John Walker & Sons King George V (75cl, 43%)

This is a blended Scotch whisky from John Walker & Sons, created in 2007 to mark the Royal Warrant granted to the house by King George V in 1934. It is bottled at 43% in a 750ml bottle and comes in a crystal decanter with a certificate of authenticity. Only whiskies from distilleries working during his reign, 1910 to 1936, went into the blend. These include Cardhu, Royal Lochnagar and the closed Port Ellen, together with very old grain whisky. The nose is sweet and smoky, with orange, raisins, figs and cinnamon. The palate is spiced, with dried fruit, vanilla, dark chocolate, toffee and roast nuts. The finish is long, with coastal Port Ellen smoke building.