Whisky Review/Tasting: Johnnie Walker Island Green

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scotland
Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: A blend from different distilleries, focusing on malt whiskies without grain whisky. Specific distilleries mentioned include Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, and Cardhu.
Age Statement: No specific age statement mentioned for the Island Green variant.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is colored, which is common for many commercial whiskies to ensure consistency in appearance.
Bottle Design: Described as having a heavy, valuable bottle with a very thick bottom, making it stable but not very practical for travel due to its weight.

Balance of Flavors: A significant smoky profile balanced with sweetness, spiciness, and a hint of umami. The smokiness is not overwhelming, allowing other flavors to come through.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky starts mild and watery, then transitions to a steep increase in smokiness and spiciness. There's a hint of chocolatey bitterness in the aftertaste.
Comparison: More intense and smoky compared to the standard Johnny Walker Green label. The smokiness is particularly noted to be dominant, which is a characteristic feature of this Island Green edition.

Anecdotes: The hosts discuss the discontinuation and subsequent return of the Johnny Walker Green label, noting the disappointment of connoisseurs and the price increase upon its return. They also mention the practicality of the bottle design for travel and personal preferences for mail order due to its weight.

Distilleries' Contribution: The blend includes whiskies from notable distilleries such as Caol Ila, known for its smoky profile, and Cardhu, the home of Johnny Walker. This selection emphasizes the whisky's Scottish heritage and the blending expertise of Johnny Walker in creating a distinct flavor profile.

"It's definitely a smoky whisky. And spicy. Extremely spicy." - This quote highlights the distinctive smoky and spicy profile of the Island Green.
"Drink it because it's tasty." - A reminder of the enjoyment aspect of whisky tasting, beyond just the effects of alcohol.

Johnnie Walker Island Green is a blended malt Scotch whisky with a pronounced smoky profile, balanced with sweetness, spiciness, and a hint of umami.
It is more intense than the standard Green label, with a significant contribution from smoky malts, particularly Caol Ila.
The whisky is colored and chill-filtered, packaged in a heavy bottle designed for stability but noted to be impractical for travel due to its weight.
The flavor profile includes a unique transition from mild and watery to a steep increase in smokiness and spiciness, with a chocolatey bitterness in the aftertaste.
The blend includes whiskies from Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, and Cardhu, highlighting its Scottish heritage and blending craftsmanship.

For Smoky Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate a pronounced smoky profile will likely enjoy the Island Green for its dominant smoky and spicy characteristics.
For Blended Malt Scotch Lovers: Those who prefer the complexity and variety offered by blended malt Scotch whiskies might find the Island Green's unique blend of distilleries appealing.
For Connoisseurs Seeking Intensity: Whisky connoisseurs looking for an intense flavor experience, distinct from the standard Green label, will appreciate the Island Green's enhanced smokiness and spiciness.