Very few make it to blue - Makro

Our Whisky Experts on
Johnnie Walker Blue
JONATHAN J
MILES
30 WHISKY EDITION November 2011
Jonathan has worked in the liquor industry in South Africa for
36 years. He set up the Whisky Academy, a whisky education and
training facility, which has grown to be a leading light in the whisky
industry in South Arica. Jonathan has a passion for whisky and he
runs training courses (Whisky one; Whisky Two and an Introducion
to Whisky) and provides tastings and education to the liquor trade
and consumers.
Jonathan on Johnnie Walker Blue: The name Johnnie Walker conjures up all sorts of images of
quality, especially
whisky quality and the international image of a brand striding the globe. The beauty of the
brand is that you can find it in bars across the world and you will enjoy the excellent quality very
consistently, dram after dram. My favourite has always been the Johnnie Walker Black Label with
its unique smooth, deep and complex character.
However, every now and then one deserves a treat and it is on these occasions that one
reaches for Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It’s the bottle I keep on an exclusive stand in my whisky
bar and the one that is only opened when I am feeling generous and looking for a rare experience
for myself or my guests. It is the epitome of the art of blending and the Master Distiller, Jim
Beveridge, has access to some of the world’s most valuable and precious stocks as he creates the
Blue blend. Using exceptional young and old whiskies, he weaves a complex blend of the best
Scotland has to offer to ensure that luxuriously smooth flavour that we find in the glass.
I start by serving a generous dram in a tasting glass – I love to capture the rich, deep and
complex aromas – the powerful west coast elements are beautifully balanced by the sweetness
and maltiness of the Speyside and other Highland malts.
On the palate the layers of flavor open up and the complexity of the blend unfolds revealing
smoke, pepper and spice along with a smooth and satisfying finish. A touch of water opens the
whisky even more as new aromas and flavours are released for your enjoyment. Expect also ripe
fig, malt and light smoke mingling with the soft grain and again the gentle spicy finish.
This is a dram to be savoured, not rushed. Take your time to identify the different flavours
you pick up and let them tantalise your taste buds. It is a rare experience to be treasured as it
doesn’t come around too often. If your host is in a really generous mood he may offer another
dram – I usually accept graciously.