One of the corner stones of whisky history, Johnnie Walker Black Label is the biggest selling blended scotch whisky in the world. It helps Johnnie Walker achieve a truly remarkable sales record of 22 million 9 litre cases sold across the world, every year. A combination of over 30 different whiskies from across Scotland, ranging from unpeated, peated, single malt and single grain styles – it combines al of these to become a whisky that can do anything you want it to. It’s so utilitarian, available and affordable that you can drink this neat, over ice, in mixed drinks, whatever you want to enjoy a flavour that moves from sweet to spicy, to smoky in a rather effortless way thanks to previous Master Blender, Dr Jim Beveridge and current Master Blender, Emma Walker (no relation, we think). A whisky that everyone should try at some point in their whisky journey, certainly a product that is impossible to ignore.
Little bits of everything flying off the nose here. It leads with sweet grain whisky and the smokiness of Islay. Toffee, crème brulee, sweet vanilla and a little tang of grain whisky that we often associate with acetone. The grain does mellow out and you’re given these wonderfully contrasting notes of sweet cask influence from ex-bourbon and ex-sherry. A little dark chocolate, smoked nuts, sugared almonds, a touch of gently medicinal peat that shows off the Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Talisker.
Overall it is a very welcoming and varied aroma that can give a whisky drinker a huge depth of smells to focus on, as well as search for something hidden deeper within the blend.
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.
Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. 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 managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.
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