Tastes

Yes, interesting. I usually avoid crown royal because it is so cloyingly sweet... but I guess I'll have to try this one now. I would take Jim Murrays review with a grain of salt however, he gives 97pts to Canada's Hiram Walker rye too which is swill and needs a healthy dose of gingersale to drink. Perhaps Canadian whiskey is becoming exotic to the world markets and a novelty on return?

Crap, sorry to say. Tastes like a worse version of crown royal. I didn't taste the port barrel aging, and I have had some excellent port finished whiskies. Don't waste your money, buy the cheaper Canadian whiskies out there for the same or better taste.

Nothing special, much more blah than some of the high reviews would have you believe. Better than some of the entry level stuff I guess.

Highball highball highball, don't drink neat... you'll never try another blended whisky if you do. Acidic and harsh, but a great bouquet (???)! Step up and try the black label if you want to experience any of Johnnie Walker's skill.

So I finally tried the JW black, after avoiding it for many years, and I am pleasantly surprised. JW seems to get such a bad rap for bring so big and popular (and maybe too accessible), and I confess I didn't expect anything good out of their offerings. Well, if you sell the world's most popular blended whisky then someone had to like it! Gently peated, very smooth, slight dried fruits... a perfect introduction to Scotch's. Or rather, for me, something good and simple when playing poker or having a BBQ.