I have been a fan of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey for years, and it never disappoints. The smoothness and quality of this whiskey are truly unmatched. The aroma immediately transports me to a small, rustic distillery in Tennessee. With each sip, I am greeted with a rich combination of caramel, oak, and a hint of vanilla. The balance of flavors is impeccable, making it enjoyable both on its own or as a mixer in cocktails. The unique charcoal mellowing process that this whiskey undergoes truly sets it apart, resulting in a clean and crisp finish. Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey is a timeless classic that I will continue to enjoy for years to come.

Usually, I go into a grandiose introduction, and I give a history of the brand and background on the type of whisky. I’ll include some information, but today I’m exploring the best-selling Scotch whisky in the world: Johnnie Walker Red Label. I want to skip the typical introduction because Red Label is the standard-bearer for bad Scotch if you listen to folks in social media groups. But, at the same time, it is the best-selling Scotch in the world. While everyone’s palate is different, this is one of those things that you can’t have both ways. Either it is a terrible whisky, or it is drinkable. I would expect some back-peddling from the naysayers who will then suggest, Well, it is a mixer. I’ll take that comment at face value because even Johnnie ... MoreUsually, I go into a grandiose introduction, and I give a history of the brand and background on the type of whisky. I’ll include some information, but today I’m exploring the best-selling Scotch whisky in the world: Johnnie Walker Red Label. I want to skip the typical introduction because Red Label is the standard-bearer for bad Scotch if you listen to folks in social media groups. But, at the same time, it is the best-selling Scotch in the world. While everyone’s palate is different, this is one of those things that you can’t have both ways. Either it is a terrible whisky, or it is drinkable. I would expect some back-peddling from the naysayers who will then suggest, Well, it is a mixer. I’ll take that comment at face value because even Johnnie Walker’s website says, Made for Mixing. However, if you’ve followed me for some time, you’ll remember that I don’t do the mixer game. Whisky has to stand on its own – good, bad, or ugly to rate on the Bottle, Bar, or Bust scale. And, for the record, there are perfectly drinkable made-for-mixing whiskies that require no accompaniments. Let’s talk about Red Label. It is the entry-level Scotch under the Johnnie Walker brand and has been in production since 1909. It is a blend of 35 malt and grain whiskies sourced from various distilleries around Scotland. It carries no age statement, and you can expect to pay about $22.99 for a 750ml package. You can find this at pretty much every liquor, grocery, and convenience store – at least in the United States. I’ve never had Red Label before. I snagged a 50ml for about $2.99 at some random liquor store for the express purpose of a review. So, let’s #DrinkCurious and learn the truth about it. Appearance: Served neat in my Glencairn glass, Red Label was presented as golden, forming a medium-thin rim. Fat, slow tears fell back into the pool. Nose: I smelled lemon zest, lime, and floral notes. The aroma was straightforward. When I drew the air into my mouth, there was no flavor I could identify, but it was decidedly dry. I’ll say that’s something I’ve never experienced with a whisky. Palate: I didn’t expect the creamy texture; I figured it would be thin. There’s a lesson for you – expect nothing and keep an open mind. Red Label had one of the most unusual palates I’ve experienced. The front was spicy and bold with freshly-cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Mid-palate offered flavors of pear, vanilla, and barley. The back featured raisin, citrus, and mild oak. Finish: You might expect the finish to remain fruity. Instead, the spice from the front of the palate carried into the finish. Moreover, it was slightly smoky. There was some citrus, but that was overwhelmed amongst the other flavors. The whole thing was long and lingering. Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Johnnie Walker Red Label is drinkable neat. Frankly, there’s nothing wrong with it. It is a simple whisky that could work well in a cocktail with its spicy front and finish, and I’m not talking “and Coke.†Would I buy a 750ml for my whiskey library? No. For me, it lacks the depth and character I crave. Would I refuse a pour from a friend? Also, no. Red Label earns a Bar rating; it is something that would work well for the Scotch curious but would likely bore the connoisseur. Cheers! My Simple, Easy to Understand Rating SystemBottle = Buy ItBar = Try ItBust = Leave It Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.

