Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year Old

I picked up the Johnnie Walker Family Set containing JW Red, Black, Gold, and Blue. Based on previous reviews I was quite looking forward to the Gold and Blue.

This whisky, however, was quite disappointing. While the Red and Black were good, the Gold failed to meet even my most modest expectations.

Nose: Malty, with fruit, mild citrus, some faint honey, and something herbal (it's downfall, as well shall see).

Palate: Very silky delivery that is watered down sweet (diluted honey?); there is then an herbal arrival with malt, more diluted honey, and a dry vegetal note.

Finish: a dry, lingering herbal spice.

The herbal notes kill it for me. Whatever enjoyment is derived from the smooth but diluted honey are quickly smashed by the herbal notes that seem to dominate on the palate and in the finish.

I must have ended up with a dud bottle. I say this based on my experience with JW Blue (see other review), and based on comparisons with other reviews of JW Gold (where it is generally scored much higher). I actually preferred the JW Red to this....(uh oh)

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