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Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Double Black

We review Johnnie Walker Double Black, a non age-stated riff on the extremely popular Johnnie Walker Black Label.

OVERALL RATING

$40.00
  • Joshua St. John, a Portland-based runner and global whisky explorer.
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Johnnie Walker Double Black

Tasting Notes

About:

40% ABV (80 proof), no age statement, blended Scotch whisky, available in the low to mid $40 range per 750 ml bottle.
Appearance:
Deep caramel with reddish tones. Medium strong legs.
Nose:
Significant oak presence. Notes of plum wine, cinnamon almonds, solvent, vanilla.
Palate:
Smoky and sweet. Honey, clove, wood fire smoke, spiced pear, pecan rolls. The sweetness and smoke linger after the relatively short burn. I get notes of cherry cola very late in the finish. Conclusion: Johnnie Walker Double Black manages to disrupt the pleasing balance of Black Label while somehow avoiding sending the entire release crashing to the floor. The comparison between this and Black Label rises up each time I find myself in need of a fresh bottle. I enjoy the aesthetic of having both bottles sitting next to one another on my shelf, but I really do not know if I can make a strong argument that would necessitate the casual drinker keeping a space open for each. In short, if you like Black Label, you will probably like Double Black. If you don’t, you probably won’t. I think that is essentially what Johnnie Walker and Diageo were aiming for in the first place. FINAL SCORE: 84/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK]
Finish:
Comments:

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.

Joshua St. John

When not savoring whiskey, Joshua St. John can likely be found exploring the trails of the Pacific Northwest near his Portland, Oregon, home. A lifelong world traveler, he was first captivated by single malts during visits to Scottish distilleries. He continues to explore the globe, discovering its diverse cultures through the myriad expressions of his beloved spirit.

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