Whisky: Johnnie Walker Island Green
Producer: Diageo
Distillery: Multiple (Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, and Cardhu)
Whisky Type: Blended Malt Scotch
Region: Multiple
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Price Range: $$

Johnnie Walker Island Green is a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky produced by multi-national beverage company Diageo. The expression is a Duty-Free Travel Retail Exclusive that is more intense and powerful than the highly regarded Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt.

What sets this version apart from the Johnnie Walker Green Label is a higher proportion of Island whiskies, specifically Caol Ila, known for its characteristic maritime and smoky profile from the Islay region. As with any blended malt, Diageo also balances the robust smoke with a fruity Highland malt like Clynelish, a lighter Lowland malt like Glenkinchie, and a sweet profile from the Speyside region with Cardhu.

For those unfamiliar with this category, blended malt is a whisky composed of several malts from multiple distilleries not to be confused with Blended Scotch Whisky (i.e., Johnnie Walker Black Label, Dewar’s, Chivas Regal, etc.), which is a blend of single malts and grain whiskies (any other grain other than malted barley) from multiple distilleries.

Tasting Notes for Johnnie Walker Island Green

The blended malt is bottled at 43% ABV, and unlike the Green Label (15 years old), this expression does not carry an age statement.

Nose: Smoke, peat, and charcoal.

Palate: Honey, citrus with big smoke coming through. Also peat and chocolate.

Finish: Long with more smoke, pepper, and oak.

Conclusion: Whisky snobs tend to overlook big brands, especially when they come as blends, but I have always had an open mind since I started the whisky club in 2013, so I avoid judging a book by its cover. I must admit I prefer whiskies with some level of smoke because it brings an interesting dimension to the overall profile of the whisky. In the case of Island Green, Caol Ila provides big power by imparting notes of pepper, peat, and smoke.

Those who enjoy the J.W. Black Label, J.W. Green Label, and J.W. Double Black should be comfortable with this expression. Those loyal to bourbon should probably skip this expression since its flavor profile is miles away from a classic bourbon.

Score: 3.5/5⭐

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