Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a free sample to review by the party behind it. The Whiskey Wash, while appreciative of this, did keep full independent editorial control over this article.Double Black can arguably been seen in a similar light to a distiller’s edition of a single malt, specifically those offered by fellow Diageo whiskies Lagavulin and Talisker. (Perhaps it would be more appropriate to refer to this as a blender’s edition, though fans of Blue Label may take offense.) The central malt and grain components are generally the same as Black Label, as one would expect with the identity of the two whiskies intentionally intertwined. The key differences come into play with the dialing up of the smokier malts in the blend as well as in the use of sherry casks with a deep char which combine to yield a more rich and intense finish in the end product than standard Black Label.
In gaining this noticeable intensity in terms of both smokiness and richness, Double Black sacrifices its age statement. Black Label, by comparison, bears an a 12-year age statement.
Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker Double Black
Vital Stats: 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.
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