alc./vol: 40%
Proof: 80°
Vintage: Non-vintage
Aged: No age statement
Product of: United Kingdom
A blend of the Scotch malt and grain whiskies aged to a minimum of 15 years.
Justerini & Brooks, the firm behind J&B Blended Scotch, was founded by a young Italian called Giacomo Justerini. He worked at his uncle's distillery in Bologna, where his skill and understanding of blending spirits made him a likely candidate to succeed his uncle. However, his destiny was changed by his love for a beautiful singer, Margherita Bellino, who dreamed of becoming an opera star. She left Italy for London, telling Giacomo that she had a part in an opera. He gave notice to his father and followed his love to London.
Giacomo decided to establish his own liqueur business in London and in 1749 set up stills and infusion vessels in the basement of a shop in the Haymarket at the junction with Pall Mall. Through Margherita's theatrical friends, Giacomo met George Johnson who invested capital in the business and took charge of administration. The small shop and Giacomo's concoctions attracted gentry and royalty, gaining its first Royal Warrant in 1760.
The Brooks name was introduced in the 19th century when the business was purchased by Alfred Brooks, a Bordeaux and Burgundy oenophile who introduced fine wines to Justerini & Brooks' portfolio.
And Giacomo? He only worked in the business until soon after the first Royal Warrant was granted by George III. Then he sold his interest and returned to Bologna with his profits – but without his love.
Sample not received so no tasting notes available.
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