Re: Johnny Walker explained
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:17 pm
I think personal preference as per sampled whisk(e)y may override general rules, but in general, I do agree - adding ice to a (malt) whisky is not a fabulous idea. One notable exception which I feel should be mentioned is Bourbon - many of these whiskies were designed to be drank with one or two ice cubes added.
Why is ice not good? Because cold numbs the palate. This is the main reason why if one is to enjoy the full aroma and palate of whisky one should not add ice to the drink, nor should the drink be cooled by other means. On the other hand, some hideous blends for example have become perfectly palatable with ice..
Quoting wikipedia about Johnnie Walker:
"For most of its history Johnnie Walker only offered a few blends. In recent years there have been several special and limited bottlings.
* Red Label — a blend of around 35 grain and malt whiskies. It is intended for making mixed drinks.[4] 80 proof. 40% ABV.
[My comments: red is raw-tasting young blended whisky that truly benefits from all ice added to it.]
* Black Label — a blend of about 40 whiskies, each aged at least 12 years. According to William Manchester this was the favorite Scotch of Winston Churchill.[5] 80 proof. 40% ABV.
[My comments: JW Black is almost a reference standard of blended Scotch Whisky. This is an affordable good blend]
* Green Label — a vatted malt that is a blend of about 15 individual single malts, the signature malts being Talisker, Cragganmore, Linkwood, and Caol Ila – Aged 15 years. 86 proof. 43% ABV. Previously sold under the name 'Pure Malt'.
[My comments: All malt whisky, but without any lead, or any real character. I would never ever purchase this for its price - there are so many malts whiskies and even blends that beat this 100 - 0 .How to put it? Not to my personal liking, and overpriced.]
* Gold Label — a rare blend of over 15 single malts, including the very rare Clynelish malt. It was derived from Alexander II's blending notes for a whisky to commemorate Johnnie Walker's centenary[citation needed]. His original efforts were thwarted by a shortage of these malts following World War I. Gold Label is commonly bottled at 15 or 18 years. 80 proof. 40% ABV.
[My comments: Since when is Clynelish rare? This is an active distillery, and capable of producing 3,4 million litres per annum. Majority of these litres goes to blends - like this. The rare partner whisky of Clynelish is BRORA - this was made in the now demolished distillery right next to Clynelish. Have not tasted this JW Gold, so I have no opinion as such of its quality.]
* Blue Label — Johnnie Walker's premium blend. Every bottle is serial numbered and sold in a silk-lined box, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. There is no age declaration for Blue Label although its information booklet states that some of the blends used are "up to 60 years old". 80 proof.
[My comments: A "super-premium" blend that is very expensive. Expect smoothness, but again not that much character. Blender's artwork nevertheless. N.B. Any whisky I have tasted that is older that 40 years has already lost its distillery character and most other recognizeable traits to wood, air and angel's share - so advertising that 60-year old whiskies were added to this is simply silly and might just appeal to the Asian markets mainly.]
Why is ice not good? Because cold numbs the palate. This is the main reason why if one is to enjoy the full aroma and palate of whisky one should not add ice to the drink, nor should the drink be cooled by other means. On the other hand, some hideous blends for example have become perfectly palatable with ice..
Quoting wikipedia about Johnnie Walker:
"For most of its history Johnnie Walker only offered a few blends. In recent years there have been several special and limited bottlings.
* Red Label — a blend of around 35 grain and malt whiskies. It is intended for making mixed drinks.[4] 80 proof. 40% ABV.
[My comments: red is raw-tasting young blended whisky that truly benefits from all ice added to it.]
* Black Label — a blend of about 40 whiskies, each aged at least 12 years. According to William Manchester this was the favorite Scotch of Winston Churchill.[5] 80 proof. 40% ABV.
[My comments: JW Black is almost a reference standard of blended Scotch Whisky. This is an affordable good blend]
* Green Label — a vatted malt that is a blend of about 15 individual single malts, the signature malts being Talisker, Cragganmore, Linkwood, and Caol Ila – Aged 15 years. 86 proof. 43% ABV. Previously sold under the name 'Pure Malt'.
[My comments: All malt whisky, but without any lead, or any real character. I would never ever purchase this for its price - there are so many malts whiskies and even blends that beat this 100 - 0 .How to put it? Not to my personal liking, and overpriced.]
* Gold Label — a rare blend of over 15 single malts, including the very rare Clynelish malt. It was derived from Alexander II's blending notes for a whisky to commemorate Johnnie Walker's centenary[citation needed]. His original efforts were thwarted by a shortage of these malts following World War I. Gold Label is commonly bottled at 15 or 18 years. 80 proof. 40% ABV.
[My comments: Since when is Clynelish rare? This is an active distillery, and capable of producing 3,4 million litres per annum. Majority of these litres goes to blends - like this. The rare partner whisky of Clynelish is BRORA - this was made in the now demolished distillery right next to Clynelish. Have not tasted this JW Gold, so I have no opinion as such of its quality.]
* Blue Label — Johnnie Walker's premium blend. Every bottle is serial numbered and sold in a silk-lined box, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. There is no age declaration for Blue Label although its information booklet states that some of the blends used are "up to 60 years old". 80 proof.
[My comments: A "super-premium" blend that is very expensive. Expect smoothness, but again not that much character. Blender's artwork nevertheless. N.B. Any whisky I have tasted that is older that 40 years has already lost its distillery character and most other recognizeable traits to wood, air and angel's share - so advertising that 60-year old whiskies were added to this is simply silly and might just appeal to the Asian markets mainly.]