About this whisky

Blue Label is the blend Johnnie Walker reserves its rarest stocks for. The brand says only around one in every 10,000 casks in its inventory has the character needed, and some of those come from 'ghost' distilleries that closed long ago and can never be replaced. Master Blender Dr Emma Walker and her team work without an age statement, choosing whiskies purely on flavour, and the result is presented in a heavy, sapphire-blue bottle in its own case.

In the glass, expect a layered, silky whisky: vanilla, honey and rose petal sweetness, then dried fruit and gentle spice, with slow, sumptuous waves of smoke on the long finish. It is a whisky for unhurried sipping, ideally neat, with a glass of iced water alongside. For a landmark birthday, a wedding gift for the family, a retirement or a once-a-year corporate thank-you, few bottles are as instantly recognised as a gesture of respect.

Key facts

• Only around one in every 10,000 casks is hand-selected for the blend
• Includes whiskies from long-closed 'ghost' distilleries
• No age statement; positioned as the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker core range
• Overseen by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr Emma Walker

Tasting notes

Nose:

Vanilla, honey and rose petal, with dried fruit

Palate:

Silky and layered, with honey, gentle spice and soft fruit

Finish:

Long, with sumptuous waves of smoke

Serve

Neat in a nosing glass, ideally with a sip of iced water beforehand to refresh the palate; a few drops of water can open it further.

Food pairing

Shines on its own, or with simple accompaniments: dark chocolate, roasted almonds, or a few pieces of smoked salmon.