Passport Scotch

Passport Scotch is a classic blend in the portfolio of Pernod-Ricard. It was developed in the 1960s by Master Distiller Jimmy Lang and contains Highalnd, Lowland and Speyside whiskies. According to Chivas Brother, no less than 1 million cases are sold annually. I will try a bottling from last century’s early 90s.

The nose is very soft and mildly fruty. Even a bit creamy. Reminds me of lemon and banana. And a floral touch. Tulips? Underneath lies a special scent that reminds me of silver polish. Not disturbing in the least. After a few moments it becomes a bit syrupy. And all the way in the back is a hint of smoke. This is better than I would have thought.

On the palate, though, it is a let-down. It is still somewhat creamy, but immediately bittersweet on wet cardboard on which oranges are rotting. Yikes! The bitterness slowly but surely takes control. Walnuts? Even a big dose of caramel cannot save the day.

The finish is pretty short, which I find to be an advantage. Mildly alcoholic, a bit sweet, but mostly far to bitter.

While the nose was okay, the rest of this drink is not pleasant at all. Let us move on quickly.

warm steady arrival develops a broccoli, herbal middle and a fast pleasant finish.

According to various sources including the Pernod Ricard web site (owner of the distillery), Passport Blended Scotch Whisky contains malts from Seagram's Speyside distilleries. According to Jim Murray, Passport Scotch is a blend of more flavored highland malts with lighter and sweet lowland whiskies made at Seagram's Speyside distilleries.

The price (less than a half of JW Black Label) is excellent for what it offers. I would put it on a second place after JWBL when talking about cheaper blends (less than USD 30).

I have done tests with and without a drop of water and it was great in both ways. The content of single malts seems to be significantly higher than in other blends (except for JWBL).

There are certain floral and sweet vanilla tones on the nose, maple syrup, a light peat and bourbon sort of spice on the palate with a smooth and pleasant finish (very Speyside-bodied), not very dry. It is a very enjoyable blend for everyday drinking. If it is available in your area, you should definitely give it a try. I would say it will surprise anyone interested in blended whisky.

Should you decide e.g. between Chivas 12, Grouse, JW Red, I would recommend Passport Scotch instead. In central Europe it is available for approximately 12,- EUR.