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.
Yes, I know, single malts are "the thing." They've been the thing since they came on the scene in the 80's. But I have to say, over years of drinking scotch as "the whiskey" I absolutely love Johnny Walker Black. It's great over ice with a splash of water. It has decent body, sweetness and it's smooth and silky. It's not exciting or different or in your face, notice my peaty smokiness. It's just a good after work drink and well-made. I've once had the Blue--very nice but very pricey. I'm happiest with this as an affordable luxury. This is what I keep in my decanter as my "house whiskey."
I admit to being a bit of a snob when it comes to blends as I prefer the rawness and honesty of a good single malt. However, when a blend is this good it just can't be denied. In my opinion this is a masterpiece - delicately balanced and silky smooth but with enough rough edges to keep it interesting. This will satisfy any whisky lover, veteran and newcomer alike, not only on the nose and the pallette but also in the wallet.
"When Johnnie comes marching home again (...)". A rich and smooth whisky. Light smoke and toffee. A clear touch of maturity. A long, sweet and gentle finish. One of the best whiskies in its price level. Enjoyable.
J.W Red is hideous. J.w. Green is OK. J.W. Gold & Platinum are over-rated and over-priced. I haven't had Blue Label yet. Johnnie Walker Black and Double Black are the BEST of the lot. I prefer Islay whiskeys and I've read that JWB is mostly blended with Caol Ila and Talisker. I love this whiskey and drink it regularly. You just can't go wrong for the price. Best value out there, for sure. Cheers!
Francamente esperaba mas. Cumple pero no nada mas. Es como que llega al 6/10 para ser benevolente y aprobarlo. Yo por el precio no lo recomiendo, pero no puedo decir que es malo como si lo creo de J & B y Ballantine´s.
