Johnnie Walker Red Rye Finish Blenders’ Batch No. 1

Johnnie Walker Red Rye Finish Blenders' Batch No. 1 is a blended Scotch from John Walker & Sons, marrying malt whiskies for character with grain whisky for a smoother, lighter frame. Grain from distilleries such as the closed Port Dundas often forms the backbone of blends like this. Grain from Glasgow giants like Port Dundas gave blends their smooth, creamy base.

A blended Scotch combines malt and grain whiskies of different ages and origins. Drawing on well aged stock, the malt lending depth while the grain gives a creamy, rounded base. It was matured in an ex-Bourbon barrel, wood that rounds the spirit gently. Continuous distillation strips the heavier notes, leaving a clean canvas for the wood. The blender's craft is to balance the parts into one whole.

At a sessionable 40% it is supple. The malts bring honey, dried fruit and orchard sweetness, the grain a creamy vanilla and coconut, with a clear vanilla rises from the lignin, coconut follows from the lactones, and caramelised sugars a toffee and creme brulee note adding its own note. A faint waxy note gives it weight on the tongue. The finish is creamy and slow to fade. A rounded, approachable blend in the house style.