JW Green Label substitute.

[Unregistered]

Hi all. I have a friend who loves JW Green Label. Since they won't be making it any more I'm looking for ideas and recommendations on a substitute. What tastes the most like JW Green Label?

[BourbonDrinker]

I won't say that they taste just like Johnny Walker Green, but Compass Box's Peat Monster and Douglas Laing's Big Peat are both similarly styled blended malts (vatted malts). Big Peat is definitely heavier and more peated. There is also Bowmore/Highland Park Double Barrel from Douglas Laing that might fit the bill. Smoky Islay style peat with added complexity of citrus and fruit.
I've had them all, and they're all very good.
Cheers!

[Dale]

The Green Label has been my favorite of the Walker blends and IMHO the best price-quality whisky in their line up.

If your friend were mine, I'd use the opportunity to get them into the single malts and away from the "brands" and blends. For a Walker fan, the obvious place to go for the smokey side of the whisky they like is to Talisker.

They can drink the Talisker 10 and Distiller's Edition for the same or less than Green Label and, subsequently, get more for their money and improve upon the quality in their glass. And once making this move, it's hard to go back to the blends - unless forced to do so.

[Unregistered]

I too was sad that Green Label is to be discontinued. However I have now discovered the Spice Tree from Compass Box, which is actually $10 cheaper where I live. It has a fairly similar flavor profile, but is perhaps slightly more strongly flavored. Instead of Talisker, it uses Clynelish to provide a spicy palate and finish. It actually reminds me of what a revelation Green Label was when I was first experimenting with Scotch, and before I discovered the more strongly flavored Scotches like Ardbeg. Whereas I did not feel the Talisker 10 could stand up to Green Label which uses an at least 15 year aged Talisker, I enjoy both Clynelish 12 and the Spice Tree, which I think is made from a 10 year old Clynelish. Clynelish 12 is less sweet and is briny to the point of saltiness. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for sweet.

[BeerEnthused]

Dang, I never tried the green label. Sucks that they don't make it anymore. I'm definitely going to try some of the substitutes you guys are talking about tho, the Peat Monster and Big Peat. Thanks!!

[beerandascotch.com]

Cragganmore, Caol Ila, Talisker & Linkwood are the key malts in this blend. I agree this could be a great opportunity to branch in to the single malt.. Cragganmore would be my first stop due it's easier nature than the second two. Linkwood is rarely seen outside blends and independent bottlings but is quite delicious. Compass box are highly recommend for there accessibility, forward thinking (an American fiddling with scotch??!) and outright deliciousness.

Russ
beerandascotch.com