1960s Johnnie Walker Extra Special Black Label

Colour: Gold.

Nose: A rather striking nose of straight malt. The trademark peatiness is well here after all these years, and the whole is anything but tired. Develops more classically that is, on dried oranges, chocolate and cereals, before it gets finally much drier. None of the sweetness that’s to be found in most modern blends.

Mouth: Sure it’s no big whisky but flavourful it is. Starts on an unexpected waxiness (very big), with also quite some smoke, honey, straight malt and something very oily, both in taste and in texture. With the smokiness it reminds us more and more of argan oil. The development rather happens onto straight malty notes. Very good.

Finish: Medium long, dry, smoky and malty.

Comments: Great old whisky, worth many current single malt whiskies.