Reviews for Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old
A whisky for the ages.
I will only quote the worlds pre-eminent whisky expert Jim Murray from his 2020 review. And I agree. "If there is a silkier delivery on the market today, I have not seen it: this is sublime stuff with the grains singing the sweetest hymns as they go down, taking with them a near perfection of weighty smoke lightened by brilliantly balanced barley which leans toward both soft apple and creme brulee; those reassuringly rigid grains re-emerge and with them the most juicy Speyside malts imaginable; the lovely sheen to the finish underlines the good age of the whiskies used; here it is: one of the world's most masterful whiskies back in all it's complex glory." Now if you know more about whisky than Jim, I suggest you profit off it by producing your own annual whisky bible.
Russ von Hagen Feb 6, 2020
Seriously overpriced for what it offers
Very little going on in terms of arrival, it's the very definition of "smooth" - lacking all character and distinctive flavor. The 12 years of aging make sure the grain alcohol in the blend is subdued to the point where it's not offensive. There is a bit of a peppery tang and some pleasant smoke in the finish but there's very little flavor outside of that. A drop of water doesn't do much apart from intensifying a little what you've already tasted.
For something that costs so much and still shifts such crazy volumes, it's a prime example of a product that sells on momentum, perceived status and overly expensive branding. If it didn't cost as much as it does, it would be at least 3 stars, but for the very poor flavor to pricing ratio, I can't really do more than 2.
Todor Jan 22, 2020
Much better than older versions (2017 bottle)
I used to dislike Johnnie Black as I thought it was harsh, cheap and oily tasting. I must say that the bottle I got for my 40th birthday (personalized engraved bottle from 2017) was much better than previous experiences I’ve had with Johnnie Black. I will acknowledge that this might be because it appears that as mass production continues and continues as nauseum, what they’ve added in terms of sweetness and smoothness, they’ve probably removed in “character” of the older batches of Johnnie Black. Either way though, I like the newer batches as it is a welcome change from the more complicated bottles of Johnnie Black that I’m used to.
Water/Air: A few small drops...not too much, literally 7-8 drops. Aired it out for 12 minutes, one for each year of aging.
Nose: Raisin, honey, toffee, caramel, a bit of wood and smoke, tiny bit of mint/menthol
Palate: Thick syrupy caramel, burnt sugar, tiny smokiness and wood, very creamy...like a melting thick creamy feeling
Finish: Much less bite and spice than earlier Johnnie Black, a bit salty, continued toffee and caramel
I think it’s much better tasting than what I’ve experienced in the past, but for those that are nostalgic and enjoy the really complicated older scotches are going to be disappointed.
Master of Malt Customer Jan 5, 2020
Every bottle a little different
Some bottles are great, some are too briny, some are not smokey enough. Each time is a little different but when it's good, it tends to be really good and a terrific value if you can get it for around $30 or less.
Rivers Oz Moses Dec 20, 2019
Very average whisky
Very ordinary whisky to get drunk quickly, not the one to enjoy sip by sip sitting relaxed at sofa. Any even NAS single malt I’ve tried has much more taste and character. Sorry, JW fans...
Master of Malt Customer Dec 13, 2019