Johnnie Walker 18 Year

Clean with subtle smoke. Coming off a Laphroaig or Kilchoman, this is very mild. Not as syrupy sweet as a Macallan 18, but still much more than JW Black. Worth the premium, I’d say Yes. Overall very balanced. Not challenging, but complex enough to keep my interest.

Fabulous blend. Yes, it’s smooth, but my goodness it’s got plenty of character too. Not surprising really if it has whiskies from 18 distilleries. Then again, I guess you could create pretty much any flavour profile you wanted with a palette like that. Nice dried fruit notes, spice and honey, grassy hint, with the signature Walker peaty note well to the fore. Good value too at around ¥7,000 / $65 / £50.

This isn't bad, even though it's a grain blend. I also agree with others that I'd rather be drinking this than Blue. My main issue with both it and Blue is that both have a coldly scientific emphasis on being as "smooth" as possible at the expense of character or any other memorable qualities. It is exactly what you expect if your goal is "Smooth, inoffensive Scotch." which is not to say it's bad. When you're in the mood for comfort without challenge, this is exactly what you want, at half the price of their top shelf