Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Espresso Roast Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scotch whisky, part of Johnnie Walker's experimental series.
Type: Blended whisky, combining grain and malt whiskies.
Distillation & Maturation: Features whisky matured in refill casks for distillery character, rejuvenated casks for light spiciness, and first-fill bourbon casks for subtle vanilla sweetness. Utilizes heavily roasted barley for a unique flavor profile.
Age Statement: Not specified.
Color & Clarity: Not described in the transcript.
Bottle Design: Described as a "cheap bottle," slightly above 20 euros/dollars/pounds for a 500ml volume, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43.2%.

Balance of Flavors: A rich and smooth blend with a unique balance between roasted notes and traditional whisky flavors.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its intense dark chocolate and rich coffee notes, derived from the use of heavily roasted barley. The blend lacks smokiness, which is often present in more expensive Johnnie Walker bottles, and has a very light vanilla note.
Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct within the Johnnie Walker range due to its experimental nature and specific focus on roasted barley flavors.

Anecdote: The whisky is the result of a series of experiments started 11 years ago, focusing on distilling malt whisky with barley that had been roasted more heavily than ever before, leading to the discovery of rich dark chocolate notes and an intensity previously unexperienced.

Significance: This whisky is part of Johnnie Walker's effort to showcase the possibilities in whisky making through their experimental series, highlighting innovation within the traditional Scotch whisky industry.

Opinions: The reviewer, Horst Luening, appreciates the whisky's rich and smooth blend, noting the successful balance of roasted notes with other whisky flavors. He finds the espresso and dark chocolate notes quite intense but enjoys the lack of bitterness typically associated with tannin-rich oak wood maturation.
Quotes: "The results were incredible rich dark chocolate notes with an intensity I'd never experienced."

Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Espresso Roast is an innovative blended Scotch whisky.
Utilizes heavily roasted barley for unique coffee and dark chocolate notes.
Matured in a combination of refill, rejuvenated, and first-fill bourbon casks.
Lacks the smokiness present in more expensive Johnnie Walker variants, focusing instead on a rich, smooth blend with light vanilla and intense spiciness.
Part of Johnnie Walker's experimental series, showcasing the possibilities in whisky making.
Reviewed positively for its unique flavor profile and lack of bitterness.

For the Adventurous Drinker: Those interested in unique, experimental whisky flavors will find the Espresso Roast intriguing due to its innovative use of roasted barley.
For the Johnnie Walker Enthusiast: Fans of the brand looking to explore beyond the standard range will appreciate this distinctive offering.
For the Non-Smoky Scotch Lover: Individuals who prefer Scotch without the traditional smokiness will enjoy the Espresso Roast's focus on rich, smooth flavors without the peat.