Johnnie Walker doubles down with Johnnie Walker Double Black. For the last few years, Double Black has been a popular airport pickup for weary travelers as it was only available in duty-free stores, but it can now be found in limited release across the country.

If you’re familiar with the regular Johnnie Walker Black—smooth, creamy and comfortable—Double Black is nothing like that. At first, Double Black offers much more peat, smoke and spice on the front end than any other whisky in the Johnnie Walker line. Aged in heavily charred oak barrels, Double Black is smoky and spicy on the first sip, and mellows out to a woody vanilla finish that bears a slight resemblance to flavors found in the original Black. Add a little water or a cube of ice, and it softens the spiciness on the front end and smooths it out.

Hand me a whisky and I’m a happy man. But until recently, I have stuck more to bourbons. Maybe it’s because of my roots south of the Mason-Dixon line. Now, consciously working on expanding my palate with Scotches, Double Black isn’t a big peaty smoke bomb like Islay single malts, but offers an introduction to those flavors. If that sounds appealing, grab a bottle while they’re still in stores and see what you think.

If I was pairing Johnnie Walker Double Black with a cigar, I’d pull out something smooth, creamy and flavorful like a Montecristo White or a VegaFina. A dark, rich and earthy Warlock might also be nice or anything not overly peppery. That’s what my palate tells me. What does yours say to you?

Johnnie Walker and their Striding Man Society hold excellent tasting events around the country. If one happens near you take the time to check it out. I’ve been to a few in New York and it makes for a fun night with some tasty free Scotch. http://www.johnniewalker.com/global/home/