Label 5 12 Year Old Scotch Review

By Emma Briones

Rating: B+

Label 5 12 Year Old
(Credit: Emma Briones)

Label 5 is a blended scotch owned by the french company La Martiniquaise. With Label 5 Classic Black as the start of their range, they offer a variety of expressions. This includes some premium blended whiskies, such as Label 5 12 Year Old.

According to La Martiniquaise, “Label 5 12 Year Old is an exceptional Scotch Whisky, fully matured in oak casks for over 12 years. During this process, and under the constant care of the Master Blender, it acquires its incomparable smoothness and lingering flavors.” It is bottled at 40% ABV (80º proof).

That Label 5 is the 9th best selling Scotch brand in the world, one is inclined to think they must be doing a good job, and indeed they are. In a quality-price ratio, I think they are hard to beat.

The Scotch
The whisky is pale amber in the glass, and the coating leaves small tears. Label 5 12 Year Old is a fresh, smooth and light blend on the nose. I found fruit notes, especially pears and fruit berries. There are also soft wood notes, with gentle touches of vanilla. Finally, a hint of cinnamon and a slightly smoky touch.

Label 5 12 Year Old is light-bodied and smooth. On the palate, first I found the sweet vanilla, and that evolved to a fresh fruity side of the dram. There are pears and cherries, but also notes of dark chocolate and gentle hints of black coffee. At the end, a touch of oak smoke. The finish is quite long and rich, with lingering fruity notes and a hint of cinnamon.

This is a nice evolution of Label 5 Classic Black. The 12 Year Old is still a fresh and easy dram but is more complex on the palate.  Label 5 12 Year Old is a smooth blended whisky perfect for summer nights. A great selection in its price range if you’re looking for a well-balanced and a fresh dram.

The Price
Label 5 12 Year Old is available in selected markets. In the U. S., it is priced around $30.