Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year

King of the Johnnies. Glad to see this dram back after its hiatus a few years ago. It's lost none of its goodness. Nose is rich and complex. There's less peat smoke than other Johnnie blends, and it's pretty fruit-forward: apples, pears, cherries and the like. Let it breathe a bit and a wonderful new layer appears: sugary roasted almonds, a pinch of pipe tobacco, baking spices. And yep, the smoke is still there, but it's more firewood and less coastal peat. It's like a house at Christmas with dessert in the oven and a fire going in the living room. Palate is also complex, requiring some time to unpack. Honey, citrus fruits, sherry, pears are immediately noticeable, but there's a savory element underneath: warm bread, tobacco, a hint of oak. Finish is less impressive than the rest, but lingers with almonds, pecans, grains and more tobacco, but there's a pinch of sweetness: vanilla or honey, perhaps? The entire experience is delicious, the flavors well-balanced - its neither a peat beast or sherry bomb or fruity dessert dram, and doesn't try to be - its all, and none. The Talisker juice JW included here is noticeable, though there's less peat smoke. Looking forward to more time with this one!

Finally! After several recommendations, I have now got around to trying Johnnie Walker Green. Short review: Sweeter and fruitier than Johnnie Walker Black. I don’t have much experience with Scotch. The cost for experimenting is high, so I often reach for a bourbon or Irish. I’m glad I grabbed this because it’s delightful at $59. The slight peat/brine notes are well balanced with the sweeter honey flavor. It’s not the most complex Scotch I’ve ever had but what’s there is enjoyable. But it’s definitely the best Johnnie Walker I’ve tasted.