This is the debut release in the new “Blenders’ Batch” series from Johnnie Walker, and is best described as an “evolution” of the Select Casks Rye Casks Finish blend released in 2015. The nose is malty with soft spices, vanilla, butterscotch, rye bread, and honey notes. The taste is spicy on top and creamy underneath with a good balance of clove, cinnamon, honey, vanilla, and brown sugar notes with a hint of butterscotch in the background. The finish is dominated by gently lingering spices, but the sweeter notes fall off more quickly and leave behind just a hint of sweetness. (September, 2016)