Blended
Scotland
Johnnie Walker Black Label has a long history. It dates back to the late 19th century when John Walker & Sons of Kilmarnock had three blends in ascending order of age and price: Old Highland, Special Old Highland, and Extra Special Old Highland. These had white, red, and black labels respectively, and were known by their colour. Then in 1906, the three blends were relaunched as White Label, a five year old, Red Label, a nine year old, and Black Label, a 12 year old.
While Red Label would lose its age statement and White Label disappear altogether, Black Label is still a 12 year old blend – though it did go through a phase without an age statement. Its prestige status was trumped with the launch of the super swanky Blue Label in the late 1980s, but Black Label has never lost its cache. Across the world today, a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label is a recognised currency and symbol of excellence.
The classic 12 Year Old Black Label is a blend majoring on Diageo’s Four Corners of Scotland distilleries Clynelish in the Highlands, Cardhu on Speyside, malt from Glenknichie and grain from Cameronbridge with a little smoke from Caol Ila.
Winter spice and treacle, hints of white pepper and a little citrus.
Rich and full with notes of wood smoke and dry spice, hints of barley and cereal with creamy toffee and a distinct herbal note.
Quite fruity and long with a note of sultanas and mixed peels.
The first taste I had of Johnnie Walker Black Label was 1963 when I was 7 yrs old. (My father had a policy that I could "have a taste" of what he was drinking at a party.) I will never forget it. I took a tiny sip, thinking it would be terrible, but found that it tasted VERY good. I then took a large mouthful and savored it all the way down. My father vocally lamented the point when I told him in the presence of his neighborhood friends, "Dad. That is some great stuff!" I have always had a bottle available since I was old enough to buy it, for when I would like a wee nip of some excellent blended scots whisky. It was my first, and is still my best.
I am enjoying JW Black. It is smooth no harsh burn just a nice warm feeling, perfect for chilly Canadian nights. Has a smokey smell but not to overwhelming. I would recommend to anyone but especially to someone new to drinking scotch. Time for another, cheers.
This summer I visited San Blas on my vacation to Panama and bought a bottle of Black Label Whisky on the airport. The bottle stayed in my suitcase until I reached San Blas since I just knew this was the perfect place to drink a delicious blended whisky. Imagine a full moon, illuminating squid in the Caribbean Sea water and stars everywhere. Let's not forget about the perfect temperature and at that moment the Black Label was openend. PERFECT! If you don't know what I'm talking about take a look at these pictures http://sanblas-islands.com/pictures/ and imagine yourself with a bottle of Black Label on the beach at night :) Cheers
I have had Johnnie Walker Black and Blue Label 12 year, and I must say these two have flavor but are overrated especially for their prices of a blended scotch. I think people consider this good just because other people say it is,they are not experienced in drinking different scotches and because of its high price and strong taste for a newbie. There are many other scotches to choose from with smooth and rich flavors that are inexpensive both blended and single malts. Too much hype for what it really is, even the bottle is nothing to rave about. To me, only the pretentious believe in the Johnnie Walker set of Labels' power. These are what snobs are; the pretentious.
Black Label is available in almost every bar, so that's what I usually drink when clubbing, but I way prefer Haig & Haig Pinch for about the same price. Pinch is 15 years old, and a better balance of fruit and smoke. The extra 3yrs of aging makes a difference. If you really search, you can find Famous Grouse, an excellent 8yr old that is almost as good as Black Label. Or try some Oban 10yr old or any McCallan for a treat.
