Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Red Rye Finish

Just when you thought you had tried all Johnnie's portfolio, it turns out they decide to produce a Blenders' Batches series, beginning with this pumped-up version of Red Label that adds some magic from the defunct Port Dundas and rounds it off with a six-month rye cask touch.

I had it back in March 2017, when I wrote this down on paper, and never found it again. Maybe I haven't been looking that hard, maybe the experiment faded out and it's now a goner. Sincerely, no idea.

As for the review proper, this blended scotch shows an amber to orange pour with the classic oily streaks, trademark of the house. Aroma is quite intense, more than the usual Red Label. We start with some sweet spices, the likes of vanilla and clove; then appear mandarin and a tinge of green chili pepper.

Mouthfeel starts slick and warming, developing good umami notes midpalate but lacking enough crispness (this renders it slightly heavy.) Finish is again warming, even boozy; displaying a bitterless and long-lasting pleasant aftertaste that reminds me of Indonesian kretek.

Even though it has its flaws, it's a much better dram than the original Red Label from which it stems out.

Find where to buy Johnnie Walker whisky