Blended
Scotland
Originally released to the travel retail market, Double Black combines the rich, malty flavour of Black Label with slightly peatier whisky and casks that were more heavily charred. The result is a toasty, smoky whisky with Johnnie Walker's usual rich, malty core.
Slightly smoky and almost medicinal on the nose, it offers up hints of vanilla, a little tar, a touch of barbecue sauce, citrus and malt.
Good body and very creamy with a sublimely malty core. It offers up a surprising level of peat smoke which works really well. Creamy sweetness, hints of soft wood smoke, salty butter, custard and cereal grains.
Good length with notes of malt, boiled sweets, black pepper and cool smoke.
I have over 20 scotchs in my collection and was looking to add another, so I picked up a bottle of JW double-black. I usually stay with single malts, but decided on this blended scotch because of the smokey flavor profile. This scotch surprised me since I am usually not a fan of Johnny Walker. It is very smooth with complexity. The finish I felt was short compared to Bowmore, Ardmore, Talkisker, but still tasted great. I usually start with this scotch, then work my way to Laphroig and Ardbeg to finish the night. Also, I found this on the internet: "Caol Ila is unique in this space because it straddles the line between hidden distillery and a scotch whisky brand. 95% of what Caol Ila produces is used in Johnnie Walker’s blends, most notably for Johnnie Walker Black and to an even greater extent Johnnie Walker Double Black."
I drink Whisky most nights and I've tried to learn as much as I could over the years. For a long time I believed that singles were what I was supposed to be drinking. Double Black has many of the strengths of the smokey, peaty single malts I enjoy. It has an easier beginning than some, so it's a nice whisky for developing an understanding if you want to know more. It has the depth and smoke that allows you to explore the complexities of whisky. It is certainly a whisky to keep in the cabinet. Good deep whisky with consistency.
The first time I drank Double Black it was Divine with that smokey flavor. I was like ooooohhhh. I have asked for a couple of bottles more.
A definite must keep in the bar. The best taste & value for the money. Cheers, Greg
Being a Scot would it surprise you that my very first flirtation with whiskey was at a comparatively young age...(not including when my teet was dipped in it....(some time before Calpol). It was a half bottle of a blended variety which was downed at a school disco, (seemed like a good idea at the time). The immediate after effects put me off Scotch for a considerable number of years. However, having matured somewhat my next brush with a finer variety was of Irish descent, in particular a "Black" model. Not as heavy as it's Scottish cousin and certainly more refined than its "white brother" I was sure I would only drink with the "Irish" from that day on. Until, visiting a small isle off the West coast of Scotland with I stumbled upon the isles own malt. Light, like honeyed spring water and golden as sun cast raindrops, the sweetness melted on my tongue and I swore I'd only ever drink the isles finest export. Until recently. A friend introduced me to Mr Walkers double black, albeit I had some reluctance due to the dark, peaty overtones that I perceived would overpower me. As I reached for the proffered glass I was contemplating my excuses to the host as to why I could not indulge beyond a dutiful sample. My surprise was plainly visible. Maybe I have matured and if so, I've now found a Whiskey which matches me, its complex, earthy, sweet and lingering. To be savoured and long lasting. Well that's what I tell my wife, as I lock me and Mister Walker in the shed. Again. Please drink responsibly.
