Is Johnny Walker Blue Really that Good?

[cyclebutt77]

Just curious folks, I've had many friends tell me how incredible this scotch is. When I find out it's JW blue I cringe. Is It true? Can JW blue be as good as it's $180.00 or so price tag? Better than the single malts? I'd be suprised but I'd like to hear your opinions on this please. thanks

[cyclebutt77]

Guess that answers my question.

My boss is crazy about JW Blue. We just bought her a bottle for her birthday and she could not have been happier. As for me, I certainly enjoy it, but I also have many favorites - that don't break the bank.

[505Gibbs]

I think its OK but certainly I've had better single malts at a lower price.
I think in a lot of the price is the advertising hype behind it. Check Ebay, the prices can be a bit lower if you are patient.

[scotchdrinker]

Unfortunately it is hard for people not to compare a very expensive blend like blue to a great single malt but they are two totally different animals. And, you can not compare them but, Blue is definitely not worth the money. I have had many bottles of it and for a blend it is ok but, the last time I had it, it was horrible. There are many other blends that are much better. If you tell me where you are located I may be able to recommend something else for you.

[cyclebutt77]

I'm really not interested in buying this BLEND. Don't want to sound like a single malt snob but I won't touch that stuff anymore. My dad taught me to appreciate scotch with Dewars and chivas but once I tried single malt some 28 years ago I've never gone back. It just surprises me that a blend can command such a following and high price compared to the unlimited amount of terriffic and relatively cheap single malts.

[cyclebutt77]

Thanks for the replies.

could anyone tell me about a bottle of blue label i got as a gift it is designed by gerald scarfe (it is a litre) the cartoonist

Having tried, Blue,Gold,Green,Black,Red & Swing Superior, I would say my taste buds prefer the Gold.

Re: I also have a Gerald Scarfe bottle(not given as a gift ), he designed the "Striding Man" logo on the bottle/box, keep a hold of this as it will increase in value. You can also buy the "Striding Man" as a print by Gerald Scarfe but it is more expensive than the bottle, but it is a cool illustration.

[Theus]

Tried red, black, green, gold, swing, blue...

Blue is ok, but not good cost/benefit.

(BTW... Blue is blended... So why is this topic in the Single Malts area?)

Theus

[silverfish]

Originally Posted by SMC1969

Re: I also have a Gerald Scarfe bottle(not given as a gift ), he designed the "Striding Man" logo on the bottle/box,...

Sorry to hijack the thread but can someone direct me to
an image of either the Scarfe bottle or print? I'm curious
as to what it looks like.
Thanks.

Originally Posted by silverfish

Sorry to hijack the thread but can someone direct me to
an image of either the Scarfe bottle or print? I'm curious
as to what it looks like.
Thanks.

PM me your email address and I will send you pictures of both.
Cheers

So here's the deal... I LOVE single malts, and I have a decent collection from Bruichladdich, to Bunnahaiban, to Macallan 30 and so forth.

I get Blue Label for $135 a bottle delivered and it is worth every penny. Granted, if I were to pay the retail (or even close to it!) I would steer clear.

Still, if you are looking for a delicious, smooth, and not entirely complex drink but one that still presents well, then Blue Label is wonderful.

It gets a bad wrap, but the reality is that it is overpriced, not a poor product. IMHO, if you can snag it for under $150 tax, title, and license, you are getting a good value.

Enjoy

**I would also say at $150 you could argue that Macallan 18, or Dalmore King Alexander is a better value, but that would simply be my single malt snobbery

I definitely notice the difference in Johnnie Walker Blue and other scotches. It is supremely smooth and uniquely flavorful. Almost reminds me of a fine wine. I only buy it during Christmas because of the price and enjoy Dewars and occasionally Oban at other times. That being said, Blue Label is a taste of the fine life in my opinion.

[snikt]

I had a shot of Johnny Walker Blue King George V blend once, it was pretty good but It's certainly not worth the price tag unless you have boat loads of money, and that's supposed to be even higher end than blue itself.

[Islay Peat]

I'm curious to try JW Blue, hopefully tomorrow night. The only other JW I've tried so far was a bottle of Black Label I bought a couple months ago; after drinking from it for a few days, I gave it away.

Everything I've heard about Blue Label so far has me expecting to like it, but it definitely appears to be both over-rated and over-priced. For blends I like my Taketsuru 17 and Taketsuru 17 non-chill filtered.

[Islay Peat]

Finally got to try Johnny Walker Blue Label and I'm amazed what the stuff costs now that I've tasted it. I enjoyed it, but could have been much happier with a bottle of Taketsuru 17, Yamazaki 12, and Ardbeg 10, all three of which I could buy for less than a single bottle of the Blue. I suspect name brand recognition at work here.

Happy to have tasted it, and I think my curiosity with JW is now finished.

[Jojo]

Originally Posted by Islay Peat

Finally got to try Johnny Walker Blue Label and I'm amazed what the stuff costs now that I've tasted it. I enjoyed it, but could have been much happier with a bottle of Taketsuru 17, Yamazaki 12, and Ardbeg 10, all three of which I could buy for less than a single bottle of the Blue. I suspect name brand recognition at work here.

Happy to have tasted it, and I think my curiosity with JW is now finished.

Islay Peat, you're on a roll! Keep your comments and feedback flowing

PS - I love Yamazaki 12 & 18!!