Dubbed “The Master Blender’s Reserve” and made of “the finest malt and grain whiskies”, the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve was launched in 2012 and has remained part of the Label line-up since. The “Gold Label” has been used by Johnnie Walker under several guises previously and was reportedly first created by using the blending... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Nikka – All Malt
The rise and rise of Japanese whisky can be dated back 90 years to 1934 and the foundation of what we now know as Nikka. The Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries form part of the now-giant Japanese whisky establishment and this whisky features malt whiskies from those sites. This bottle is one of their more signature/infamous... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker – Celebratory Blend (200th Anniversary)
On the day of celebrating love, I thought it would be worth posting about the Johnnie Walker Celebratory Blend - effectively Diageo’s own love letter to John Walker & Sons. For the record (and pedantic) this bottling celebrates the 200th anniversary of John Walker & Sons - the business and store that started it all... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Turntable – Bittersweet Symphony
This is the creation of brothers Gordon and Alasdair Stevenson who are looking to "create a new generation of blended scotch whisky. No shortcuts. No limits." It is a bold statement and smacks of a verve and vigour to create new blends that still show character and style. Not just to meld flavours together to... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Turntable – Paradise Funk
The opening gambit to the initial trio of blended scotch whisky releases from Turntable Spirits. Paradise Funk is described as "a funky yet delicate duo [which] bursts with exotic flavours. A harmony of caramelized pineapple, smooth vanilla and sweet toffee." The blend has been created by mixing 6 different casks of scotch malt and grain... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Turntable – Smokin’ Riff
Turntable Blending House was launched in 2023 by brothers Gordon and Alasdair Stevenson. Their mission was to tackle the modern misconception that single malt whiskies are best, and demonstrate how blended whiskies can bring real quality by “creating new rhythms in blended whisky”. Rhythms indeed, as the Turntable name and references within their brand also... Continue Reading →