Johnnie Walker, one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky brands, just released its newest limited-time offering, Blue Label Ice Chalet. JW collaborated with Perfect Moment Ski Wear and its brand ambassador and investor, actor Priyanka Chopra. Designed by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker to compliment the clothing brand’s ski and snow motif, Ice Chalet’s suggested serve is “ultra-cold, straight from the freezer at 23°F.” As with vodka, freezer temps allow “the whisky to become a richer viscosity whilst amplifying the inherent soft malt character,” according to its press release.

The last time JW released a “freezer” whisky was its Game of Thrones “White Walker” edition, which remains one of the worst Scotches I’ve ever tried. However, to do my due diligence as a whisky reviewer and be as fair as possible, I agreed to try Ice Chalet in two different serves: Neat, in my Glencairn glass at room temperature, and then out of the freezer.

Before my review, I wanted to mention a few notes of interest. The first is the packaging! Replacing the traditional Blue Label box, Ice Chalet sells with, is a reversible “ski style” puffy-jacket bag instead. Also gone is the pull tab to open the foil capsule, forcing me to use the medallion to cut the foil, which worked perfectly. I also want to address the blend itself. Johnnie Walker’s PR agency states that Ice Chalet’s blend contains whiskies from “the most northern and highest altitude distilleries including Brora, Clynelish and Dalwhinnie.” They note that the maturation wood mix is “predominantly refill American oak, rejuvenated heavily charred casks, ex-American oak bourbon casks, and an inclusion of some wine and sherry casks.”

Tasting Notes Room Temperature

Color: In the glass, it presents as a rich honey gold

Nose: A profound influence of Speyside Scotch whisky with lots of apple, honey, and orchard fruit notes. Hints of apple turnover and a buttery lemon pound cake are also present in the mix. Notes of toffee and vanilla follow with a supporting richness akin to beef tallow running throughout the aroma.

Flavor: The palate is a little disappointing compared to the rich nose. At first, it’s short and sharp, with a very weak peat-reek. After a second sip, it reveals more richness, almost like adding butter or a thickening agent. Orchard fruits also return, along with the toffee.

Tasting Notes From the Freezer

Okay, so this is a first for me. I’ve NEVER frozen my Scotch before. I did have White Walker out of the ice well at the bar, but in the name of “science,” we proceed…

Appearance: It offers a cloudy burnt amber color in the glass. But most interesting was the way it poured: More syrupy.

Nose: As expected, there isn’t much to the nose. Freezing for 24 hours will do that (and by “that,” I mean lock down the congeners that give the spirit its flavors and aromas).

Palate: WOAH! I am thoroughly impressed by the flavor here. It’s like drinking a caramel apple that’s been smoking a cigar. The chilling seems to impact the flavors dramatically!

Standard Blue Label

When I knew I’d be getting a sample of the Ice Chalet, I reached out to my cousin Gary, as I know he usually keeps a bottle of standard Blue on his home bar at all times. I asked if I could borrow it for a comparison, and he was happy to oblige!

Nose: Very light with subtle peat notes and a hint of maltiness, but that’s about it.

Palate: Very soft, also with soft peat notes. It’s reminiscent of the remnants of an A&W cream soda out of the can.