Introduction
Today, we're diving into the John Barr Reserve Blend blended scotch whisky. This is one of those bottles you often see among the budget-friendly scotches, but it manages to stand out with its sleek and minimalist design. John Barr doesn’t try to look like something out of the 1970s or 1870s, and that’s part of its appeal. We picked up a one-liter bottle for just $20 in the OHLQ last call section, making it a potential steal. But does the taste live up to the presentation? Let’s find out.
The following review is taken from our episode "Ben-Hur / John Barr Reserve Blend." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The nose here is pleasant, if unremarkable. There's honey, vanilla, and the barley definitely comes through. I even picked up a bit of peppermint. None of it really stands out, but nothing detracts from the experience either. I'll give it a 7/10.
Bob: I’m pretty close to you, Brad. I’m giving it a 7.5/10. This reminds me of blended Irish whiskey, but it’s a little more harsh and rough around the edges. There’s a slight ethanol kick that gives it a hot honey vibe, which adds some complexity, but I’m a little concerned about how it might translate to the palate.
Taste
Brad: On the palate, it actually improves a bit from the nose. The barley and vanilla are more pronounced, and I got a fresh vanilla bean note. There’s a hint of orange, and just a touch of dill, but nothing overpowering. It’s a really pleasant palate overall. I’m sticking with a 7.5/10 here.
Bob: I was sipping while you were talking, and it was like getting the DVD commentary of my tasting experience! The only thing I’d add is that I got a little bit of bitter cocoa powder, almost like a chocolate orange. It’s inoffensive, but a bit thin. I’ll also give it a 7.5/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish is where those rough edges start to show. The barley turns a bit sour, almost like it’s been sitting out too long. It’s not terrible, but it definitely falls off from where the palate was. I’ll give it a 6/10.
Bob: I’ll go a bit higher with a 6.5/10. It’s not great, but it’s not bad either. I think it’s going to score really well on value, though!
Balance
Brad: Balance-wise, it’s solid but not remarkable. It’s consistent throughout, with the flavors falling off slightly at the end. I’m at a 7.5/10 here.
Bob: I’m going with a 7/10. It’s unremarkable, but solid. Nothing really clashes, but nothing really wows me either.
Value
Bob: Here’s where this whisky shines. For $20, you’re getting a liter of pretty decent scotch. I’m giving it a 9.5/10 on value.
Brad: I’m at an 8.5/10. If you’re spending $30 for 1.75 liters, you’re getting a lot of whisky for your money. It’s a solid value, especially if you’re looking for a scotch-based mixer.
Final Scores
Bob: My final score is a 38/50. This is a great example of a budget-friendly whisky that performs well above its price point.
Brad: I’m at 36.5/50. For a $20-$30 blended scotch, you can’t do much better.
Conclusion
We’re coming out to a combined score of 37.25/50. This is a really solid budget whisky, and we recommend picking up a bottle if you’re looking for something in this price range. It’s definitely worth buying over trying at a bar. While it may not unseat Monkey Shoulder as the best value scotch in our book, it’s a strong contender. If you need a reliable, inexpensive scotch for mixing or sipping, John Barr Reserve Blend is a great choice.
