A Couple of Inexpensive Blended Scotches [Whiskey Wednesday]
Dewar’s White Label
Last month, I happened across a couple of blended Scotch whiskies and was curious to try them.
The first was Dewar’s White Label, which I have seen, but about which I had known nothing. On the nose, there was very little, just a faint scent. When it initially hits the palate, it does so semi-smoothly. Once it arrives onto the palate, it is pretty forgettable: it is faint and it has a noticeable alcoholness to it (not so good) and some woodiness. Its finish is nothing remarkable, although there is some lingering woodness to it. Overall, I thought it was pretty meh. It might be good mixed with other things, but I do not recommend it on its own (unless you have no choice) – it’s not bad, it’s also not particularly good, either.
Johnnie Walker Red Label
The second I tasted was Johnnie Walker Red Label, which was slightly stronger on the nose, but still pretty faint. Upon initially hitting the palate, it was similar to the Dewar’s White Label, in that it was semi-smooth. When it hits the palate, there is less of a noticeable alcoholness to it than Dewar’s White Label. It also has a flavor profile that strongly reminds me of Johnnie Walker Double Black (which I have had previously) (of course, it’s not an accident, being from the same distiller, but I had to note it). The finish is nice – it’s really pretty straightforward and that Johnnie Walkerness (reminding me of the Double Black, just without the peatiness/smokiness) lingers in a pleasant and unassuming manner. Although this is not an amazing whiskey, it’s drinkable, although nothing special. In a pinch, it’s a suitable sipping whiskey, although it can go really well with other options.
