Johnnie Walker Red Label

I bought a half bottle (375 mL) a couple weeks ago to use as a cheap mixer for a party I went to. Cheap for a scotch anyways ($16ish for the half bottle). I ended up having about 1/4 of the bottle left so I figured I'd give it a good shake down. Red Label is the cheapest blend in the JW line. Bottled at 40% ABV and loaded with colorant making it an orange/brown amber. Very much chill filtered as well. The nose is young but lively, and a bit harsh. Not as harsh as some other blends I've had like Isle of Skye 12 YO. Don't drink that stuff, it's poison. There are some pleasant fruity notes like apricots, apples and pears. Definitely citrus notes of lemon and lime. Some oak and a sweetness like honeyed dates. A nice subtle thread of smoke tying everything together. Really not as bad as many people make it out to be. The palate is where this really takes a turn for the worse. Almost nothing on the arrival. A light malty character. A light pepper that builds a little the more you drink, teasing that it wants you to think it's a Talisker but falling far short (yes I know Talisker is a major component in JW but this is ridiculous). More lemon/lime citrus and more of that smoke that is the signature of all JWs. A really weak palate. The mouthfeel is light, watery and thin. Medium short finish, smoky with some citrus. While Compass Box has challenged what it means to be a blended whisky in the past few years, this reminds you of what the common consumer believes a blend to be: a whisky meant to be mixed, or taken as a shot. I can honestly say that the only thing I would do with this is mix it with club soda or just over ice with a thin lime wedge. It does it's job though. Not really as bad as most connoisseurs would lead you to believe, but not as good as many novices would have you believe either. Very simple and no real complexity to it and a bit overpriced, but it's the name and the consistency you're paying for with JW. Unless I'm buying it for exactly the same reason I bought it for this time, I will not be seen purchasing Red Label any time soon. 2.5 stars Cheers