Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year

I must have some deep association with JW whiskies because the square bottles and jaunty tilted label just seem sophisticated to me. Then I taste them, and disappointment sets in. JW Green ought to be a winner-I love Talisker and some, at least, of the Islay malts. So let’s see... Smart bottle, check. Honey tone, check. Lightly phenolic maritime nose, OK, with something fruity like pear drops drifting through. The first taste is surprisingly sweet, almost syrupy, and it’s followed by a nice zesty orange flavour reminiscent of boiled sweets. Then the peat smoke wafts in, growing stronger into the finish. It’s certainly more phenolic than T10, which doesn’t recommend it to my palate, but rather nice at first blush. On subsequent tastes, though, that malt-forward quality barges in and takes over, detracting from the delightful peaty sweetness. Much better than any other JW I’ve tasted, but not my favourite peated scotch.

The nose on this one seemed a little thin but its just so good when it hits your lips. The palate really does show the art of blending scotch. I can taste the different influences, almost like im looking at a map of Scotland. Included is a nice peat note that isnt overpowering at all. Really a beautiful, well balanced dram and good value for the money taboot (taboot).

Iodine!

Just enough smoke and brine to offset the sweetness and make it interesting. My favorite Johnnie Walker offering.