Johnnie Walk Double Black

A while ago, my buddy Luc H (H for Harley Davidson) handed me a sample to try. Let me know what you think, he said. Later, after I had done so, he let me know what dram it was that I had tasted. Tasting blind: it is always a challenge.

The nose is rather closed and needs some time. After a few moments I get some white fruit and a hint of wet cardboard (not unpleasant, by the way). Even with a bit of handwarmth it remains a silent nose, so to speak. Some citrus and a touch of butterscotch, with a lot of effort. Something that reminds me of lighter filling, like for a Zippo. And something milky. Yoghurt or butter milk. Weird. Finally fish oil.

It is quite oily on the palate and mildly spicy. Some ginger and white pepper. Again white fruit and citrus, but also some caramel. Midpalate I get some brine which points me in the direction of Springbank or Caol Ila, but truth be told I have no idea.

In the rather short finish, it is the brine that dominates.

It is a very soft whisky, in fact, so probably around 43% or 46%, but no cask strength. Having said that, I was not swept away by it. Luc then let me know, after reading this note, that it was in fact the Johnnie Walker Black. I am not particularly surprised.

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