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.

[powderhound]

I've never tried JWB, so this statement isn't directly aimed toward that product or company,

But sometimes Hype can make a product seem more valuable, or even better, than the competition.

So, if you were to compare 2 products side by side blind, you may like the less expensive one much more. If you were told ahead of time product A is 3 times as costly as product B and has a huge following, you may be pre-conditioned to like product A better.

Some of my favorite Single Malts are not the most expensive, and I have felt a bit let down when trying some that have a hefty price tag.

[jwise]

Originally Posted by powderhound

I've never tried JWB, so this statement isn't directly aimed toward that product or company,

But sometimes Hype can make a product seem more valuable, or even better, than the competition.

So, if you were to compare 2 products side by side blind, you may like the less expensive one much more. If you were told ahead of time product A is 3 times as costly as product B and has a huge following, you may be pre-conditioned to like product A better.

Some of my favorite Single Malts are not the most expensive, and I have felt a bit let down when trying some that have a hefty price tag.

Truer words have never been spoken!

I started off tonight sipping Macallan Cask Strength, and then after one glass switched to Duggan's Dew (pretty cheap blend, but very good). I'm just now finishing up my second glass of Duggan's, which cost 1/4 of what the Macallan cost, but makes a very nice follow-up to a full-flavor malt.

I can't imagine spending more than $20 on a blend.

Hi,

I've never had the pleasure of trying JWB, but having tried both the Black and the Red, I won't be investing

It's simply a matter of taste, I find the JW blends i've tried so far to be a little 'sour' for my pallete. Maybe I needed to try a couple more glasses to make sure?? ;-)

As a suggestion, try to source a miniature of the whisky before purchasing the expensive bottle, I've found it an excellent way of tuning my wallet to my tastebuds

Cheers
Bry

[bkblankenship]

I have had JWB on many occasions and bought an inaugaral bottle in 1993. I find JWB to be only ACCEPTABLE. There are so many other blends that come out of the starting blocks way ahead of JWB. JWB has snob appeal to many; I suspect because of price. Although it has no age statement, the whiskies in JWB are at a minimum 25 years which JW does not keep secret. The blend has a splash of 1923 Auchtertool, which is a long lost Lowland distillery. You can bet it is only a splash. But for some reason people think the older the Scotch, the better. Don't get me wrong, older Scotches can be great ( notice I said, CAN BE GREAT ), but old NEVER means BETTER; old does mean MORE EXPENSIVE. For me, there are so many other blends on the market, even value blends that possess more flavor and complexity than JWB.

[Superdan138]

Fruity drinks taste better to most woman in general....are they worth more then scotch? Taste is such a subjective thing....blends may be smoother and taste better to some people...but single malts are where most scotch enthusiasts are led to. This is all backed up my reviews and marketing....I think its all subjective. This is one of the few blends that I have actually tried and its the one that got me into scotch. I now only buy single malts (JWB was given to me as a gift, so I have never actually purchased a blended scotch) since thats what my personal tastes say is good. Its all subjective...but in the world of serious scotch drinkers...theres 100s of other single malts they would touch before this one....

-Daniel

[Gwhacker]

Blue was one of the drams I had the night I discovered scotch. A consultant I work with was treating me to a tour of a scotch bar after finding out I was a Bushmills single malt fan. We drank in what I would now consider 'reverse order', starting with smoky and peaty (may have been Talisker) and ending with Blue. He presented it to me as the end all- be all of scotch. I enjoyed the Blue, it was the essence of smooth, but when we ordered another round, I asked to go back the complicated stuff that I've been chasing ever since.

I personally prefer Green, it has a much more complex character, but I wouldn't turn down a dram of Blue.

Well while people say that Johnnie Walker is not worth the money and that there are many single malts out there that to them taste better. I ask you this.............it the Macallan 55 year old worth the $20,000.00 price tag?? You are getting whiskies that are older and much better in my opinion in JW Blue and for about 1/10th the cost.
Just a lil food for thought

[p_froes]

Of course not. That's why I don't buy it. And I don't buy the JW Blue for this reason also
There's is just so much good stuff to get for that price. And the green and gold label are much nicer imho.

Black Bull 30. Cheaper than JWB, and simply fabulous. Made me a believer that 30yo grain whisky blends can be marvelous.

I, too, prefer JW Green to the Blue. Blue just seems too "noisy" to me, I'm not sure what it's trying to do...

