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.
Well, it comes down to preferences for this one. For me, the flavour profile is just perfect for a dram here in cold Iceland. The palate is smooth, creamy with deep notes.. smoke, little bit of cafe but also vanilla. I love it. There are 35 different whiskies in this one, according to what I read. The malt is most likely higher than grain %. Well, if you're looking for a great blend without flat palate or alcohol burn, this is it. It only comes down to preferences, at least it's a tea in my cup. Stay safe, stay strong. <3
For a “cheap” blend this is great tasting. I think the problem is people expect too much from a budget drink such as this. First impression is that it’s really tasty, nothing like it’s little brother Red Label, which I can only assume has dog turds in the recipe somewhere. This actually reminds me of Jura Origin.
Underrated drink and doesn’t deserve any of the bad rep. As a beginner, it was my favourite drink. As I’ve tasted more whiskeys, it’s not as nice to me anymore, as it’s very thin and watery. That said, I still enjoy a nice dram of this.
Good taste
Bought an airplane bottle of it to try because my journey is a young one. Took me three minutes to get the god forsaken cap off since I fractured my wrist in a violent altercation with a 6 foot 9 fellow on PCP. I jest not. Anyhoo once I got past the stiff cap gatekeeper it pours a beautiful dark copper. Looks great next to the bacon and eggs I’m making at 7 in the morning. It’s going to be a beautiful day! Earthy notes in the nose. Brings to mind time spent in the woods, which is my favorite. Smoke and tobacco come to mind also. Lighter in the mouth than I expected. Spiciness hits up front, then the smoky oakiness comes rumbling up the middle like early 2000’s Jerome Bettis. An underlying sweetness of honeysuckle permeates the flavor, and that nice earthy finish brings it in. Johnny Walker gets a bad rap because it’s popular. And the Red isn’t the best. But Black is good. Flat out. It’s a good sip for the price. Shave your hipster beard because contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t make you more manly, and pick up a bottle!
