John Barr

Personally I find it harsh and edgy, even if cut wth water. In my experience a good scotch can be enojoyed both with and without water. This one was not particularly enjoyable either way. That is my opinion only.

Email: Actually my feet are big not medium.

Peter,

Which one of three expressions in the line is it? This is the economy line of whiskies produced by Whyte&Mackay for the US.

Sláinte, Bushido

The $14 one was the "gold." I've had the green, which seemed like an approximation of JW Green (vatted). Not worth the money in my opinion. Is the gold drinkable or harsh as previously posted? Do you know what the component parts are?

Hi Peter,

The n.a.s. "gold" John Barr is not as nice as some other blends you can get for the same money. For a good, inexpensive, all-purpose blend, try Grant's Family Reserve. If you're willing to spend another $6, try some of the Lombard vatteds as an alternative to blends and singles. I've been enjoying the Smoking Ember and Tidal Ebb on ice as a tall cool drink.

I tried the JB gold only once and was not overly impressed, while not as "thin" as some mass market blends, it wasn't a robust whisky by any means. I don't recall it being overly harsh, just not very remarkable with a high grain content. Sort of a good candidate for use in the Rob Roys my Dad likes. I don't have a clue about the malt line-up.

The producers are trying to pass these off as a Johnnie Walker alternative, but the profiles are more like the Dew of Ben Nevis end of the scale. The 17yo Blue is pleasant and I have a bottle in the vaults that I taste from time to time, but for the same money you can get Johnnie Walker Black or Buchanan's 12yo, which are much better, IMO.

Sláinte, Bushido

I'm not familiar with the Lombards in this state-controlled liquor store environment. I'll try the Grant's. Thanks. Your advice is always appreciated.