Johnnie walker premier

My 100th Whisky review needed to be significant, and it certainly was. I had been holding onto this mini bottle (5cl) for this special milestone and as soon as I opened it, I knew it would meet my expectations. I genuinely believe these reviews are not built on hype, and I strive to be as objective as possible. I must state this because it is crucial for you to understand that I am not writing this because it's a discontinued bottle or a very rare and old dram. I am writing this because it is the truth. Bottled in 1980, (Fantastic!) At 43%, with a lovely old oak hue. This Johnnie Walker Premier was crafted from whiskies from distilleries that no longer exist today. I read somewhere that it was intended for the Japanese market, making it harder to find one. When I ordered the 5cl mini bottle 8 months ago, the full-sized bottle (750ml) was approximately £250, and it was still available on some websites. I checked today, and it's more difficult to locate than 8 months ago, but it is still obtainable. Let's review this gem: The nose is wonderful. Maple honey, caramel, tobacco, smoke, salt, prunes, hints of a beach aroma, and rainforest notes, all presented in a very perfumed and elegant manner. A very complex aroma, delightful to smell. It is so pleasant that I spent a considerable amount of time before tasting it, simply appreciating the aroma. On the palate, it is delicious and rewarding. One of my recurring critiques of expensive whiskies is that many are somewhat uninteresting, as distillers try too hard to create something easily enjoyable by muting the flavors. Crème brûlée, caramelized apple, elegant old wood, and almonds are the primary notes on the palate, leading to a long, pleasant aftertaste that is complex with salt, spiciness (I can't pinpoint it, but it's not pepper, perhaps ginger), and bonfire ashes. Overall, it felt like a blend of every Johnnie Walker available. Absolutely stunning. 100 out of 100: 25% nose, 25% taste, 25% finish, and 25% balance. It is the finest whisky I have had to date. IMPRESSIVE. CHEERS!

While smoky and peaty characteristics are present in this Johnnie Walker, its distinctive feature is the profound sherry influence on the nose, reminiscent of Dalmore 12. The palate presents typical Johnnie Walker flavors in the background, enveloped by those rich sherry notes.