[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.

[Fer]

I think there's a really big difference between red/black and the blue label. I agree that the blue label is not worth the price, but even that, I like it. I thing the only way you can decide is to taste it.

[Jojo]

Originally Posted by Fer

I thing there's a really big difference between red/black and the blue label. I agree that the blue label is not worth the price, but even that, I like it. I thing the only way you can decide is to taste it.

Welcome to the Whisky.com Forum Fer! Great to have your feedback - keep it coming!

[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!!

[WhiskySnob]

for any one who does like the JW series just try to Cardhu 12yr and you will never go back to JW again. Cardhu is actually owned by JW and its the base blend for 3/4 of the JW series. Its super nutty and rich with light tones of vanilla and loads of caramel. blows the pants of JW in my opinion...probably why its their base blend hah

[Islay Peat]

Originally Posted by Fer

I think there's a really big difference between red/black and the blue label. I agree that the blue label is not worth the price, but even that, I like it. I thing the only way you can decide is to taste it.

The manager where I work bought me the shot I had on Saturday and asked me the other day what I thought. It was a little hard to say, but I guess I might like it a lot better for $40 a bottle, but since there are so many things I like between the $40-$100 range I doubt I'll ever find a bottle of JW on my shelf.
Too bad, as I'd hoped to like some of the common offerings which can easily be found without a lot of searching around.

Originally Posted by Jojo

I love Yamazaki 12 & 18!!

You should go to the distillery and have a full sampling - they have the award winning 1984 there too, and if I recall correctly it was about $20 for a glass, which is pretty reasonable for something so completely unavailable.
Taketsuru 35 is still available at the distillery for $17 a glass.

[michael]

Originally Posted by WhiskySnob

for any one who does like the JW series just try to Cardhu 12yr and you will never go back to JW again. Cardhu is actually owned by JW and its the base blend for 3/4 of the JW series. Its super nutty and rich with light tones of vanilla and loads of caramel. blows the pants of JW in my opinion...probably why its their base blend hah

Your thoughts on the Cardu 14 tasting notes by one if our esteemed members: http://www.whisky.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96896

[Javelin_Fangs]

Is the question if Johnny Walker Blue Label is worth the cost or if a blended Scotch worth the value of a decent moderately priced Single Malt Scotch on any given night? I get the impression that the whole purpose of this thread was to prove that Single Malts are always better than blended Scotch. In some ways that true, but almost none of the people who replied negatively seem to have actually let the bottle oxidation take place. So of course they didn't see the $180-200 value in it.

If I'm planning to drink 3 or 4 shots worth of Scotch I can go for Red Breast 12, Glenfiddich 15, a Glenmorangie Special Edition, etc. Sure I regularly drink and enjoy those too. Here's the thing though; you don't pay the price you pay for Blue Label to drink it in one night.

Buy a bottle...drink some. Let the bottle sit 2 or 3 weeks then drink some more. Let the bottle sit a few more weeks then drink some more and so on. The variety and quality of the blend can't possibly be appreciated without letting it breathe. If you're willing to let the bottle change its taste the yes of course it's worth the price.

But if you're strictly into Single Malt Scotch and don't have the patience for all that waiting then Blue Label is clearly a waste of your money.

[Islay Peat]

To date I've now had Black, Double Black, Green and Blue, the first of which I don't care to ever buy again, and the other three I enjoyed, although I'll say it again, the Blue is far more expensive than other blends I like a lot better.

The Taketsuru line of Nikka blends, at least starting with the WWA 2012 winner are very affordable in comparison, and I suppose I need to try them side by side some time.

Hibiki 12 and 17 blends are much more to my liking, particularly for their price points.

Look forward to trying Gold and Platinum at some point, but Blue will probably not ever land in my shopping cart until the price gets cut down a lot.

It's definitely good, but not for the price.

Right now my favorite is the Green, and I think I'll have a taste tonight.

[Newkophile]

Originally Posted by 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.

You should check out Ralfy's review of JW Blue. Quite interesting in that by the end he rates a couple of Johnny Walker editions above that of the Blue. In fact, if I recall his favorite Johnny Walker edition is the Green which is a vatted (or blended) malt which is 1/3 the price of the Blue. He is quite entertaining as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxg5jHSQJAM

[Islay Peat]

Originally Posted by cyclebutt77

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.

That's only one of the levels that surprises me about the pricing of the Blue, but it should never be down to whether single malt or blend, but what the final flavour is.

