Appearance: Looking into the glass of this 18 year old blend I notice it being the color of golden honey. Medium watery legs surf their way down the sides of the glass. Nose: The first impression of this gorgeous nose is that it’s very fruity - heavy pear, cinnamon apples, ripe strawberry, banana, with the addition of fruity aromatic pipe smoke, some salty ocean surf, light vegetal peat, and some burned toast notes. Taste: The palate starts a little hot and dull at first, but as it opens up, a dark chocolate and vanilla latte taste transitions into a green apple / strawberry note afterwards, followed by a salty peat note. Finish: The finish is medium long in length with a surprising slight burn for the low proof, then a dry / sour green grape essence is left behind. Thoughts: Sometimes the big brands like Jim, Jack, and Johnnie get a bad rap for being so big and sacrificing quality for quantity. To be sure, in some cases perhaps that may be the case; they are businesses after all, and they do want and need to make money. But in their portfolios of products where we may find some subpar items, there are in the lineup, gems that are a delight! This scotch, for example, is one such gem! I really recommend this one and wouldn’t at all mind having it again. Though both are great, the nose is better than the taste in my opinion, but this is a great blend! Johnnie Walker, well done and many thanks! Sláinte!