Johnnie Walker Double Black

Whisky Type: Blended Scotch Whisky

Bottle Size: 750ml

Alcohol by Volume: 40%

Notes: Johnnie Walker Double Black, takes the standard Black Label, and adds younger more peated malt whisky to the blend (thus the lack of an age statement to this offering), then ages it all in charred oak casks. It's like Johnnie Walker's iconic Striding Man stopped striding long enough to enjoy a dram of the basic Black Label by a campfire! This blend was typically only found in duty free shops at airports, but now it gets a limited annual release here in the states, usually in the last quarter of the year. I've seen several bottles on the shelves of well stocked speciality retail outlets, so these stores wisely stocked up on this while they could so they seem to have enough year round!  

Nose: The peaty smoke sweetness of the standard Black Label is replaced here with a smokey bonfire smell that dominates everything. 

Taste: The malted barley notes remain, but now there's a meaty barbecue flavor that comes though. The overall smoky flavor is more charcoal smoke than peat smoke. 

Finish: Sweet smoke, with a lingering barbecue note that fades slowly. 

My Personal Ranking: 86/100 (Blend Score)

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

Whisky Type: Blended Scotch Whisky

Bottle Size: 750ml

Alcohol by Volume: 40%

Notes: Johnnie Walker Black Label, is one of the classic Victorian Era blended Scotches. It's probably one of the best known whiskies in the world. The Black Label has a peatier character than most other blends, due in part to the inclusion of whiskies from Caol Ila, Lagavulin, and Talsiker in the mix. It's still a well balanced and great tasting whisky, and it tends to be consistently stocked in my whisky cabinet!

Nose: It starts with a smokey sweetness, followed by a hint of fruit and peppery spice.

Taste: The smoky malt and grain mix well with the developing apple and vanilla flavors that follow.

Finish: A lingering apple note, with the smoke giving way to a honey finish.

My Personal Ranking: 84/100 (Blend Score)