Johnnie Walker Green Label is the odd one of the bunch.  It is a blended malt whisky, whereas all other Johnnie Walker whiskies are blended whiskies.  Blended whiskies contain malt and grain whiskies.  Blended malt whiskies are strictly a blend of malt whiskies.  There’s no grain whisky to be found in this bottle.  A quick internet search reveals Johnnie Walker Green Label is a mix of Talisker, Linkwood, Cragganmore and Caol Ila single malts, all aged at least 15 years.  In late 2013, Diageo, owners of the Johnnie Walker brand, announced a discontinuation of Green Label to all markets except Taiwan.  In 2015, Johnnie Walker Green Label started showing up on shelves here in the U.S. in small numbers.  This could be a limited run, however, as JW Green isn’t listed as part of the Johnnie Walker lineup on their website.

On the nose, I get toffee, slight smoke, orange peel.  There’s a hint of candle wax and fresh mint here too.  Taste-wise, it’s pretty sweet upfront.  Light brown sugar, orange candy, mint and some peat smoke.  I get a bit of orange blossom honey, vanilla and a little saltiness.  The bump up to 43% abv helps thicken up the mouthfeel of this whisky.  It isn’t as thin as say a Johnnie Walker Red Label.  Also of note, the extra alcohol gives this Johnnie Walker expression a pleasant burn not found in its siblings.  Nothing off-putting.  The finish is sweet (more of that honey note) and is a medium length.

This whisky definitely shows its family ties to the rest of the Johnnie Walker lineup.  Those signature JW aroma and flavor notes are here without the creaminess or graininess of other Johnnie Walkers.  Whatever flavors are present seem to be a bit bolder.  I would assume this is due to the absence of grain whiskies.  Pick up a bottle before it disappears from the shelves.  Recommended.