My recent visit to Costco got me introduced to yet another release from the infamous and the most widely sold whisky brand, Johnnie Walker! This expression was first introduced in Asia in the 2020s and later released to most of the world.

The whisky might be seen as another take of the longstanding and ever so loved 15 YO Green Label, but not quite. The spirit has been concocted under the watchful eyes of JW’s master distiller, Jim Beveridge, but does not comprise of the same blend of malt whiskies as the Green Label, nor does it come at the 43% abv.

This one is a blend of malt whiskies made primarily from the three distilleries – Cardhu, Clynelish and Glen Elgin, that have been aged for a minimum of 15 years and then finished in European sherry casks imported from the region of Jerez, Spain. The bottle and the contours are very much typical JW except for the rather maroon like hue over the standard 15 YOs customary royal green colour.

ABV : 40%

Eye : Burnished

Nose: Caramel and malt, followed by a whisper of maritime brine. Smoke and charred wood is greeted with the sweetness of sultanas, dried fruits, and dates. Some leather and cinnamon trail with a pinch of pepper.

Taste : Caramel and honey with a bit of brine.  There’s some astringency and dryness on the palate, coupled with nutty and fruity flavours due to the presence of red stone and dried fruits. Interleaved are hints of tropical nuances that emanate in between, followed by some spice and smoke.

Finish : Short to medium | Cherries and stone fruits, some malt along with a hint of dryness and mild spice.

The sherry shines quite well but misses the eloquence of the real OG – The Green Label! The expression surely is different and a bit unexpected, and in a good way; highlighting a more mellow and subtle side to the whisky. This 15 still sticks to all the typical elements – smoke, brine, and char, so you don’t miss the traditional JW flavours.

At about AUD $100, it is fair dinkum, one that has me on the fence. The nose and palate had decent complexity, but it didn’t really take me to wow territory, possibly a bit thin for my liking. An easy sipper is what this is, one that lets you venture into familiar territory safely, albeit with a twist! The Sherry finish isn’t one that would leave you disappointed, but at the same time, isn’t  one that you would necessarily rush to.

I guess this one is going to be very subjective – Slainte!