Let’s end Women’s History Month 2021 with a look at Jane Walker, a limited edition bottling part of the Johnnie Walker family. This particular blend came from the mind of Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker, who was responsible for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series a couple of years ago. I absolutely loved those blends.

Jane Walker starts with single malt from Cardhu, which is fitting considering that distillery was owned and operated with great success by Elizabeth Cumming. It was this success that led to the distillery being sold to the Johnnie Walker family and to this day remains at the heart of several Johnnie Walker blends. The other prominent malt included in this blended malt is Clynelish – one of my favorite distilleries. Walker decided when creating this blend that a peaty characteristic didn’t quite fit, so don’t expect any smoky notes here. This 10-year-old blended malt is bottled at 41.9% abv and available for $38.

Jane Walker is ripe with orchard fruit on the nose, thanks to the malt from Cardhu. That distillery’s influence is certainly felt here. Additionally, a touch of white chocolate and baking spice add to the aromatics. Taste-wise, baked spiced apples kicks things off, with toffee and vanilla cream adding some richness. A bit of lemon peel and berries give Jane Walker a bit of vibrancy. Waves of cinnamon bark and dark chocolate make for a very pleasing finish.

Emma Walker has created a very enjoyable and balanced whisky with Jane Walker. The fruit notes could have easily slipped into something too sweet, but not here. Lemon, vanilla cream, and dark chocolate keep the whisky from becoming overly sweet or overly fruity. Again, the headline here is balance. I can’t recommend this blend enough.

Thanks to Johnnie Walker for the review sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.