Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blended Scotch whisky from Diageo, bringing together rare single malt and grain whiskies from four regions of Scotland. In this set, the 0.7 l bottle is accompanied by two glasses. The standard version is bottled at 40% ABV, as a blend with no declared age statement.
The brand traces its origins to a grocer's shop opened by John Walker in 1820 in Kilmarnock, while Blue Label itself debuted in 1992 under its original name, Johnnie Walker Oldest. It is the top expression in the brand's core range. According to the producer, the blend is created from whiskies sourced from four Scottish regions – Highland, Lowland, Speyside and Islay – including from distilleries that have since closed, known as ghost distilleries. Diageo states that only one cask in 10,000 from its reserves makes it into Blue Label, and part of the blend matures in sherry casks.
The nose reveals notes of oak, dried fruit, pastry and spices. On the palate, berry fruit, aniseed, cedar and a citrus accent lead the way, with discernible toffee. The structure is full and rounded, the texture silky. The finish carries chocolate, a malty backdrop and gentle, well-restrained Highland-style smoke, long and mellow.
The producer recommends serving the whisky neat with a separate glass of cold water, which can be used to prepare the palate before tasting. For a lighter, more floral profile, Blue Label can also be served over an ice cube and topped up with filtered water or soda water. Every full-size bottle bears an individual serial number.