Bailie Nicol Jarvie (BNJ) is a blend which I’d been aware of, but never actually tried. This changed a few months ago when a friend returned from a trip to Skye having picked up a few bottles on a whim.
Good timing it seems, as unfortunately it appears that owners Glenmorangie are discontinuing the range so they can concentrate on their single malt portfolio.
Despite the low prices, BNJ is a pretty high quality blend with 60/40 malt to grain ratio and matured for at least 8 years. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
Colour
Pale straw.
Nose
Very gentle sweetness with honey and barley sugar being the dominant nose.
Some malt notes and green apple / lemon rind appears as it opens up.
Taste
Silky smooth and so easy to drink. Honey, golden delicious apples and just a hint of smoky dryness.
The finish is barley cereal sweetness with some vanilla and light toffee and hangs around for longer than expected.
Didn’t bother adding water to this as I really don’t think it will improve things.
Overall
Reviews of BNJ often note that it punches above its weight with regards to the price and having tasted it, I’d have to agree.
It’s better than most of the entry-level blends I’ve tried and could easily be mistaken for a single-malt, especially if you think in terms of Glenmorangie 10 year old without the strong pear notes.
A cracking blend and if you see any on a shop shelf; buy it as it won’t be around for long.
Braw Spirit 