Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 year old, 40%

Built around key malts from Cardhu, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Glenkinchie, the nose is beautifully balanced with peat smoke, caramel, dried fruits, generous spices, toasted oak, and hints of dark chocolate. Smooth on the palate, it shows caramelized sugar, toffee apple, peppery spices, and peat smoke, then melted caramel and vanilla essence, easing into a lengthy finish of toffee, smoke, and lingering pepperiness. Classic for a reason.