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.

Many people recommend it, but I don't really see anything special in it. Just not very bad.
I had the opportunity to visit the Kilmarnock factory, now closed, and feel the smell in the blending shed. It was unbelievable.
Yeah, I know it's become fashionable to rag on this product, as happens with ALL popular products, and yes, the quality is sadly not as consistent nor quite as good as it used to be. But if you're not unlucky with the batch, JW Black is a tasty, drinkable and dare I say highly enjoyable dram. It easily beats the Chivas Regal 12 year old, and anyone who compares it to the Red Label is an absolute idiot. I think most drinkers would actually prefer this over many single malts as well, and not just due to its "drinkability." It actually tastes nice. Sure, you can get better whiskies, but in this price range there's not much that beats it. And it's available anywhere. Definitely a classic in my book.
I'm a big fan of Johnnie Walker Black Label. I often have quite a few bottles of some mid-to-high end single malts on hand depending on my mood and what my mouth is craving, but good old Black Label gets poured in my house more than any other. It's always the right blend of smoke, light peat, good aroma, and a wonderful finish that seems to empty my bottles quicker than I mean to. You just can't go wrong with this classic. It never disappoints.
Beautifull blend expression stands up to higher priced whiskies don't listen to the snobs.