Mass Effect is a Sci-Fi epic that defined a generation of gaming on the Xbox 360. It combines the action and scale of Star Wars with the exploration and diplomacy (if you choose) of Star Trek. It takes you through a journey full of mystery, action, peril, love, and friendship that puts you to the test in order to save the galaxy.
I’m pairing this game up with Johnnie Walker Black Label, a blended scotch that is iconic in its own right for a wonderfully complex flavor that hits you in a variety of ways: sweet, warm, herbal, and smoky. That complexity of this scotch lends itself to the complexity of the narrative you experience throughout this well crafted trilogy.
Nose:
Game: The Mass Effect trilogy adopts a clean futuristic design with unique models for exotic alien species such as the Krogan and the Asari, amongst many others. This design is carried throughout most of the worlds you visit, with maybe the exception of Tuchanka, the Krogan home world, which is a planet in chaos, destruction and disarray. But that serves to highlight the many types of worlds you visit that are threaded through the narrative and encourage exploration to expand your codex and learn the backstories of different species and planets. Exploring the nooks and crannies of snow covered mountains on Noveria and overhearing all the conversations between citizens of all species on the Citadel. It feels like a living, breathing universe that seems relatively conceivable if mankind were to expand out into the galaxy and discover other intelligent life.
Scotch: This scotch hits you up front with a spice that makes you think of winter. Then, you get some sweetness and the usual vanilla that is found in most whiskeys. It is an inviting and warm aroma that draws you in and makes you want to take a drink and experience what kind of flavors are in store, much like the call to exploration found in the environments of Mass Effect.
Palate:
Game: The gameplay of Mass Effect can be broken down into 3 components: Exploration, Combat, and Dialogue. You step onto dozens of different planets in each game and experience the unique culture of that planet that is brought out in both it’s environments and the people with which you can interact. The combat features a variety of assault rifles, snipers, shotguns, etc., along with the special abilities of Tech and Biotics (which is sort of like a force energy manipulation power). You can play super aggressive or more reserved, both of which are rewarding in their own way. But, for me the real highlight of the game is the branching dialogue options that can be explored based on countless previous decisions you’ve made and what your overall standing is with the universe (renegade or paragon). The complexity of this branching tree of decisions and consequences is a big part of what makes Mass Effect an incredible and unique experience. Your experience will be completely custom with everything ranging from your armor and fighting style to how much of your crew survives certain missions. Speaking of crew, we have to talk about your ship, the Normandy, which has become an icon in gaming and feels like a real ship that you take command of to fly around saving the galaxy. Like the Enterprise, it regularly gets blown half to hell. But it comes back every time, ready for the next mission.
Scotch: This scotch really has a surprisingly complex flavor (from the approximately 40 different whiskeys used in the blend!), reminiscent of the complex branching tree of decisions you make in this game. The slight smoke brings to mind the battles across the citadel as you defend it against Reapers and the smoke and ash in the air of Tuchanka as you battle to take down the Thresher Maw. You get strong notes of barley and toffee, with nice spice that warms the flavors. Mixed in you also get some smoky and herb flavors that make it a very exciting drinking experience. These add up to a rich and full flavor profile that invite you to drink more and see what other flavors you can discover, just like the invitation you get to explore the many worlds of Mass Effect.
Finish:
Game: Mass Effect is one of those games that I go back to on a regular basis and replay all three games because the story is just that good. The gameplay has it’s ups and downs (Mass Effect 1 for example), but overall it delivers on an incredible experience that stays with you long after you finish the final game.
Scotch: This scotch has a lingering finish that rolls from sweet to a hint of smoke at the end. It really caps off a great drinking experience and you are left with a primarily sweet aftertaste. The smokiness of the peat doesn’t hit until a second later but it isn’t overpowering. That sweet and smoky aftertaste you are left with is a bittersweet memory of the victories over the Reapers to save the galaxy and of the crew that fell in valor along the way. This is definitely a scotch Commander Shephard would keep in his cabin on the Normandy and share with his crew at a bar on the Citadel.
Story Mode Scotch 