A blend of whiskeys at least 18 years old, Johnnie Walker uncorks a reasonably priced dram that promises an upgrade in complexity over the 15yr Green Label and Gold Reserve.
The characteristic light JW smoke fades away almost immediately leaving behind a woody spirit with less honeyed sweetness than its kid brothers. More complicated and drier than Black Label. The price upgrade is debatable.
This is plenty fine, although extremely nuanced. There are no bold flavors, and most of what exists in the way of tasting notes are fairly gently. It's perfectly pleasant, but whiskey lovers won't find themselves wowed by any single aspect.
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House Review
Nose:
Honey, apples, pears. Salted caramel, a hint of pepper. Rising bread.
Taste:
Medium mouth feel. No heat, but not a ton of body, either. Oak is muted and fairly absent. Faint tendrils of smoke lace together nicely with caramel, slivered almonds, toffee and some buttery caramel.
Finish:
Short finish, but pleasant. Rising bread, some honey, butter, toffee and apple crisp. Once again, there's a touch of smoke, but not a ton.
Overall:
This is plenty fine, although extremely nuanced. There are no bold flavors, and most of what exists in the way of tasting notes are fairly gently. It's perfectly pleasant, but whiskey lovers won't find themselves wowed by any single aspect.
Score:
80
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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