UP Jonny's Whisky Essence 20 ml

UP Jonny’s Whisky Essence 20 ml

Some whiskies want to be admired in silence. This one wants to be where the action is. Jonny’s is the outgoing blended whisky – first in line on the back bar, found in more long drinks than any other style, and never losing its voice however much ice and soda you throw at it. Its character is young, spicy and full of energy: malt and crisp fruit at the base, pepper up top and a ribbon of smoke tying the whole thing together.

That combination is what makes the style so useful. A gentler whisky vanishes in a tall glass, but Jonny’s cuts straight through with spice and smoke and gives the drink a backbone.

Colour & Appearance

Once mixed, the whisky takes on a clear, golden amber colour with a warm copper tint at the rim – like pale honey held up to the light.

Nose

The nose is fresh and perky: first crisp apple, pear and a little citrus peel, then a malty sweetness that recalls freshly baked bread and golden syrup. Vanilla runs softly through the middle, and around it all curls the smoke – not heavy or tarry, but like a bonfire some way off. Freshly ground black pepper and a hint of ginger tickle the nostrils.

Palate

The palate opens with a spicy attack that wakes the mouth at once. Black pepper, cinnamon and ginger meet sweet malt and toasted grain, and soon the fruit spreads out: apple, pear and a splash of orange. Vanilla and a little toffee round off the mid-palate before the smoke steps forward in earnest – dry, lightly peaty and just distinct enough to leave its mark without taking over. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a brisk bite, exactly what makes this whisky sing in a highball.

Finish

The finish is medium-long, warm and spicy. Pepper and smoke linger longest, along with toasted oak, a dry maltiness and a last dash of vanilla that softens the close.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit and can be enjoyed straight away. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished whisky. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• A highball with soda water, lots of ice and a twist of lemon – what this style does best.
• With ginger ale and a wedge of lime for a spicy, thirst-quenching long drink.
• Whisky and cola in a tall glass – simple, classic and always welcome.
• A whisky sour with lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white.
• Neat over a couple of ice cubes, or in a penicillin with honey, ginger and lemon.

About the Essence

Jonny’s belongs to the UP range, Ultra Premium, which is our highest quality level. You can tell from how well the different layers hang together: the fruit, the malt, the spice and the smoke take turns rather than jostling for space, and the flavour holds its own even when the whisky is well diluted in the glass.

This is the essence for anyone who mixes drinks more often than they sit with a tasting glass, and who wants a dependable all-rounder in the cabinet. Jonny’s comes in many sizes – from 20 ml up to 5 and 25 litres – so that home bartender and professional alike can find the right format.