Story starts with a bottle of 
Johnnie Blue that a buddy bought me for Christmas.   First sip and drink(s) came back with an "OK" evaluation.  Perhaps the expectation and build-up was too much.
I went 'back to school' last Saturday evening and have become a convert.  I had a small glass, then compared with a couple single-malts (all Johnnies are blends) - Glenlivit, Balvenie, Highland Park and a gold medal winner from Japan called Yoichi (I had the 15).  Hands down Johnnie Blue.  I am a fan of the J.W. Green, though I did not have one on hand to do a direct comparison, but I admit to now knowing what the fuss is all about.  Thank-you, Michael.