Popular whiskys are not only popular due to marketing. Johnnie Walker has great marketing. But this is also a fine whisky. If you’re new to scotch it’s easy to find the candied honey, caramel, peppercorn, and green apple on the nose, with hints of leather and peat. On the taste, the sweet and thin gives way to grain spices, more peat, bright fruits and leather. Finish: short to medium. This is one of my favorite budget whiskys. There are supposedly dozens of whiskys in this blend but it is very consistent and reliable, and for its price and age it’s just damned good. And for newcomers it’s a great starting point to explore Scottish whisky.