Johnnie Walker A Song of Fire Game of Thrones (John Walker & Sons)

Johnnie Walker A Song of Fire Game of Thrones (John Walker & Sons) is a blended Scotch from John Walker & Sons. It folds malt and grain together, Caol Ila giving the Islay smoke. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

Islay malts bring the smoke, the lighter Caol Ila style keeping it clean rather than heavy. An ex-Bourbon barrel gave a gentle sweetness and a creamy edge. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way.

At 40.8% it is clean and coastal. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. A characterful smoky blended Scotch.