Johnnie Walker Red Label - A Basic Entry Level Blended Scotch

Famous for all the wrong reasons
Johnnie Walker Red Label is probably the single most famous Scotch whisky in the world.  Mention Scotch and people will think Red Label or at least the name of the producer, Johnnie Walker.  You may not be doing yourself any favors by saying you like Scotch if this is the dram people identify with you.  On the other hand, this may work for you if you are trying to ward off the opposite sex the morning after that wild and regretable night before.  Just have a half full bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label in the end table next to your bed, reach for it in the morning, and say "I like Scotch, want some?" and you will probably be able to shake that mistake of a date from the night before.   He or she will shake their head nervously, make an excuse that they gotta go to work, church, whatever (he or she is probably thinking "now where is the public health clinic?"), and with that look of disappointment on your face (that could win an academy award) you tell them to feel free to let themselves out, and you can roll over, breathe a sigh of relief, and say that prayer to God . . . you know the one: "I will never drink again."

Now why would ol' Johnnie Walker Red have such a bad reputation?  I think it can be traced back to the less than stellar taste, and probably the fact that your local town drunk clutches this like a teddy on the park bench at night.

Suggested Serving
Don't drink this straight.  Its just too sweet and while it burns, you need to add a bit of water or ice to transform that burn to heat.  I added ice and it improved.  Now by improvement, I mean that is moving from Hitler to Stalin.  Let's keep it in perspective here.  Nevertheless, Epinions member Nchoward astutely pointed out in his review of this blend that if you add ice "you gotta drink."  He's right.

Nose
Heavy alcohol wafts up to the nose, mixed with some pine needles.  I'm not liking this, but not as bad as I expected.

Palate
Sickly sweet, candied like those gum balls you buy your child or niece at the local mall from those coin operated machines with the glass jar standing on stainless steel legs.  Following the sweetness, it is chased by some peat that I have to admit is ok, even pleasant, but then comes some heat and burn (but with ice it is softened considerably).

Finish
Some peat and more sugar.  If only the peat was stronger.  The last sensation is a drying of the palate as the scotch is swallowed.

General Impressions
Toffee sweet, some peat, and a drying finish.  If you use scotch in mixed drinks (I mean really who does?) then don't feel guilty mixing this with anything as the sum will be superior to the parts.

I was surprised that it was not as bad as I expected, but for the same price there are a number of better choices like Ballantine's Finest, Teachers Highland Cream and others.  Really, if you are in the market for a cheap bottle of Scotch whisky, try one of the others I have suggested. 

This scotch is by no means revolting.  You would wonder though when speaking some self-declared scotch experts.

There is worse on the market.  If you are totally new to buying scotch, it is worth a try as I suspect a novice will enjoy it more because of the sweet palate.  You may enjoy it initially but will soon grow to appreciate others.  On that basis it is worth buying.  It is without a doubt a blended scotch targeting the market that uses scotch as mix in drinks and also for those scotch drinkers who are new to the spirit.  It's sweetness will appeal to newcomers and the peat flavors will endear it to them.  Had I started drinking this when I first tried scotch, I suspect I would have enjoyed it more than I do now (a veteran of various scotch tastings).  This blend is very popular in hot climates and I could see why.  The sweet peat flavor profile with ice would be refreshing.

I am not your average scotch drinker as I like a wide vairety and can be quite fussy.  Nevertheless, I must admit this is not bad for your basic entry level blended scotch.

As with all reviews, remember, it is your opinion that ultimately counts, not mine.

Cheers!