Blender’s Batches, special batches sold at an affordable price, were added to the Johnnie Walker catalog in 2016. The first of these special batches was Red Rye Finish, where distillate matured for three years in usual oak barrels was further matured for six months in barrels that had previously contained rye whiskey. Rye whiskey should bring spiciness and other nuances to the taste. The 70 cl bottle was picked up from the local food store offer shelf for €12.99.

The smell is soft and light. A little floral, caramel, clove and other spicy notes. All in all, a very pleasant smell and is quite different compared to Johnnie Walker regular product Red Label. The taste follows the same line as the smell. Soft and light, quite sweet. Floral and fruity (apple, pear) aromas, caramel and honey. A little spiciness, oak barrel aroma. The aftertaste comes with a touch of ginger and grapefruit bitterness. Light and easy to drink, surprisingly smooth and fresh. The proportion of grain spirit in the whisky must be quite high, that’s how light the taste is, even a little watery. This has probably to keep a low price level, and the main focus has certainly been to get the rye whiskey aromas into the product anyway. This would probably not have been successful if the basic taste had been strongly malty.

Johnnie Walker Red Rye Finish is a somewhat functional product, let’s say it’s well worth the price. Light and smooth, but overall very tasty. The promised taste of rye whiskey there is not very much, but maybe just as much as the oak barrel can carry it. Due to its affordable price, this is certainly a worthwhile purchase.

82/100