Johnnie Walker Black Label 12yo Blended Scotch Whisky (40%, OB, -+/1 2010)

One the nose it’s some what clean and restrained with some hints of some smoke and a little time hand warming brings out further aromas one often associates with blends, quite distinctive; grains and malt. After some time in the glass some honey notes emerge however while it’s good it’s a little restrained. The perils of 40% ABV versus 46% ABV one is forced to conclude. The taste is as one would expect from Johnnie Walker Black Label, some really good grains and some peat smoke, really lovely. Big and vibrant. The finish is a continuation of the taste, the vibrancy stays put for the whole ride, lots going on and very good.

Sometimes you just want to have a quiet whisky and not think about it too much; Johnnie Walker Black Label is such a whisky. The tipple of the author Christopher Kitchens, by the case allegedly.

$50

Score 87 points

JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY (40%, OB, +/- 2010)

Much bigger on the nose when compared to the Black Label 12yo however it presents many of the same aromas, but just ‘bigger’. It noses as if it has a slightly higher malt content, still it’s all very nice. The taste is gentle at first and then there’s some malt and grain (but more malt) and then some gentle peat smoke arrives. Very mature and grown up but certainly not over the top with the Islay influence, it’s still quite restrained but present. Good balance. A little more rounded flavour profile than the 12yo offering a slightly sweeter taste. Certainly not a dramatically higher peat smoke delivery. Again the finish follows through from the nose and taste and the malt, grain, sweetness and gentle peat smoke are all present.

Score 86 points.

€35

Many thanks to Duncan for the sample of Johnnie Walker Double Black.

The 12yo presents as a blend and a very good one at that. The Double Black is kissing cousins nearer to a malt however the peat smoke is not significantly bigger but it all melds together nicely. Still the Double Black is a very good dram but the 12yo has the slight edge with the vibrancy. For those that want a blend the 12yo and for those that lean towards malt then the Double Black.

More on the Johnnie Walker Double Black at; https://www.whiskyintelligence.com/2010/10/diageo-launches-johnnie-walker%c2%ae-double-black%e2%84%a2-blended-scotch-whisky-scotch-whisky-news/