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Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut

We review Johnnie Walker Black Director's Cut, a limited-edition whisky bottling linked to the upcoming Blade Runner movie sequel.

OVERALL RATING

7
$90.00
  • Kirk Sig is a whisky connoisseur known for his candid and investigative approach to whisky reviews.
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Tasting Notes

About:

750 ml; 49%ABV / 98 Proof; blended Scotch whisky; price around $90 USD.
Appearance:
Yellow gold with surprisingly nice legs and beading for a blend.
Nose:
Far richer and more sophisticated than Johnnie Walker Black. Frankly, it’s amazing how over thirty whiskies could coalesce to make such a uniformly pleasing scent. I’m reminded of a 1996 Ben Nevis (Exclusive Malts) that I finished last month, although the Walker is a bit less “grapey.” Far away Coal Ila peat is perhaps the most noticeable scent in my glass, followed by marshmallow nougat, honey, and crisp red apple. Golden raisins and figs aren’t far behind, along with a very subtle green tea note.
Palate:
Think Johnnie Walker Black cranked up to “10.” There’s just more to taste in the Director’s Cut. I really do appreciate the higher ABV. Putting this whisky on the rocks would be refreshing, to be sure, but almost a shame. Try it neat first is my advice. As for adding water, no thanks. At 49% ABV, this stuff is as smooth as a pair of Sean Young’s silky pajamas.

Leather comes to the fore, along with Himalayan salt, allspice, black pepper, black tea, cotton candy, powdered coco, taro root, caramel, date, golden raisin, and a slightly bitter note of chicory.
Finish:
The finish is medium in length. As for the swan song of flavors, one can detect black pepper, oak tannin, Caol Ila peat, and chicory lingering pleasantly. A spicy tingle outlasts the death.
Comments:
I needn’t remind you that this is a very limited collector’s edition. Anyone who loves Blade Runner would do well to sock away a few of these bottles. As for fans of Johnnie Walker Black, this is a must-buy. I’m going to save most of the whisky in my bottle to take to a Halloween party. That’s not because I don’t like it. Quite the contrary. I can’t think of a better present to bring that will make my friends happy.rnrnIn the immortal words of Rick Deckard: “Say ‘kiss me’.” I just love the hate scene in the original Blade Runner. Why not call it a love scene–when Deckard and Rachael kiss for the first time, and then roll around on the couch?rnrnBecause Harrison Ford and Sean Young were rumored to have been less than cordial with each other. I have no idea if this rumor is true, but the hot scene works very well on many levels. It’s like “make up sex” on the first date.rnrnAs for this racy version of Walker Black, it’s a winner when judged against other mass-produced blended Scotch whiskies. Two thumbs up.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Whisky Kirk

Kirk Sig's fascination with Scottish whisky ignited in 1987 during a visit to Edinburgh. In the ensuing three and a half decades, he has cultivated an extensive understanding of distilleries, the whisky industry, and the global whisky landscape.

Kirk prides himself on providing candid and unvarnished reviews, eschewing the prevalent flattery and fluff that often permeate whisky commentary. This direct approach has occasionally ruffled feathers in influential circles, which he views as a testament to his commitment to prioritize the interests of the consumer.

Embracing the spirit of investigative journalism, Kirk's reviews delve deeper, leaving no stone—or cask—unturned. He believes in transparency and ensures that readers are privy to any noteworthy findings, fostering an informed and empowered whisky community.

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