whiskey tasting 2026

Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Review | A Bourbon Lover’s Bridge

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Can a Scotch whisky actually win over a die-hard Bourbon lover? Today, we’re tasting the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, the groundbreaking new core-range release from Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. Whether you’re a “recovering wine drinker” or a dedicated member of the Bourbon Journey, this expression promises a “jammy” bridge between worlds.

We first discovered this bottle during a tasting on the Enchanted Princess cruise, and it immediately stood out. With a backbone of Roseisle malt and a finish in First-fill Red Wine, PX, and Oloroso Sherry casks, Black Ruby trades medicinal peat for rich notes of raspberry jam, blackberry pie, and velvety honey.

Join Wayne and Rebecca as we break down the “Roseisle Factor,” the subtle Caol Ila smoke that acts like “salt in a cookie,” and why this 80-proof bottle is a must-buy for your home bar in 2026.

In this video:

  • The story behind the first female Master Blender’s “first baby.”
  • Why the 2026 U.S. rollout makes this the bottle to watch.
  • Deep dive into the tasting notes: From “Maraschino cherries” to “Dark Chocolate.”
  • Is it worth the $50 MSRP?

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

  • Classification: Blended Scotch Whisky
  • Company: Diegeo
  • Distillery: Roseisle (Backbone malt), with Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Cameronbridge, and Caol Ila (CUL-LELA)
  • Mash Bill: Blend of Single Malt and Single Grain whiskies
  • Age: NAS (Non-Age Statement)
  • Proof: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
  • MSRP: $50
  • Other: Finished in a combination of PX and Oloroso Sherry, First-fill Red Wine, and Ex-Bourbon casks
  • Purchased: 02/23 for $50 on Enchanted Princess Cruise

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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Double Oaked vs Barrel Proof: Pursuit United Showdown

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Cheers to another Wednesday pour! 🥃 Today, Wayne and Rebecca are diving into two incredible bottles from Pursuit United, courtesy of our friends Dawn and Michael from Chasing Neat.

Pursuit United is known for their transparency and master-level blending, bringing together premium distillates from Bardstown Bourbon Co., Finger Lakes Distilling, and a secret Tennessee partner. In this episode, we put two distinct expressions to the test: the rich, dessert-forward Double Oaked Bourbon and the bold, high-octane Triple Mash Bourbon Barrel Proof.

From “maple bacon” and “chocolate-covered peanuts” on the Double Oaked to the “confectionary sugar” and massive legs on the Triple Mash, these bottles did not disappoint. One of these even earned the title of an “all day, twice on Sunday” must-buy!

Which one won the “eye candy” approval? Watch to find out!

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Special thanks to Chasing Neat—make sure to follow Dawn and Michael for more genuine bourbon content. https://www.youtube.com/@chasingneat 

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❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🥃 Featured Whiskeys

  • Pursuit United Double Oaked Bourbon
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 108 | MSRP: $69.99
    • Tasting Notes: Maple bacon, chocolate, roasted peanuts, and dark caramel.
    • Link: Pursuit Double Oaked
  • Pursuit United Triple Mash Bourbon (Barrel Proof)
    • Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
    • Proof: 119.8 | MSRP: $79.99
    • Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, ginger, confectionary sweetness, and heavy viscosity.
    • Link: Pursuit Triple Mash

📍 The Mashbill Breakdown

  • Bardstown Bourbon Co (KY): 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Tennessee Distilling Partner: 80% Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  • Finger Lakes Distilling (NY): 70% Local Corn, 20% Red Winter Wheat, 10% Malted Barley

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirits in this review were provided to us by friends. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#BourbonReview #PursuitUnited #WhiskeyTasting #DoubleOaked #BarrelProof #BourbonPursuit #ChasingNeat #WhiskeyCommunity #BourbonHer #BourbonRealTalk #KentuckyBourbon #WhiskeyLife #BottleShare #BourbonLover #PursuitSpirits