Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch – Triple Grain American Oak
Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: 10 years
41.3% abv
Bottle Number: TG3 81613
(tasting note from Oct 29, 2020)
The Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch series is an experimental extension of the JW brand. Master blender Dr. Jim Beveridge leads the experimental blending and they’ve been releasing these “blenders’ batch” editions over the past few years. This is the third release in the series, following Red Rye Finish, and Bourbon Cask and Rye Finish.
This had been hanging around the NSLC shelves for quite a while in my observation. At $50 it was a borderline for me, nothing in the online reviews got me interested enough to give it a whirl, even in our Johnnie Walker infatuation period. When it went on yellow tag for $42 I thought I’d give it a whirl.
Bottle notes
“Three Grain whiskies using wheat, barley and corn – blended with select Malts. Sweet and creamy with fresh fruits and gentle, spicy smoke. Aged 10 years in American oak casks.“
Nose
Predominantly barrel and spice on first approach. There are subtle notes of fresh fruit, and some hints of malty cereal.
With time and tasting, the cereal notes are stronger – quite pleasant after a sip and 10 minutes. A bran or wheat cereal, with a light topping of fruit, served in a new wood bowl. This has really become quite a nice little dram on the nose, but the start was such strong barrel and spice, hard to approach initially.
Palate
Creamy, fairly smooth and fruity, some kick of spice, and an oaky presence. Each sip brings more of that creamy mouthfeel and sense of cereal with a light topping of fruit.
It becomes more muted later in the dram. But not unpleasant – it has turned even smoother and integrated in the mouth.
Finish
Lingering, medium length. Fading cereal and barrel. Creamy for some time.
Final Thoughts
I found this to be a bit of a harsh startup, but with time became a fairly pleasant dram. The wood and spice dominate for the first 5 minutes or so, but then fades and let’s a lovely creamy cereal and subtle hints of fruit to take center stage. The mouthfeel is unique and pleasant. Often there is a kick of spice and spirit, so it feels like a dram to be careful with. But with the right care, is a pleasant partner.
Likely not a bottle I would pick up again. I do enjoy the special edition nature of it, and the link to Johnnie Walker, but as a dram of whisky, not one I would choose over any number of other decent available selections.
