Johnnie Walker Red Label (40.0%): A blend that doesn't need a long introduction. It is the third whisky of our blend project, the best-selling whisk(e)y all around the world and probably the most famous whisky bottle ever designed. Johnnie Walker Red Label carries no age statement, is bottled at 40% abv. and has a price tag of $23 - $28. Color: Medium amber. Actually it is the perfect definition of caramel coloring. Nose: Wowza..! Didn't expect that it will be that harsh. Very young and aggressive grain spirit fumes filled all my nostrils burning its way in. I had to take a break for a few minutes... Now the alcohol is partially gone and I could get some lemon zest, golden raisins and faint peat aromas. Mineral spirits, a little bit dry gin and also cheap molasses based rum. Adding water helps a lot to bring down the unpleasant alcohol burn. I have to say that the first sniff threw me off pretty bad though. Palate: Lemon juice, toffee candy, plastic ziplock containers and some dusty soot. Everything is still enveloped with young alcohol notes. A few drops of water make it definitely more palatable. Finish: Burnt plastic, hot citrus-honey flavored cold remedy and water forgotten for a long time in Sigg bottle. Overall: Sorry, not my cup of tea... I don't think that this blend can be enjoyed neat or just with a few drops of water. Maybe with a lot of ice or in mixed drinks... If I am not mistaken it supposed to have some Talisker and/or Caol Ila in but I couldn't get any of those notes. Chivas Regal 12 is still leading our blend project. Looking forward to the fourth blend...
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