2.5 vs. All, 5 Stars at $22

This was hard for me to rate. I give it 2.5 stars as a scotch, but an absolute bargain 5 starts at its price point. The ash tray comments are a bit over-blown. There is a bit of smoke, but it's not a smoke bomb by any means. I was feeling guilty having Oban 14 or McCallan 12 as my everyday drink. This fit the bill nicely. Try it! As you drink it you will have to keep reminding yourself that this is really inexpensive.

Better than red label

I’ve hesitated buying Johnny Walker after trying red label neat as one of my first whiskeys. But I wanted something Smokey and was told I needed to try Black Label. After I purchased it I didn’t smell smoke. My father in law introduced me to whiskey with a drink that smelt like campfire. Since then I’ve been trying to find a scotch or whiskey that smelt that way. So again on the smell I didn’t initially sense smoke and thought it was going to be disappointing. My first sip I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. Even though I couldn’t smell it I could taste it. Thanks to the price I will most likely always have a bottle of black label on my shelf. I love this stuff. I feel like I can try islay scotch now because that taste is what I want in scotch. As a beginner I ... MoreI’ve hesitated buying Johnny Walker after trying red label neat as one of my first whiskeys. But I wanted something Smokey and was told I needed to try Black Label. After I purchased it I didn’t smell smoke. My father in law introduced me to whiskey with a drink that smelt like campfire. Since then I’ve been trying to find a scotch or whiskey that smelt that way. So again on the smell I didn’t initially sense smoke and thought it was going to be disappointing. My first sip I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. Even though I couldn’t smell it I could taste it. Thanks to the price I will most likely always have a bottle of black label on my shelf. I love this stuff. I feel like I can try islay scotch now because that taste is what I want in scotch. As a beginner I recommend this scotch to anyone who would like a delicious introduction to a Smokey whiskey.

Burnt Rubber

Genuinely, don't understand how this gets such high marks. When I drank this, it waylaid me with this absolutely invasive burnt rubber/plastic taste. Kept thinking I was licking tires off of asphalt. I cant pick out anything else cause this flavor is just way too pervasive. Not only that, it left a lasting bitterness that really made it hard to go back for more.Since this was my first scotch, I had assumed it was just the profile of scotch, but I've since had Glenfiddich 12, which blasted away these assumptions. I've had a scot tell me that Johnnie Walker (and blended scotch in general) isn't what the locals drink, and to stick to single malts. Personally, I still have faith that a blended scotch could wow me and hit all the right buttons for me, but I absolutely ... MoreGenuinely, don't understand how this gets such high marks. When I drank this, it waylaid me with this absolutely invasive burnt rubber/plastic taste. Kept thinking I was licking tires off of asphalt. I cant pick out anything else cause this flavor is just way too pervasive. Not only that, it left a lasting bitterness that really made it hard to go back for more.Since this was my first scotch, I had assumed it was just the profile of scotch, but I've since had Glenfiddich 12, which blasted away these assumptions. I've had a scot tell me that Johnnie Walker (and blended scotch in general) isn't what the locals drink, and to stick to single malts. Personally, I still have faith that a blended scotch could wow me and hit all the right buttons for me, but I absolutely won't be looking for those in Johnnie Walker anymore.

Fill your boots!!

I have strong memories of my Dad always asking anyone who was going abroad to get him a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label at that time - 50-odd years ago, it couldnt have been widely available. Ive inherited my Dads taste for a good whisky and was thrilled when I found a litre bottle of the Red Label on Ocado, and on offer too. I have not been disappointed, in fact Id say its easily the best blended whisky around. One of those thats much smoother than some single malts. Its absolutely delicious. Soft caramel and a lovely warmth, but not too sweet. Have enjoyed on its own, but also mixed with ginger ale. At ?17 for a litre its the bargain of the century! Thank you Ocado - cheers!

