Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Red Rye Finish

Another whisky sampled in store, this session was Johnnie Walker focused, I know it's a brand that gets much love/hate. I personally like Black Label, It's one of the whiskys responsible for getting me to give Scotch another chance.

This one is supposedly Cardhu focused (I believe Gold Label is also Cardhu-centric) with grain components from Port Dundas...but then it's a mass market blend so probably has a bunch of other components.

Aged in first-fill bourbon and finished for 6 months in Rye casks...not sure where the red part comes in.

Nose: Rye spices, oak, caramel, it smells a lot like a bourbon, a little barrel char, not much else...

Palate : Oily at first and then vanilla, a little dusty spice, cardboard, some custard , it loses steam and never fulfill the initial burst of flavor.

The finish is fast due to abv and most likely chill filtration, doesn't stick around long after robbing your dignity. It's not terrible, just mediocre

I am not against experimentation, I think it's quite healthy for any industry but I am left scratching my head with this release, why does this exists? Just buy an everyday good bourbon, for example, like Wild Turkey 101, which is killer and only costs 35$ and is served at a decent ABV, especially since this seemed aimed for cocktails...maybe i'm just surly.

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