J&B Rare, the longest tenured Whisky from Justerini & Brooks, dates back to Prohibition, when the company specifically made the blend for the American market. The recipe was inspired by an Italian, created in London, and distilled in Scotland.
Made from 42 single malt and grain Whiskies, the heart of J&B Rare are malt whiskies from Speyside, Scotland. While we don’t know every Whisky that makes its way into the blend, we do know that SKnockando, Auchroisk, and Glen Spey are included. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
On the nose, the Whisky features aromas of lemon and honey that with sweet nutty notes. The palate finds more lemon and honey with some wood spices. The finish is bright and on the sweet side.
While it can be drank on its own, J&B was really made for mixing. If you’re looking to make a cocktail, the company recommends a Whisky Sour:
Rare Whisky Sour
- 5cl J&B Rare
- 3.5cl lemon juice
- 1.75cl sugar syrup
- 3 dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 1 egg white
Fill a shaker with ice – if you don’t have a shaker, grab a large jar with a lid. Add the J&B Rare, lemon juice, sugar syrup, 3 dashes of bitters and egg white. Shake the mixture vigorously until the surface of the cocktail shaker feels chilled. Using a cocktail strainer, strain the cocktail into a short glass.
Like many blended Scotches, Justerini & Brooks began through wine and spirits merchants. It was founded in St. James’s in 1749 to provide wine and spirits to London’s aristocratic households. The brand has been a supplier to every British monarch since the coronation of King George III in 1761. Today, it is part of Diageo.
At the moment, the brand only offers one other Whisky, J&B Honey.
J&B Rare Ratings:
- Whiskybase: 66.32/100
- Distiller: 2.45/5