Loaded to the gunnels with E150 caramel :(

This blend was certainly better quality experience about 10 years ago. It's certainly dropped in quality.Fast arrival, just as fast of a finish, completely unmemorable. There's a bitter note from the overly charred cask influence , no sense of any peat smoke that I could detect but that may possibly have been drowned out by the over saturation of E150 caramel colourant which leaves a saccharine aftertaste that I simply could not get past. I mean look at the colour on this whisky, it practically glows in the dark.Being a blend I expect some E150 as that's what is common in blends, it's what's to be expected but this is over the top. It's disappointing, especially for the cost that's being asked.My advice is if you're just starting out, looking for something ... MoreThis blend was certainly better quality experience about 10 years ago. It's certainly dropped in quality.Fast arrival, just as fast of a finish, completely unmemorable. There's a bitter note from the overly charred cask influence , no sense of any peat smoke that I could detect but that may possibly have been drowned out by the over saturation of E150 caramel colourant which leaves a saccharine aftertaste that I simply could not get past. I mean look at the colour on this whisky, it practically glows in the dark.Being a blend I expect some E150 as that's what is common in blends, it's what's to be expected but this is over the top. It's disappointing, especially for the cost that's being asked.My advice is if you're just starting out, looking for something decent to get started. Get something like Monkey Shoulder, or Dewars if it has to be Walkers then maybe the Green label if it's still available but as far as this goes run do not walk away.Walkers is a company that demands a premium price but do not supply a product that's worth the money they ask.They have become complacent and are IMO one of the companies out there that are ruining the reputation of Scottish whisky through complacency.

Not the Green Label of old

Johnnie Walker Green Label used to be best value in the Johnnie Walker range. As an age stated, 43%,15 year old blended malt (which used to be known as a vatted malt) it used to have rare balance of the signature malts, Cragganmore, Caol Ila, Linkwood and Talisker. Sadly, since the original Green Label's discontinuation from the market because of lack of 15 year old stock of the core malts in 2013, this newer version is sadly a let down. The balance is non existent and it tastes far younger than the 15 year old age statement on the bottle.The marketing information on the back of the bottle now mentions Lowland whisky and this current Green Label tastes of young Lowland whisky, probably Glenkinchie given that this is a Diageo product. Sadly, Green Label is no ... MoreJohnnie Walker Green Label used to be best value in the Johnnie Walker range. As an age stated, 43%,15 year old blended malt (which used to be known as a vatted malt) it used to have rare balance of the signature malts, Cragganmore, Caol Ila, Linkwood and Talisker. Sadly, since the original Green Label's discontinuation from the market because of lack of 15 year old stock of the core malts in 2013, this newer version is sadly a let down. The balance is non existent and it tastes far younger than the 15 year old age statement on the bottle.The marketing information on the back of the bottle now mentions Lowland whisky and this current Green Label tastes of young Lowland whisky, probably Glenkinchie given that this is a Diageo product. Sadly, Green Label is no longer what it once was and I cannot recommend this once lovely whisky any longer.

Overall Great Scotch

I have tried numerous whisky varieties. As the cost of J.W. (red) is acceptable, a product I purchase at regular occasions. There certainly is some superior whisky available, which I have purchased, however, too expensive for daily consumption. However, I have observed that J.W. (red) is gradually increasing the cost of 1125ml. A thought to consider if price continues to increase. Becoming overpriced.

Run

I wouldn’t give this bottle to worst enemy. There is nothing enjoyable about this bottle in the slightest. It tastes awful neat or with water/ice, and there are better mixing scotches for around the same price from Dewars. If you want Johnnie Walker, get the black label and skip this. It you’re wanting to introduce someone to blended scotches, get monkey shoulder. How this is the most popular blended scotch will always be a mystery to me