Tastes

This is a dram to treasure. The nose has an energizing tinge of coffee, offset by the standard iodine one encounters in most scotch. A few more whiffs, and the peat smoke emerges. On the tongue, the initial sensation is a surprising coolness, the type of feeling associated with peppermint, but without that specific flavor. After a moment, the taste changes, and sweetness arrives: Vanilla and toffee waltz together before you. The finish is soft and gentle, adding the faintest trace of almonds roasting somewhere in the distance. Without question, one of the best scotches I’ve had the pleasure of tasting.

The nose has a curious fusion of iodine and toasted nuts. The first sip adds a few wisps of smoke, and then an unexpected hint of berries emerges. The sweetness lingers, finishing with a much lighter flavor than the initial greeting would suggest.

The nose is delicate, with mostly caramel but a little bit of oak present as well. The first sip introduces a fruity sweetness reminiscent of bananas. It finishes softly and sweetly, like a toffee-based dessert. Gentle and smooth throughout the entire experience, and genuinely one of the best JW offerings.

Briny nose: A good bit of seaweed with some salt in the air. Yet, there are some wildflowers growing not too far off. The first sip switches perspectives, and suddenly we’re at breakfast—bacon sizzling in the background, pepper drifting through the morning haze. The finish eases off, reverting to the whisper of the wildflowers, bidding farewell with just a tiny drop of honeysuckle and a wisp of woodsmoke.

Warm and velvety nose: Bits of black pepper, oak, and a slight fruitiness emerge. Lots more pepper on the tongue, followed by a sudden breeze from the ocean—a briny kiss from the sea. The fruit aromas return afterward, a gentle, sweeping finish to a truly pleasurable dram.

Caramel nose gives way to a sweet greeting on the tongue, with bits of honey and wood smoke thereafter.

Smooth, warm, just enough wood and smoke, and never disappointing. When indecisive, this is the best go-to whisky.