Tastes

Johnnie Walker doesn't even pretend to suggest this as a sipper anymore. It's a no-bones-about-it mixer, made to stand up in a mixed drink. I got peated Odin- aged oak on the nose, a good slug of caramel-hinted peated malt on the tongue, and the bitterness of the Cask Of Winters for the finish. JW doesn't need this for a sipper. They've already got enough Johnnie's to fill a Mob crew: Johnnie Rye Cask, Johnnie Green, Johnnie Song Of Fire.....

I do not usually drink Whiskey, or Whisky for that matter, straight-up (for one of my 'Happy Exceptions,' check out Johnnie Walker's Celebratory Blend.) It's almost always with a Mixer, such as Ginger Ale; or as a Duo. So I made a 'Rock and Rye,' with Abosolo Nixta Licor De Elote as a substitute for the 'Rock (simple syrup.)' I added a couple of splashes of Copper & Kings Bitters. What can I say, it was excellent. The peppery spiciness cuts through even an eclectic taste as the Abosolo! I do have to say, though, it was less like clove to me; more like Allspice. Anyway it got me through watching Tony 'El Cucuy' Ferguson getting molly-whopped on Saturday night, so no complaints!

This is the epitome of a Highland Single Malt whisky. I don't detect even half of the things Stephanie does, especially not orange. But it doesn't matter. It's just great straight malt, no matter how you 'slice it;' no pun intended.

Sweet, but bold, too; citrus/fruity flavor

The Nixon: 2 oz Johnnie Walker Blue 6 oz Fever Tree Premium Ginger Ale 3/4 oz of fresh Lime Juice, from a half of a lime squeezed in anger, like it was on 'Dickies' Enemies List.'

I don't know who the Master Blender for the Celebratory Blend is, but they should be commended. 'Sweet, Vanilla, Rich, and Full' sums up what this blend is all about. And it's deceptively smooth at 102 proof, because it's an easy sipper somehow. In case you missed that, we're talking a 102 proof Johnnie Walker here! GET IT. ENJOY IT NEAT. That's my highest endorsement. The only reason I don't rate it a '5' is because everything made has a Persian Flaw. In this, it could be a little more peaty.

I've done a complete 180° about Cutty. You see, when you're obstinate, and you only see mixers as Ginger Ale and Cola, you limit your own palate. When I starting realizing soda and lime, and Tonic, it really opened up my sense of taste. Cutty Sark goes well with Soda,especially with Lime, but excels with Tonic. That 'lemon toddy' flavor Stephanie spoke about marries well with a good quality Indian Tonic, like Fever Tree. Schweppes works well with it, too. I found myself refreshed by the combination,and wondering how I could have been so blind,when I did my earlier review? My only fear now is whether or not La Martiniquaise changed its flavor profile; like I said,a total 180° turn!