife loves it, I'm not especially keen. The Jura 10 is improved but still quite thin on the palate in my experience. I'd pick an Aberlour 10 over the Jura 10 any day (I'm comparing them as they are often the discounted malt in the supermarket).
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Jul 12, 2012 15:53
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Inspired by the descriptions in this thread, I just bought a half-bottle of Laphroaig 10 as my first try at malt (kinda risky choice, but hey). Well, really I had tried a sip many years ago, when my parents bought a bottle, and then hated it. Was curious to see whether my taste buds had changed. And sure enough, I certainly recognized it, but thought it tasted kinda neat. Although I have to get used to it somewhat; can't imagine being able to drink much of in one go. Feels like I need to don protective clothing because it's so overwhelmingly much.
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Jul 13, 2012 00:20
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