Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami | Whisky Review
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Not explicitly mentioned, but Johnnie Walker is a Scottish brand.
- Type: Blended Scotch Whisky.
- Distillation & Maturation Process: Specific details not provided, but it's noted that the blend includes a high malt whisky content with around 20% grain whisky, indicating a premium blend with less grain whisky than cheaper alternatives.
- Age Statement: No age statement provided.
- Color & Clarity: The whisky itself is not described in terms of color or clarity, but the bottle is noted to be blue and treated with acid for a matte finish.
- Bottle Design: The bottle is described as heavy and fancy, with a blue color that negates the need for a white plastic background in the video. It features Japanese characters on the box, highlighting its umami theme.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: The whisky is described as having a high malt content, contributing to its smooth and gentle character. It features a complex balance of fruitiness, nuttiness, spiciness, and a hint of smokiness.
- Unique Characteristics: The whisky is designed to showcase the umami flavor, which is unique and not commonly emphasized in whisky tasting profiles. It's recommended to be savored with caviar to enhance the umami experience.
- Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, it's positioned as one of the top offerings within the normal Johnnie Walker range, suggesting a superior flavor profile.
Whisky Storytelling
- Collaboration: The creation of this whisky involved a collaboration between master blender Emma Walker and three-star chef Ki Kobayashi, blending Japanese and French culinary arts to select whiskies that create an umami flavor profile.
- Anecdotes: The concept of umami, a taste for proteins discovered in the 1920s in Japan, is central to the storytelling, emphasizing the whisky's unique focus on this fifth taste.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Japanese Influence: The whisky incorporates Japanese characters on its packaging and is inspired by the Japanese discovery and appreciation of umami, blending this concept with Scotch whisky tradition.
- Culinary Collaboration: The collaboration with chef Ki Kobayashi introduces a cross-cultural element, merging Scottish whisky with Japanese and French culinary techniques.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This is definitely a Johnnie Walker. High malt whisky content."
- "This is among the normal Johnnie Walker, one of the very, very best you're able to have."
- "I like this whisky very, very much, highly recommended."
Summary
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami is a premium blended Scotch whisky with a high malt content and around 20% grain whisky.
- It features a complex flavor profile with fruitiness, nuttiness, spiciness, and a hint of smokiness, designed to highlight the umami taste.
- The whisky was created in collaboration with master blender Emma Walker and chef Ki Kobayashi, emphasizing a unique blend of Scottish, Japanese, and French influences.
- The packaging includes Japanese characters, and the whisky is recommended to be paired with caviar to enhance the umami experience.
- The review highly recommends this whisky, especially as a gift for the holiday season.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring unique flavor profiles and the concept of umami in whisky.
- Gift Seekers: Individuals looking for a premium and distinctive whisky to gift, especially during the holiday season.
- Culinary Adventurers: People who enjoy pairing whisky with food and are curious about the recommended pairing with caviar.