Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker White Walker Edition

prefer room temperature for tasting it does make one skeptical up front. Nonetheless it is intriguing enough to try, especially if you enjoy “Game of Thrones.” Chill filtration is normally an unnecessary intrusion on the flavor of one’s whiskey as it removes flavor compounds, but I can see why it would be deemed essential in this case since this whisky is pulled from the freezer. At cold temperatures whiskey that has not undergone chill filtration will become cloudy. When this happens, the whiskey is still the same as before, but some folks find it unsightly and therefore some distilleries undertake the process purely for cosmetic reasons. Also, one last play on the “Game of Thrones” theme you can find on the bottle is where it states this whisky was blended & bottled “north of the wall.” I suppose this is technically true if said wall is Hadrian’s. Without further ado, here are some notes on this whisky at both freezing and room temperatures. White Walker by Johnnie Walker (image via Diageo) Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker White Walker Vital Stats: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky sourced from Cardhu and Clynelish distilleries. Available at 41.7% ABV in 750ml bottles for ~$30. Best served from the freezer. Nose: Subdued out of the freezer but has notes of caramel and spice. Berries and mango seem to pop in and out as the whisky slowly warms. Once fully warm the whisky reminds me of butterscotch milkshake with a caramel drizzle. Palate: Finishes hotter than the low abv and freezing temperature would lead you to believe. Spice notes linger pleasantly, but not for long. Is more cinnamon sweet at freezing, but room temperature brings out LOTS of oak. This scotch tastes better while cold. It is true.