TL;DR
What Is The Difference Between Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask & The Standard Black Label Expression?
Johnnie Walker Black Label is crafted by blending 40 whiskies aged for at least 12 years, showcasing balance and complexity. Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask builds on this foundation but undergoes additional finishing in a trio of cask types: bourbon, scotch whisky, and Caribbean rum casks. This finishing process adds a distinct layer to its production. Interestingly, there is no 12-year age statement on this expression.
How Good Is Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask?
How Much Is Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask?
The availability of Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask varies widely. As this was a global travel retail exclusive, it was never released on the wider market. As such, bottles come up whenever retailers can acquire them. Aside from that, you might wish to keep an eye on whisky auction sites for a bottle.
Currently, the Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask is on sale at The Whisky World for £53 or $66.
Context Is Key
Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask, by virtue of its maturation in three different cask types, is a little step up from the standard Black Label in terms of complexity. However, the basis of the expression remains the reliable Johnnie Walker Black Label formula.
Returning to our ongoing analogies, comparing whisky expressions to watches to give context as to what you might expect from the expression, the Black Label Triple Cask is akin to the Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph. Both are versatile, innovative, and offer a blend of functionality and flair. The Triple Cask’s maturation in three different barrel types introduces layers of complexity, much like the Eco-Drive’s advanced solar-powered technology adds a level of sophistication to an everyday timepiece.
The Triple Cask is ideal for those who want something a little more dynamic without straying too far from a reliable, accessible profile.
What Do The Reviews Say?
Serge Valentin is a whisky-tasting legend. Having founded WhiskyFun in 2002, Serge has sampled countless whiskies, resulting in an unparalleled ability to pick out flavor notes in a whisky.
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Valentin reviewed Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask in 2022. Awarding it 77 points out of 100, he said: “Starts nicely, malty and with apples, but it’s getting immensely oaky after just ten seconds. Sawdust and coconut ruling this wee baby, not my cup of malt for sure, and not my cup of blend either.”
Jan van den Ende – Best Shot Whisky Reviews
Jan van den Ende of Best Shot Whisky Reviews is a whisky enthusiast and reviewer who sampled the Triple Cask edition in 2018.
He rated the whisky 77.5 out of 100, saying: “I don’t understand why this Triple Cask was released as a Black Label as it hardly contains any Smoke. It should have been released as a Red Limited Edition and at a lower price level! […] I am a long time fan of JW Black but I am really disappointed with this Triple Cask edition.”
Christopher Null – Drink Hacker
Christopher Null of review site, Drink Hacker, sampled the Triple Cask in 2018 as well. Giving it a B grade, he said: “While Triple Cask is “inspired by the lighter flavours and aromas” of Johnnie Walker, this might be a bit too much of a good thing (in the absence of all the other good stuff that whisky has to offer).”
How To Drink Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask
Given the reviews above, you might be a little hesitant to drink this whisky neat. Whilst you can definitely do this, if this is how you prefer to enjoy scotch, Johnnie Walker (at the time of release) recommended enjoying the Triple Cask in a Coconut Spritz.
Combine Black Label Triple Cask with coconut water, soda water, and sugar syrup. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime zest.
