Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Rum Cask Finish

Another experimental bottling from JW, this 2017 release is a blended scotch whisky aged in casks that previously held Caribbean Pot Still Rum. Bottled at 40.8% ABV, it has a light golden color. The aroma is superb. I had low expectations for this whisky, as previous JW blender's batches were ordinary. However, this one's aroma is fantastic. It smells like rum, 100%. Also present are tobacco, dry grass, and vanilla. It smells young and quickly becomes grainy. Butter notes appear. The rum character fades into a very standard grain whisky, the most basic kind imaginable. It has artificial lemon, similar to what bartenders use in rum cocktails. Perhaps a touch of pepper. Vanilla cake notes. I must say, while it's young, the scent accurately represents its description. Upon the first taste, it resembles a Cuba Libre with artificial lemon juice. It's like a rum cocktail. A distinct dulce de leche note is also noticeable. The palate is not exceptional, but still a decent dram: Bitterness is the most prominent flavor. Dark cake, vanilla, prunes, and pepper are present. A little oaky/woody character. A faint dulce de leche note that quickly turns bitter. Overall acidity, much like a rum. The aftertaste is terrible. Off-putting from the first sip. Extremely dry, it tastes like cardboard. Raw rice. Like tasting a dead leaf or licking paper. While the second sip is slightly better, it remains very dry. A hint of pepper can be detected. Fortunately, the finish is short. Awful. Overall, this drink deteriorated far too rapidly and abruptly. The aftertaste detracted so significantly that the resulting score of 70 out of 100 might mislead you into thinking it's an average whisky, but the finish is so poor I wouldn't consider repurchasing it. I understand this JW collection is intended for cocktails and mixing, and I can see this pairing well with Coca-Cola, which says a lot.

Flavors of banana, vanilla, sugar cane, and toasted caramel are present.