Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special 12 Year Old, American & European Oak Cask, Bottled 1990s, 40%

teacup_socks6 Aug

The herbal sweetness on the palate is the detail that catches my interest. It sits alongside fruit and toffee, while citrus blossoms bring a lighter note to the smoke and peat. The nose offers a similar contrast: gentle smoke and winter spices share space with mandarin zest, vanilla and subtle apples and pears. I like that the finish isn't simply an extension of the sweetness. Salty peat smoke, toasty malt and citrus peel sit alongside a dry, slightly ashy note, with vanilla and gentle pepper in the mix. It's a layered combination that suits my interest in herbal details, though the smoke and fruit have just as much to say.