Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker

Its super sweet but surprisingly sippable. N) Candied apples, brown sugar oatmeal, brandied fruit candies, molasses, vanilla from oak tannin, berries, green apple, sweeeeeet citrus P) Dessert in a blender. The fruit, graham crust, and whipped cream and all. The whole kit and caboodle. Honey like a graham cracker. Burnt sugar from peanut brittle. Dark chocolate, espresso(!). Decadence aside, it has a fantastic balance M) Dry, sweet, easy. Johnny blending highlighted here. Ice makes it WAY too easy to drink. The sweetness made me only want it here and there but when I did have it it 100% hits the spot... just not a spot you want hit all the time.

Nose is very light pear and honeysuckle. Body is full, and the palate is stone fruits, honey, and leather, leading to a splash of acetic heat before fading to a soft, sweet, and clean, close. I didn’t expect much out of this, and find myself pleasantly surprised. I went into this thinking of Black Label and Green Label, but its not really comparable to either. This is almost a young Dalwhinnie at half the price. But it won’t really replace my Dalwhinnie. Or my Green Label. Well worth the price for a good, easy, drink.

N: Orange blossoms and honey. Almond, lemon, and a little peat smoke. P: Citrus, chocolate, almond, vanilla extract, plus another vague nuttiness. Slight bitterness, coffee-like. Finish is spicy like a Mexican hot chocolate - cinnamon plus a little chili pepper bite. Doesn't last long, but that just makes it easier to go back for more. Smooth and mild mannered, but presenting a delicate balance of flavors. Exceptionally polished. This is quiet, but fantastic once you start to hear it.

1.5 stars - Flawed; 3 glasses I will not be finishing the bottle. Great concept, flawed execution. This tastes like someone decided to ruin Cardhu 12 yr. Grainy in a bad way when taken neat. Thought it might be better on the rocks - that was all wooden astringency. Yikes. Something went awry here.

I agree with the 'official' review, that its spiciness 'kicks up a notch.' It was unexpected, but gave me a clue that this would work well on the rocks. It is somewhat reminiscent of a better developed Red Walker, only with more body since it's a Blended Malt, and no peat influence.

Nose brings me cereal and malt. Palate is the same with some spicy sweetness. Smoke on the back end of both. The finish is surprisingly long with pleasant smoke. A great dram and my wife (a newbie) loved it. The story behind it is awesome as well. Worth the try!