Black Bottle New Version Blended Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40%

Some whiskies shout to be heard. Then there is Black Bottle, which slips quietly into the room, lays a trail of smoke across the table and lets everyone else wonder where that depth came from.

Expert description

Black Bottle New Version is a Blended Scotch Whisky bottled at 40%.

New Version refers to the relaunch, when the brand returned to black glass, the recipe was tightened and the smoky Islay character was pushed back to the centre. It is a blend where malt and grain work together and where smoke is structural rather than decorative.

The ambition from the start has been to let every Scottish whisky region speak in the same bottle, with Islay as the note that holds it all together. The result is an approachable blend that works as an everyday dram and as a gentle way into smoky whisky.

Tasting notes

Nose

Soft peat smoke settles first, followed by malty sweetness, a brush of vanilla and a light maritime saltiness in the background.

Palate

Round and malty with caramel and honey, seasoned by pepper and a steady, earthy smoke that rolls across the palate without taking over.

Finish

Medium and warm with a gentle ash smoke that fades out alongside a last note of malty sweetness.

Specifications

Name: Black Bottle New Version Blended Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40%
Distillery: Black Bottle
Region/Country: Scotland
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Edition: New Version
EAN no.: 5029704111442

Flavour profile

Smoky · Malty · Soft · Spiced · Maritime

Did you know?

When the brand was to be relaunched in its original black glass, no original bottle survived to work from. Only when an example from 1906 turned up could the shape be recreated.

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Frequently asked questions about Black Bottle New Version Blended Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40%

Is Black Bottle a single malt?

No, it is a blended Scotch whisky. It combines malt from several Scottish distilleries with grain whisky. The core of the blend is Islay malt, which supplies the smoky character.

How much smoke is in it?

Moderate. The smoke is clear but soft and earthy, not tarry or medicinal. To go further up the peat scale, have a look at our Islay Whisky selection.

Does it work in cocktails?

Yes, very well. It was built to mix and shines in a Bobby Burns or a Rob Roy, where sweet vermouth meets the peat smoke. It also gives a smoky base to a highball.

Where does the name come from?

The brand was created in 1879 by Gordon Graham & Co. in Aberdeen, and the bottle was made from black glass from the outset. The name is quite literally the packaging.

What food should I serve with it?

It handles smoked salmon, grilled meat and salted cheeses well. The smoke in the whisky quickly finds common ground with anything that has been over fire.

Is it a good choice for someone new to smoky whisky?

Yes. It is soft in alcohol and sweet in malt, and the smoke never arrives as a shock. Many drinkers use it as a first step before moving on to Islay single malt.