Bottle: 40% ABV, chill filtered, color added, 1L bottle purchased on 9/18/16 for $140, and I got a free Johnny Walker carry-on bag that broke after two uses. The only reason to buy this whisky is to give a non-whisky person a fancy gift. I am sure there are old whiskies and rare whiskies within a bottle of JW Blue, but you are paying a premium for a drink that is already drowned in the bottle. Nose: really anemic for a $100+ whisky. Subtle smoke and vegetal notes with lots of vanilla. Seaspray, as you explore, and subtle florals and fruitiness. Palate: the arrival is what JW banks on. There is a full, rich blend of flavors that is perfectly balanced. Sweet, smoke, fruit, spice, saltiness. Sadly, it drops off pretty quickly. As you hold the liquid in your mouth, some smoky and spicy notes barely captivate. I find most of the reward in playing "find the Talisker," but when I win, I only end up wanting a Talisker. The mouthfeel is that of a cheaper whisky. Many describe it as smooth and velvety, but that's because of the water added. The finish is the ultimate proof JW drowned this whisky to create more volume. Where is it? In the JW standard bottles, blue is the best if price were not a factor - there is actual complexity in the nose and palate, and there is no cheap grain filler notes that I get from the other JW's. But, if I am offered a free dram of JW Blue or a Talisker 10, I am taking the latter every time without hesitation. My current JW Blue is still 1/3 full after 9 months. It's not that I'm saving it for special occasions, I just don't want to have it. 81/100.