Johnnie Walker Blue Label The Casks Edition

Nose - (without water) Spicy honey, vanilla, apple/pear juice, waxy, floral, possibly fresh maple/cherry wood, fresh red berries (with water) Less sweet, more waxy, nice fruity honey apple, lightly oiled leather. Taste - (without water) Very light smoke, white pepper/ginger spice, sweet floral/fruity honey, vanilla, dark apple/pear juice, slight apple core bitterness, white cranberry juice sweetness/tartness (with water) Reduces the white pepper tingle, less oily/waxy mouthfeel, otherwise all flavors persist. Finish - (without water) Light lingering ginger/white pepper heat, dark apple juice, sweet, subtle metallic oak (with water) Spice is more delayed, metallic finish is greatly reduced, similar dark apple/watered-down honey sweetness. Score - 91/100 Final Thoughts - This one was quite a surprise. It's a very well-balanced blended Scotch, which I assume is the goal for Johnnie Walker. A very gentle wisp of smoke on the palate suggests a small addition of Caol Ila, but the taste profile, particularly the pleasant oily/waxy mouthfeel and hints of older grain whiskies, makes me think Clynelish is a significant component. This is a very easy-drinking offering and, frankly, what I believe the "standard" Blue Label should be for its price. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Not another unless I found it for under $200 USD

Several types of the blue label exist, but the casket edition includes its own glass and box, with a serial number. Smooth and best served on the rocks.

Classy

Unadulterated