Johnnie Walker Black Label Islay Origin

Nose: Slightly medicinal, iodinated. Towards the end a slight citrus tone. Reminds me of a young-aged, untamed Islay Single Malt (Ardbeg 5 y.o Wee Beastie, or Lagavulin 8 y.o) Palate: Very peppery. Can really taste the peppery ashiness of the Caol Ila component in this blend. Slight sweetness of berries with lingering smoke with meats - the Lagavulin touch here. Finish: Short-lived hit of smoke, straight forward. Not a very complex dram. Could taste the Caol Ila and Lagavulin components of this blend but not the best marriage of distilleries. Not a "Peat Monster" but for a blend it is not the worst.

Nose: Immediately peaty, maritime and with that signature note of sherried-asphalt that proudly shouts "Lagavulin". There is a sweet orange and stewed fruit presence that has excellent density – you’d almost think there was a PX cask involved. A very good nose that develops with time. Palate: Rich and full arrival, dried fruits, thick ashy smoke. The development is limited and you could be hard-hearted and call this two dimensional, but what is there delivers 100%. The texture is mouth-coating and heavy. Finish: Medium. Sooty smoke, a note of salted toffee and some vague fruity notes in the aftertaste. Warming and satisfying, you can taste barley sugar in the lingering aftertaste. On the box it says this contains a “variety of Islay whiskies with Lagavulin and Caol Ila at its heart”, but it's hard to see how it could be otherwise – Diageo only owns two Islay distilleries so guess what is in here? This is a good blended malt crafted with the touch of a master. Forget the fact that it is limited in depth, this is a showcase for maritime smokiness against a buttery, creamy background. Not long ago Diageo released the Centenary Blend which was an excellent scotch, but somewhat inaccessible for less experienced whisky drinkers and very expensive at around AUD$100. This, however, is the everyday smoky blended malt par excellence. It’s way better than contemporary Black Label (which has fallen from grace in the last few years) and more elegant than Double Black, both of which are blended scotches, of course. At AUD$70 it is about 50% more than Black Label and more than half-way in price between Black Label and Green Label. However as it is a blended malt the price is fair. Is it Green Label Lite? No, it has a different character. It's very approachable and satisfying, enjoyable as a sipping dram, and too good to dilute as a mixer. I think I’ll buy a second bottle while it is available on special. Great value and recommended. “Good” : 84/100 (3.75 stars)