J & B Rare Justerini & Brooks

Profile: The J & B Rare Justerini & Brooks at a glance

• J & B Rare - The fine gentleman among blended whiskies
• Mild, round, and approachable - a true classic in the glass
• Perfect for beginners, connoisseurs, and cocktails alike
• Composed with 42 whiskies - harmony instead of dominance
• London elegance meets Scottish craftsmanship

Portrait: What makes the J & B Rare Justerini & Brooks special

Some stories begin with a glass of whisky. This one begins with an Italian named Giacomo Justerini, who decided in 1749 that London needed not only tea and fog, but also a decent liquor store. Inspired by love (and presumably also by business acumen), he founded the company Justerini & Johnson with Briton George Johnson. Within just eleven years, the two had made a fortune - truly a testament to British-Italian efficiency.

Justerini himself was then overcome by wanderlust - or perhaps homesickness - and returned to Italy with a full wallet. The Johnsons held the fort until 1831, when a certain Alfred Brooks took over. He was apparently not only business-savvy, but also a stickler for clarity – and thus Justerini & Brooks was born. Sounds better than "Johnson & the Absent Italian," doesn't it?

At some point – after many royal court deliveries, hunting parties, and probably numerous Scottish negotiations – J & B Rare was born, a blended Scotch whisky not from London, but from Scotland, made with the finest ingredients. Naturally, with British restraint and a label that looks as if it's politely requesting a glass.

Today, J & B Rare sits on the shelf like a gentleman in a suit: understated, stylish, and a little mysterious. And while other whiskies boast peat and smoke, J & B prefers to remain charmingly understated – as befits a true Londoner with Italian roots.

Tasting Notes: This is how the J & B Rare Justerini & Brooks tastes like

• Nose: Light, fresh, and approachable. Delicate aromas of vanilla, citrus, and green apple initially greet the nose, accompanied by a hint of honey and a subtle floral touch. A gentle malty sweetness lingers in the background - nothing overpowering, more like a polite greeting.
• Palate: Smooth and balanced. The initial impression is mild, with a combination of cereal notes, light sweetness, and fine oaky notes. Subtle tones of almond, vanilla, and light fruits (such as pear and apple) blend with a hint of caramel. The texture remains pleasantly light, without sharpness or bitterness.
• Finish: Short to medium, clean, and dry. A hint of oak lingers, along with a subtle spiciness and a light, sweet aftertaste - as if the whisky were quietly saying goodbye without making a fuss.