I had Johnnie Walker Blue on July 4th and wrote notes in my cell phone

When someone offers you Johnnie Walker Blue, you say thank you and sip it in appreciation. Instead, I wondered what Jerry Jones would do in a similar situation.

Jerry’s World. (Source: ESPN)

For a period of time in my life, I used to view Johnnie Walker Blue as the pinnacle of whiskey excellence. At this time of my life, I didn’t really know a gotdamned thing about whiskey.

Now that I’ve put a few more notches on my belt and learned a ton more about the spirits game, I have now reclassified Johnnie Walker Blue in a few new ways:

1. Johnnie Walker Blue is still really good

2. Johnnie Walker Blue is still overpriced

3. Johnnie Walker Blue should be treated like Hennessy Pure White

4. Johnnie Walker Blue makes Jerry Jones feel like Superman

I think most folks can understand the point about No. 1 and No. 2 — JWB can absolutely be delicious while also being overpriced. If you want something just as good (if not possibly better, depending on your palate, go with Macallan 15 for about $50-$60 cheaper — $160 vs. $220). A note on No. 3 and No. 4.

On No. 3: When folks break out Hennessy Pure White, it’s an indication that we’re about to celebrate. When folks usually break out Johnnie Walker Blue, it feels like a similar time. HPW, the hard-to-get cognac that conjures a wide range of opinions, doesn’t suffer from hanging with party poopers. Birthdays, celebrations, holidays and parties are always the time it gets broken out. It feels like JWB is the same way. Makes a great gift, makes for a great sip when you get a promotion and is always something that makes someone feel special when shared.

The only difference? Johnnie Walker Blue has a “luxury” feel attached to its brand. Hennessy Pure White? Not so much. (I don’t agree with this, but we can tackle that later.)

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is renowned as a pinnacle of luxury blended Scotch whisky. Crafted with utmost precision and expertise, this iconic expression embodies the artistry and dedication of the Johnnie Walker brand. Join us as we embark on a tasting journey to unravel the complex layers and exceptional craftsmanship behind Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

On No. 4: I’ll never forget when my colleague at ESPN, Don Van Natta, was embedded with the owner of the Dallas Cowboys for a massive story that’s still worth the read. So many good nuggets in there, however, this one always rings in my head whenever Jerry Jones appears in my life:

[Jerry] Jones retrieves a tall plastic cup -- emblazoned with the Cowboys' iconic star, filled with his usual drink this summer, Johnnie Walker Blue Label (always on ice) -- and savors a swig of the smoky-smooth whiskey.

Yep. Jerry Jones puts ice in whiskey that retails for $220/bottle. Putting a single cube or ice block on whiskey might be one thing, but I get the sense the man has his assistant get ice out of one of those soda machines and then glugs a hefty pour in a “LETS GO COWBOYS” plastic cup. Mr. Jones, you sir, are a wild one.

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Gang gang. (Source: Robb Report)

I was offered a “two fingers” pour of Johnnie Walker Blue on Tuesday during a celebration of America. I accepted and then listened to an ardent debate on grill options: Weber gas grills vs. Traeger smoke pellet grills vs. cheap charcoal grills.

During the listen, I jotted down some notes on my JWB.

• Appearance: It was roughly 94 degrees in Houston during this sip. I used my glass to briefly keep the sun out of my face. During that time, I remembered how vibrant the color was on the spirit, with its deep amber hues.

• Nose: Maybe I was too close to the Traeger, but the first thing I picked up with the peat smoke from the JWB. Then a hint of floral notes and a touch of vanilla. Finally, a bit of leather and apricot emerged after a second nosing.

• Palate: Solid mouthfeel. A good balance of sweetness and smoke, with layers of honey, toffee, and dark chocolate offers a solid foundation. On a second sip, I get more apricot and fig. Feels light in the mouth, lacking body.

• Finish: Slight linger on the palate. Touches of allspice, oak and leather. I don’t find the finish long at all, and it’s hard not to want for more heft and flavor from the sip. It’s here where it feels like a $70 blended scotch instead of $220.

Review grade: 86/100 (B+)

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That’s my actual challenge with sipping Johnnie Walker Blue — and it’s why I likely won’t ever “judge” it again unless it’s in a blind test. Johnnie Walker Blue was not created to be taken seriously, or at least, it’s not marketed that way. It’s a spirit worthy of a good time, not for some nerd to jot notes in his cell phone to settle a debate in his mind about whether this bottle is actually worth the sticker price.

No, you fool, put your phone away and get ready to enjoy some brisket and fireworks with your family and friends. SMH.