John Barr Blended Scotch Reserve Blend

Aromas of maple syrup, mild peat smoke, lemon rind, apricot, and nutmeg. Medium-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel. More peat, lemon, and nutmeg on the palate, alongside pine needles and honey. Finishes quite smooth and medium-long. 3.25/5.00 – Quite Good (neat)

I mean $20 is $20

My father-in-law gave this to me, maybe as a repackaged gift, I’m not sure, but I’m glad he did because it’d fairly good. As other people have pointed out, it's pretty comparable to Johnny Walker Black— being the European equivolant after JW was banned for a bit in the 70s. I see it as Pepsi to JWB’s Coke. Personally, I prefer JWB, but I won’t complain having a glass of this. If anything, it might be better than JW Red. The first thing you’re hit with it the smokiness, then followed by how smooth it is. That said, it’s certainly more of a on the rocks drink than a sweet cocktail drink; some can work, though.

Perfect blend for cocktails, price is fair.

If Jim Beam attempted to make a Highland scotch, it might taste like this. That's not a bad thing: It's got a little attitude even if it backs away from the fight, has a vaguely leathery/rubberband-y chalk outline of peat around an oily, sugary/caramel core, and with a distinctly tea-like aftertaste. Imagine a step up from a Johnny Walker Red and a very slightly muddier/duller Johnny Walker 12, which is all to say this tastes like a good Scotch that's been sitting around a glass with an ice cube a little too long. What's the notch just above "drinkable in a pinch"? That's our little friend here.

Would drink again. It was ok.

Very sweet and fresh smell, very smooth and mild taste, slight peaty note. Very warm as it hits bottom.