I recently turned 40.
On such a milestone occasion, one tends to look back and take stock of one’s life, but also look forward and contemplate the future. What better way than to do so than with a fine bottle of whisky, especially one received as a gift on such an auspicious occasion.
The bottle in question is Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
On with the tasting!
The drink is a deep amber colour, looking quite good on a chilly midsummer evening.
The nose of this blend is a gift of honey, lemon, melon, and soft notes of pineapple.
The palate is similar, once again providing a sweet mix of honey, lemon, pineapple, just a hint of lemonade, but adding a twist of pear, loads of spice, and a touch of caramel. There is a bit of rose petal in there and thoughts of mixed berries, but these are fleeting. A smoother whiskey is hard to find, the blend is a masterpiece of care designed to please even the most particular of whisky aficionados.
The finish is long and sweet. A slight burn remains on the tongue, but the sugary remnant of honey and lemon lingers. A bit of smoke sticks around long after the other flavours have faded.
A touch of water accentuates the honey on the nose, but mostly tones down the intensity of the flavours. I recommend not taking this whisky with any water at all. The finish remains unmoved by the addition of water.
Overall, as fine a whiskey as one could hope and an excellent way to celebrate surviving 40 years. If one has some disposable income, a highly recommended whiskey and well worth the expense. Cheers!
uisge beatha 