This whisky serves an important role in society. I’ve never been to a bar that didn’t have a bottle of this (or a wedding with an open bar for that matter...good thing too!). It’s everywhere. And in contrast to my earlier review of the JW Red, it’s good you can find this anywhere. The nose is a little reminiscent of the Red, and that young grain whisky metalic note is there, but underneath is more vanilla and buttercream. As I sip it and my palate becomes more adjusted, that metallic note drops off. The palate is where this one shines. Very soft and rounded with a coating, pleasant mouthfeel. Easy to drink. Probably the point they were going for. Finish is short but not unpleasant at all. I think of JW black as the “wedding dram”. It’s something easy to sip on over several hours during a reception and won’t lead you wrong. It’s easy enough to drink that you don’t have to ponder the nuances of your dram and you can focus on the happy couple. Cheers!