In early 2020, I read an article about the three upcoming releases by Johnnie Walker in celebration of 200 years of distilling. For some reason, which I have yet to figure out, I became enamored with the idea of these 200th-anniversary releases and found myself immediately wanting to start the hunt for them. Now, there was no way I was going to spend over $1000 on the John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend, but there were still two bottles I was willing to purchase. Today’s review is of the first of those two bottles and is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight; I know, not a bourbon, but let’s move on and enjoy!

From the Johnnie Walker website: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight is a smooth, mellow Scotch made using some of our rarest whiskies from across the untamed wilds of Scotland, including exceptionally rare whiskies from ‘ghost’ distilleries. Each whisky is hand selected from eight legendary distilleries – featured on the bottle and pack – that existed when John Walker made his first steps embarking on our journey that began 200 years ago.

The Blue Label Legendary Eight is a blend made from old and rare whiskies and includes the eight distilleries that were in operation during the inception of Johnnie Walker. Four of these distilleries are no longer in existence (Brora, Cambus, Carsebridge and Port Dundas) and the other four are still at it; Blair Athol, Oban, Teaninich, and Lagavulin.

Honestly, I am not sure why I was so drawn to this bottle, although I do love Johnnie Walker Blue; but not a fan of its cost. Nonetheless, after nearly a year of hunting and having given up on finding it, while on a trip to Denver it appeared out of nowhere. There the bottle was with all its glory behind that notorious glass case saying “please take me home.” However, if you have read previous blog posts you are probably familiar with the fact that I do not like to buy expensive bottles.

In turn, this was another bottle that I passed on, even after a year of searching, but that is not the end of the story; obviously or I would not be reviewing this bottle today. As we returned to the car and I started to second guess my decision, Mrs. Bourbon Bossman said she would be right back. I thought nothing of it at the time, as was engaged in an internal battle of regret. Five minutes late she returned with the bottle of Blue Label Legendary Eight in hand; damn I love her. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Fruity Marmalade, Red Grapes, Light Brown Sugar, and Slight Campfire Smokiness
• Palate: Full of Sugary Sweetness. Notes of Caramel, Dried Fruits, Cocoa, Vanilla, and Firey Smokiness
• Finish: Lasting Finish of Sweet, Peatiness, and Smokiness of Love
• 2022 MSRP: $350
• My Rating: Save It! (This is a legendary bottle that will be missed)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman