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 smoke hit quick and overpowered everything else for the duration. I guess some people like smoke, I don't.
I've started at the premium end of the JW range (Ryder Cup special, Blue, and Spice Road) but realised I hadn't tasted their entry level blends. And I'm so glad I now have - spicy, smoky, full of taste - a real treat for this incredibly low price and should be a staple in any decent whisky collection. Next I will try the Red.
JW black is the first blended scotch I've ever tasted. The immediate smell and taste of the smoke was incredibly tasty and the hint of toffee was delicious. I liked this way more than the glenlivet 12. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a mainstay in their home bar.
Tasted fake smoky to me. Sharp bite. Just ok.
Very good taste. A litte bit smoky, sweet. Enjoing every day after hard work.