John Walker & Sons King George V Blended Scotch Whisky

John Walker & Sons King George V Blended Scotch Whisky is a blended Scotch from John Walker & Sons. It folds malt and grain together, Caol Ila giving the Islay smoke. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries.

Caol Ila's elegant smoke gives the blend its coastal, citrus edge. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke.

At 43% it is supple and oily. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. A characterful smoky blended Scotch.