I have a few blend favorites that are much more enjoyable than some of the single malts I've had, and although my preferences don't speak for others, I'd be surprised if I'm the only one.

A couple of my favorite blends are Crown Royal (Reserve and XR), Taketsuru 17, and Hibiki 12.

Originally Posted by Newkophile

You should check out Ralfy's review of JW Blue. Quite interesting in that by the end he rates a couple of Johnny Walker editions above that of the Blue. In fact, if I recall his favorite Johnny Walker edition is the Green which is a vatted (or blended) malt which is 1/3 the price of the Blue. He is quite entertaining as well:

I've got a bottle of Green Label and while I can't say if I like it better than Blue or not, I'd say that with the price marks being what they are, there's a much greater chance that I would lay out money for the Green before I would for the Blue.

Love Ralfy's reviews and I'm getting ready to watch this one now.

The other two JW's I'm curious about are the Platinum and especially the Gold.

[bkblankenship]

Originally Posted by bkblankenship

I have had JWB on many occasions and bought an inaugaral bottle in 1993. I find JWB to be only ACCEPTABLE. There are so many other blends that come out of the starting blocks way ahead of JWB. JWB has snob appeal to many; I suspect because of price. Although it has no age statement, the whiskies in JWB are at a minimum 25 years which JW does not keep secret. The blend has a splash of 1923 Auchtertool, which is a long lost Lowland distillery. You can bet it is only a splash. But for some reason people think the older the Scotch, the better. Don't get me wrong, older Scotches can be great ( notice I said, CAN BE GREAT ), but old NEVER means BETTER; old does mean MORE EXPENSIVE. For me, there are so many other blends on the market, even value blends that possess more flavor and complexity than JWB.

For my tastes, I have found Johnnie Walker GOLD to be far superior than JWBlue at ~1/3 the price.

[AngryAnt]

Have to say out of all the JW range I'd go for the Gold any day of the week over the Blue, but my favorate has to be the Dalmore 12 year.

[Islay Peat]

Originally Posted by bkblankenship

For my tastes, I have found Johnnie Walker GOLD to be far superior than JWBlue at ~1/3 the price.

This is the kind of thing I keep hearing about the Gold and one reason that I want to try it so badly.

Here's a pic from last night and Johnnie Walker started things out nicely. Don't know that I'll ever buy either of them again, but if I do, so far it would be the Green.

[Fer]

I really think as I said, that the JW Blue is overpriced. But I thing it is not as simple as that. what determines the price? We're saying that the flavor doesn't worth the price. Posibly true, depending on each one. But it is said that this blend is made with some whiskys which are not longer being produced. That has its price, too. And a bigger one. Think that sonner or later you will not be able to taste that whiskys (goods or bads). It is the same as JW Blue Label King George V. I thing that the most valuable of this edition of blue is the posibility to drink very rare whiskys, not the flavor itself.

The price includes the status that they are selling us (pure advertising, I think).

By the way, I like the flavor of this blend, but It's too expensive for me (and certainly not the best)

And sorry for my not great english skills...

[cato]

JWB is good. There is no denying that. It is very much overpriced. I have stacks of whisky superior in every way to JWB at half or more the cost.

[jwise]

I have had the following Johnnie Walker expressions:

Red: swill not suitable to mix. Seriously, pour it down the drain.

Black: decent to mix, or serve in tumblers over ice to non-enthusiasts. Nothing I want to drink. On par with Chivas.

Green: a very nice dram, with the boldest flavors in the JW lineup. Tasty! A bit of spice.

Gold: more subdued than the Green, but with the same 'island' profile. Very smooth.

Blue: incredibly smooth, hints of...everything. Very well balanced. Easily approachable, even for someone who has never tasted whisky.

I would (and have) buy JW Green for my cabinet. It is worth it's price of $50 or so. I can't seem to find Gold for less than $90. For that, I could have HP18, Auchen Three Wood, or Bunnahabhain 18. No thanks.

[Islay Peat]

Originally Posted by jwise

I have had the following Johnnie Walker expressions:

Red: swill not suitable to mix. Seriously, pour it down the drain.

Black: decent to mix, or serve in tumblers over ice to non-enthusiasts. Nothing I want to drink. On par with Chivas.

Green: a very nice dram, with the boldest flavors in the JW lineup. Tasty! A bit of spice.

