Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Johnnie Walker Black Label 1960s

What whiskies truly capture the sherried, briny, and slightly salty character found in Johnnie Walker Black Label from the 1960s?

OVERALL RATING

7
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Tasting Notes

About:

A vintage bottling of the classic Johnnie Walker Black Label, dating from the 1960s. Originally created by Alexander Walker in 1865, Black Label is a blend of up to 40 malt and grain whiskies including malt whisky from the Blair Athol, Cardhu, Strathmill, and Caol Ila, with grain whisky from Cameronbridge.
Appearance:
Deep Gold
Nose:
Strong aromas of salty brine and smoke, alongside more subtle nutty, earthy, and leather notes.
Palate:
Smooth texture on the palate, there’s a hint of sherry influence, with flavours of oak, chocolate, and roasted nuts before the saltiness, smoke, and brine become the dominant notes.
Finish:
Medium finish. There’s a drying oak, but it’s the salt and smoke which continues to linger.
Comments:
I feel this vintage bottling has more depth of flavour than the modern Johnnie Walker Black Label blend, obviously the recipe does change and evolve over time. I particularly enjoyed the salty, smoky notes.

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.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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