I have never been in the Dewars camp in general. I too am reluctant to give Diageo any additional money as the have amped their prices above justification. I will still reach for the Black, but I admit, not as often as I did. I haven't seen the Ardmore near me, but if I do, I will be eager to try. I do miss having that Black label. JW was my gateway scotch and still have fond memories where JWB was present. If Ardmore is as good and affordable then maybe this will be the suitable competitor to Diageo.

Also; I can sometimes find Ardmore for $35-$40 a bottle. It's a smoky, young quarter cask bottled at 46%, and is surprisingly good for it's age and price.

I used to have a soft spot for JW, as Black Label was what I cut my Scotch teeth on. When I was in Korea, I was able to buy Blue Label for $85, and thought that was the best stuff ever...until I started playing with single malts. After seeing the price hikes based first on popularity and then supply constraints, I started taking a dislike to Diageo as a whole. The ending of JWGL was a final nail for me. That being said, I'm not going to cut off my nose to spite my face, and if it's good juice I'm willing to give it a go. I worry about Dewar's, because I just had a horrible experience with the Scratched Cask, and nothing I've had from them really appeals to me.

I never tried Ardmore and always have a fondness for JW. Green Label can be found again, however it is still pricy and also feel we are getting squeezed in pricing. I haven't found an equivalent replacement at a cost effective price. Dewers 12 I surprisingly found good and cost effective, but is more on the sweet side than the peaty like JW. That being said, I like DBJW and occasionally I see local sales for $35.

How does this compare to something like the Ardmore Traditional Cask? I'm still bitter over the death of Green Label, and more than a little reluctant to give JW any more of my money on an exploratory effort.