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Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old

Blend undermines the Malts

0 384

@vrudy6Review by @vrudy6

28th Jun 2014

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  • Nose
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  • Taste
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  • Finish
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  • Balance
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  • Overall
    84

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

So, I finally got myself to buy Green Label. Not being a JW fan, I am always reluctant on spending my hard-earned money on these run of the mill, mass-produced whiskies. For those who may or may not know, Green Label is the only, or may I say, was the only (since it’s been discontinued) blended single malt whisky out of the JW expressions. Green Label is made up of four single malts: Talisker, Linkwood, Caol Ila, and Cragganmore. Fortunately, it’s still readily available here in South Florida. But anywhere else, you might not be so lucky. Here we go!

Nose: Caramel, pineapple, passion fruit, slight sherry, a trace of burned butter, slight peat and subtle smoke, some alcohol burn.

Palate: It arrives full of caramel, then suddenly starts to transform into Florida keys honey from the Brazilian red pepper plant flowers, which has a coffee finish. The sherry anchors all flavors together accompanied buy a subtle nuttiness and spice.

Finish: Short to medium. The peat and smoke blankets the mouth measured, engineered.

This a good whisky, by all means. However, it lacks character. I feel that, in this instance, the blend of the four single malts are undermining the spirits. It feels engineered-- like its trying to always “kiss my ass,” instead of saying: “Hey! here I am, this is how I taste, take it or leave it…”

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3 comments

Taco commented

Your 84 seems fair. You can do a "Ralfy Blend" of Talisker and Caol Ila and get an essentially the same for less cost. I would buy it before Diageo decided to phase it out and prices went up 50%. Still available, but I'd rather pay the same for Buchanan 18 SR or less for Swing, Great King Street or Double Black.

9 years ago 0

@vrudy6
vrudy6 commented

Good point. I've always been curious with the Buchanan 18 and Double Black. It's time i should give them a shot. Cheers!

9 years ago 0

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

@Taco The Talisker and Caol Ila would result in a full on peat blend, whereas in the Green Label the peat is pretty subdued by the Linkwood and the Cragganmore. I give the Green about 90 pts. and would advise anyone who can still find it to grab it. @vrudy6 The Double Black is very good and the Swing is an easy drinking blend. Haven't tried the Buchanan but the reviews are all good and it's on my list. Thanks for your good honest review.

9 years ago 0

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