5 Whiskies To Try If You Like Johnnie Walker Black Label

Given its unique balance of flavors, exploring alternatives to Johnnie Walker Black Label can be an exciting journey for whisky lovers.
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Johnnie Walker Black Label stands as a true foundation bottle in the whisky world. Its global popularity is a testament to its versatility and accessibility, with a flavor profile that appeals to whisky enthusiasts across the spectrum. Whether you’re enjoying it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Black Label effortlessly adapts, fulfilling virtually any role a whisky can take on.

Given its unique balance of flavors, exploring alternatives to Johnnie Walker Black Label can be an exciting journey for those looking to branch out while staying within a similar flavor profile. The best way to approach this, I’ve found, is by breaking down Black Label into its distinct taste components and recommending bottles that highlight these characteristics. After all, few whiskies embody such versatility while remaining a favorite among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

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Sweet – Edradour 10 Year Old

BUY NOW: $52

Diageo, as a company, owns several whiskies that could fit into this category, including Cardhu, Royal Lochnagar, and Cragganmore. However, my standout recommendation comes from Edradour: the Edradour 10 Year Old. Known for its intensely juicy style, this Highland single malt showcases the richness of sherry cask maturation.

The 10 Year Old offers a remarkably layered and complex profile, delivering a flavour experience that punches well above its price and age. An extremely layered and complex style of single malt that packs such a big punch for its price and age. Edradour always comes out on top as a ‘must-try’ in any whisky circles, and the 10 Year Old is an amazing start to the Edradour journey.  

Spicy – Loch Lomond 12 Year Old 

BUY NOW: $43

This 12 year old whisky flies under the radar in the grand scheme of single malts. Much like Johnnie Walker Black Label, Loch Lomond 12 can do almost anything you want it to, but its leading flavor profile is gentle spice. Think about ginger, barrel spice, lemongrass, and little hints of Christmas spice that tend to push through in different arches, too. 

Despite this being in the ‘spicy’ category, it does have some lovely sweetness, too, with

caramel, toffee, and a little bit of dark chocolate. So, despite the banner it sits under, it can do other things as well. 

Smoky – Ledaig 10 Year Old

BUY NOW: $49

When it comes to smoky whiskies from Scotland, the options are abundant, but this particular choice stands out for its beautifully balanced smoke profile. It is neither too medicinal nor too BBQ-driven as far as peated whiskies go. 

Hailing from the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, Ledaig was the original name for the distillery. It is also one of the oldest distilleries in all of Scotland. Its peated style is so welcoming and approachable, due to a wonderful harmony of mostly ex-bourbon casks, as well as some wine cask influences, too. 

I’ve given this to so many people at whisky tastings who were unsure about peated whisky, after a measured smell and sip, it becomes something that everyone ends up going home with. Absolutely delicious! 

Soft – Glencadam 10 Year Old

BUY NOW: $44

Many whiskies fit this profile in diverse ways, but a standout recommendation is Glencadam 10 Year Old. It’s an exceptionally easy-drinking and inviting whisky, making it a perfect choice for introducing others to Scottish whisky. While not the easiest bottle to find, it’s well worth seeking out for its unique appeal and ability to bring everyone at the table together.

Glencadam 10 Year Old offers a grassy, light profile reminiscent of a Lowland whisky, yet it remains a delightful variation of the Highland style. Ideal for warmer weather or sharing with friends and family, this whisky is a versatile and memorable choice to suit a variety of occasions, and a great stand in for Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Rich – The Glenturret 12 Year Old

BUY NOW: $77

A pricier option than the rest of the bottles we’ve recommended, but something that can rival the power of brands like The Macallan and The Dalmore in quality while delivering even more for your money. 

Bottled at 46% ABV and fully matured in ex-sherry casks, with both American and European oak sources, this is a wonderfully rich, decadent style of whisky. A distillery that

was down on its luck for a long time, and under the shadow of some much bigger distilleries. The Glenturret now has a chance to shine and is doing so in a very unique fashion. 

We’re recommending the 12 Year Old here, but even if you’re after smokier stuff, The  Glenturret can also deliver with their 7 and 10 Year Old release.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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