Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year

After having two drinks that required some serious contemplation (High West's spectacular Midwinter Night's Dram, and Lost Spirits bizarre but fascinating Abomination), it was a relief in a way to have an easy-drinking, no-fuss dram from the biggest brand in scotch. Green Label is supposed to be a well-balanced, mildly smoky scotch. It's a little boring also, but them's the breaks. The nose is honey, cereal grains, and apple in equal proportions. The palate carries through all of those notes and gradually introduces a mild smoke, like a young woman who reluctantly introduces her Harley-riding boyfriend to her respectable father. The best thing that this blend has going for it is its finish, which is Highland Park-esque in its cocoa and coffee qualities. This is the kind of scotch that I could happily drink at any time, without ever being entirely happy with it, if that makes any sense.