Bailie Nicol Jarvie 8 Year Old

Bailie Nicol Jarvie is more colloquially known as BNJ. It is named after a character in Walter Scott's novel Rob Roy (I couldn't resist the title). It became popular with the British officers during the Boer War and has been celebrated ever since. In 1994 it was purchased by Glenmorangie. At this point composition of the blend was changed slightly from the original recipe to include single malts from the Highlands, Islay and Speyside. These are blended together with a grain whisky from Ayrshire. BNJ whisky contains 60% single malt and 40% grain whisky.

On the label it claims "The Bailie Nicol Jarvie we believe, boasts the highest malt content of any blended Scotch whisky".

It is still a surprisingly popular blend and The Independent (newspaper) ranked it as one of the "Top 10 Best Scotch Whiskies" a few years back. Jim Murray scores it at 95 (2013 Whisky Bible) and it is listed Ian Buxton's "101 Whiskies to try before you die". I can't think of a single reason not to try this Whisky.

The nose is floral, honey, lemon zest, grapefruit and oranges.

It is smooth and sweet on the palate. There is a little peat, barley and a real sharpness.

The finish is dry with vanilla and citrus.

I can see why this is so popular, it is very drinkable. Let it breathe in the glass for a bit and you won't be disappointed. I have struggled a little with scoring this one as my heart wants to score it higher than my head. I have been drinking this for a little while and may change my mind again but today my score is....

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