Johnnie Walker Umami Blue Label Elusive Review by Royal Batch
Welcome back, you all, dear liquor connoisseurs. First of all, thanks for showing so much love and appreciation towards the blog titled ‘A Don Artes Reposado Review: A Comprehensive Analysis by Royal Batch.’ This was the first blog from our recently announced review series. It is your love and support which motivates us to do better. In the second blog from our review series, the Royal Batch Team has made a genuine effort to offer an accurate and unbiased review of Johnnie Walker Umami Blue Label Elusive.
As a liquor connoisseur, you would surely be aware of Johnnie Walker, one of the world’s leading Scotch Whiskey brands in terms of value. It is one of the few scotch whiskeys stores whose products are available in over 180 countries. In 2022, Johnnie Walker was alone credited for selling over 21 million whiskey cases annually. Thus, it makes Johnnie Walker the number-one whiskey brand in the world.
In September 2023, Johnnie Walker debuted their much–anticipated Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami whiskey. To make this enigmatic scotch whiskey, Emma Walker (Johnnie Walker’s Master Blender) joined hands with renowned chef Kei Kobayashi.
When two of the most respected blenders and chefs make the collaboration, you know, it is going to be iconic. And that’s what it was. We’re near the one-year anniversary of Johnnie Walker Umami Blue Label Elusive, and we’ve had to say this whiskey has aged like a fine wine. In less than one year since its creation, it has become such a classic whiskey. Now, you can get an idea of how iconic and remarkable this will sound after ten years.
Our introduction has gone a little longer (God save this blog’s SEO readability)
Let’s jump straight into the blog post.
A Comprehensive Review of Johnnie Walker Umami Blue Label Elusive
Appearance/Bottling
Let’s first start with the appearance of this whiskey.
The bottle has a striking blue color, consistent with the Blue Label branding, but with additional artistic elements and calligraphy. If you give it a closer look, the bottle includes artistic splashes and a bold orange character, adding a modern & limited-edition feel.
The name’ Kengo Kuma’ is mentioned on the bottom of the bottle at the front.
(Kengo Kuma is a renowned architect. In his decade-spanning career, he has designed bottles and cases for various liquor brands.)
The bottom line: ‘The Bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami’ is luxurious, modern, and sophisticated. It is the perfect example of a bottle design that perfectly combines traditional luxury with contemporary artistry.
Aroma
Now, let’s move forward by describing its aroma.
Upon nosing, this whisky reveals a complex and inviting aroma. It was like a magnet, drawing the Royal Batch Team closer to taste the whisky.
An ‘Elusive Umami’ edition has notes of rich oak, subtle smoke, and a sweet vanilla undertone. Since the umami influence is present, you can also expect savory depth to the nose.
Hints of soy sauce, mushroom broth, and seaweed also add an intriguing layer to the aromatic profile.
The aroma of Johnnie Walker Umami Blue Label Elusive can be explained in one sentence.
‘With the combination of sweet and savory, it creates a balanced and captivating olfactory experience.’
Palate
Initially, our expectations weren’t high for Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami. But after taking its first sip, we have to say, ‘It didn’t disappoint.’
The whiskey has this smooth flavor (which Blue Label is known for). Moreover, there was something classy about it. Whether it was the initial flavors of dried fruit and caramel or dark chocolate, the umami elements beautifully complemented them.
Moreover, the savory notes of soy sauce and mushrooms enhanced the complexity of the palate.
The whole whiskey was such a delightful interplay of sweet and savory.
The flavor was neither sweet nor savory; it was just perfect.
Finishing
The finish of is long, satisfying, and reflective of the whiskey’s intricate flavor profile. As you take the first sip of whiskey, you’ll taste the sweetness of caramel and dried fruit. But, the moment the sweet flavor fades away, the notes of savory umami invade your mouth to make a long-lasting impact.
Additionally, the Royal Batch Team also experiences subtle smokiness in the finishing flavor profile.
Honestly, we expected a much stronger finishing profile as the initial flavors were so strong. The finishing profile was good, but it wasn’t great.
Overall Impression and Rating
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami Edition is a remarkable addition to the Blue Label family. It successfully combines the traditional excellence of Blue Label whiskey with innovative flavor exploration.
From Royal Batch, it is 4.7/5.
What does Johnnie Walker’s official team have to say?
Emma Walker, the master blender of Johnnie Walker, says,
‘Creating Johnnie Walker Blue Label Umami wasn’t just an ordinary blending experience, but a gastronomic exploration.’
She also suggested that liquor connoisseurs serve it neatly with caviar to enjoy its complex flavors to the fullest.
Julie Bramham, the global brand director of Johnnie Walker, has to say,
“The limited-edition release of Johnnie Walker Umami Blue Label Elusive is a testament to the brand’s success and ability to push boundaries. By partnering with Chef Kei to create this one-of-a-kind whiskey, the brand aims to elevate the drinking experience of new-generation whiskey enthusiasts.”
Interested in Buying Your Favorite Whiskey Expressions? Choose Royal Batch!
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So, without further ado, explore our ‘Whiskey Collection’ at the Royal Batch website and order your favorite expressions. We offer delivery services all across the US. Use Code ‘FREESHIP179’ on orders above $179 to get free shipping.
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