Rosencrantz
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Blended — Scotland
Reviewed
January 25, 2020 (edited January 26, 2020)
The nose immediately is reached by an alcoholic scent, like a disinfectant (definitely not Laphroaig's medicine), accompanied by glue (!) and a bitter undertone. To insist with not a little courage, you can perceive a sweet base creaminess. Not very inviting, but on the other hand it is designed for cocktails, or to be submerged in ice if drunk alone...
On the palate, alcohol immediately arrives (and it's 40%!), quickly vanishing to leave room for cardboard (I swear!) and still a very clear bitter profile, almost formaldehyde. It looks like a chemical, solvent type: not so strong, obviously, but those are the sensations. The flavor has a very short life, unfortunately it takes more sips to be able to focus it... but there is a limit to how much I can sacrifice myself, so trust what is written above.
The finish is dry, bitter, sticky and fortunately short.
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One must keep in mind it's not intended to be consumed on its own, but... it sucks anyway. And people do drink it neat!
I don't find JW Red quite as unpleasant, but I agree it's a 2 star dram intended for mixing or taking with soda & ice, not neat appreciation. There's way worse blends at the price point.
I haven't subjected myself to JW red in years. In case there was any lingering doubt, you've reminded me never to touch it again!