Johnnie Walker 12 year black move over for the Monarch 15 year old from Dewar's. One thing that I always noticed and kept me from absolutely loving the JW black label was the heavy presents of the grain whiskey. The Dewar's also contains grain to be sure but it isn't leaping out of the glass at me probably because it's hidden behind a sherry cask layer. Nose is immediately fruit both the darker sherry raisin, plum, fig but also the lighter pear and apple. Floral hay/grass and heather is also very distinct on this one. Some underlying sweetness like light honey and vanilla. Palate is very inviting the light fruit and sweet honey notes come out first with some of the floral grass notes then the sherry cask comes in with the red fruit and notable sherry flavor (think GlenDronach) because the oak comes in next and makes for a semi dry oaky sherry flavor. Finally some barrel spice and a touch of alcohol tingle comes in toward the finish to make this dram mouthwatering. Finish is the longer end of short with the fruit, sherry, sweet and oak lingering around but with no bitterness. This is steps above J&B or Cutty Sark and has even edged out JW Black for me as a daily drinker and one I wouldn't be hurt to add some ice to in the summer. It's 15 years and roughly the same price tag as the JW black 12 year, however still doesn't rise above the taste of the JW Double black or the quality of the all single malt 15 year from JW.