Gold: more subdued than the Green, but with the same 'island' profile. Very smooth.

Blue: incredibly smooth, hints of...everything. Very well balanced. Easily approachable, even for someone who has never tasted whisky.

I would (and have) buy JW Green for my cabinet. It is worth it's price of $50 or so. I can't seem to find Gold for less than $90. For that, I could have HP18, Auchen Three Wood, or Bunnahabhain 18. No thanks.

Your assessment of the Red makes me feel vindicated in not even trying it, although I'm sure someday someone will have a bottle and I'll try it at that point, assuming there's ice available.

I didn't like the Black well enough to even keep, and gave it to a friend who thought it was okay, but the Double Black is a much different drink than the standard Black and worth at least checking out. I'd also like to hear what you think of it when you do get the chance, as well as the Platinum.

[jwise]

I've never even heard of platinum. Does it have an age statement? What is its price point?

[Islay Peat]

Originally Posted by jwise

I've never even heard of platinum. Does it have an age statement? What is its price point?

Right between Gold and Blue - here's a picture of the Johnnie Walker selection.

Had no real interest at the time and was mostly trying to learn about single malts and Japanese varieties at the time, so no idea about age statement.

Prices are approximately, from right to left:
Red $12
Black $20
Double Black $30
Green $40
Gold $50
Platinum $60
Blue $125

[jwise]

Those are amazing prices.

[Islay Peat]

Originally Posted by jwise

Those are amazing prices.

I still think the Red and Black are overpriced though.

[Newkophile]

Originally Posted by Islay Peat

Right between Gold and Blue - here's a picture of the Johnnie Walker selection.

Had no real interest at the time and was mostly trying to learn about single malts and Japanese varieties at the time, so no idea about age statement.

Prices are approximately, from right to left:
Red $12
Black $20
Double Black $30
Green $40
Gold $50
Platinum $60
Blue $125

Those prices are a lot better than what I see in southeast Florida:
Red $19
Black $28
Double Black $32
Swing $50
Green $63
Gold $74
Blue $200

Haven't seen the Platinum

[Islay Peat]

Originally Posted by Newkophile

Those prices are a lot better than what I see in southeast Florida:
Red $19
Black $28
Double Black $32
Swing $50
Green $63
Gold $74
Blue $200

Haven't seen the Platinum

Where I am right now I've seen:
Red $29!?!
Gold $100
Blue $289

[jwise]

I've seen Green selling for $83, while the Gold was listed right next to it at $86! Supposedly, Green is harder to get than any other expression (which makes sense to me, as Green is the best value in the lineup).

[Islay Peat]

Ironically Green seems to be relatively affordable here at around $70.

I'm still anxious to try the Gold, which at $50 doesn't seem too bad, although I'll have to wait a while to get back there.

[harlan]

Glad I'm not the only one! Whenever I tell people that I prefer to drink scotch after it has started to 'fall apart' (after opening)!

(First post, here BTW)

I've tried JW Blue...and it was lovely. Nicest gift I've ever gotten...but now that I've tried yet would rather hunt down and sample the various scotch in the blend.

Originally Posted by Javelin_Fangs

Is the question if Johnny Walker Blue Label is worth the cost or if a blended Scotch worth the value of a decent moderately priced Single Malt Scotch on any given night? I get the impression that the whole purpose of this thread was to prove that Single Malts are always better than blended Scotch. In some ways that true, but almost none of the people who replied negatively seem to have actually let the bottle oxidation take place. So of course they didn't see the $180-200 value in it.

If I'm planning to drink 3 or 4 shots worth of Scotch I can go for Red Breast 12, Glenfiddich 15, a Glenmorangie Special Edition, etc. Sure I regularly drink and enjoy those too. Here's the thing though; you don't pay the price you pay for Blue Label to drink it in one night.

Buy a bottle...drink some. Let the bottle sit 2 or 3 weeks then drink some more. Let the bottle sit a few more weeks then drink some more and so on. The variety and quality of the blend can't possibly be appreciated without letting it breathe. If you're willing to let the bottle change its taste the yes of course it's worth the price.

But if you're strictly into Single Malt Scotch and don't have the patience for all that waiting then Blue Label is clearly a waste of your money.

[Abambach]

The first class lounge at Heathrow airport in London has free JW blue as well as Macallen 18. JW blue is the winner all day long, smooth and far superior in consistency. Best price is from Mexico duty free, approx 185 USD.