Review#10 Vat 69 blended scotch whiskey

Here's a review of a CHEAP bottom shelf blended scotch whisky that I picked up a while ago because I had finished my bottle of Jameson and I wanted something with which to make hot whiskeys or to pour over ice. A little online research indicated that as cheap scotch blends go this one is or was fairly well received and got some positive reviews.

Price: good and cheap! not much hurt in the pocket with this one! 5/6

Availability: Very! I literally walked to the shop to get this, I don't think I've ever seen it in a pub though 5/6

Label/ Packaging: disappointing! What happened to the famous iconic green bottle! The label doesn't tell me too much and it looks a lot less attractive in a clear bottle. It does have a link to a safe drinking campaign though which is good. However when I went to the shop having done my research it took me a while to find it because of the bottle change - clear glass must be less expensive then green: 2/6

Marketing lovely B.S. story about some rich fellow throwing a party to get the perfect blend hmmm, This whiskey makes an appearance in band of brothers too! here's a link for the clip:

https://youtu.be/r8stuEzpgFE

that stuck with me, love the sound of the rain... 4/6

Appearance, kind of orange gold - more yellow in the glass, likely has colorant added but maybe not too much: 3/6

Nose, cheap! Not the nicest nose but I wouldn't go so far as to say its unpleasant, Caramel or butter scotch, a hint of something citrus, dried fruits and or fruitcake, ethanol - grain spirit: 13/20

Taste on entry

Sweet, slight minty flavor, nothing fantastic: 11/20

Mouthfeel not bad, not too thin, 7/10

Development: some pepper, a little smoke, something a little off not sure what it is - maybe it's cheap whisky!

13/20

Sometimes you get what you pay for and realistically this whisky has met my expectations and has served me nicely for throwing in with ice for a little tasty refreshment from time to time. I have tasted several better cheap scotch blends and I don't think I'll be buying this one again.

Total score 63/100

Cheers,
Kev