TL;DR
A non-age-statement release from Johnnie Walker, Double Black is a smokier, more robust evolution of Black Label, launched in 2011. Featuring peated Islay and West Coast malts and matured in heavily charred oak casks, it delivers bold, smoky, and slightly peaty flavors. While divisive, it’s crafted for those who enjoy daring, smoky drams. Offering something different from Islay single malts, it appeals to those seeking a more accessible, affordable smoky whisky. Best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. A bold staple in the range.
How Is Johnnie Walker Double Black Different From Black Label?
Johnnie Walker Black Label and Double Black are distinguished by their maturation processes and flavor profiles.
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Black Label, introduced in 1909 as Extra Special Old Highland Whisky, is a blend of approximately 40 whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, resulting in a smooth, balanced whisky with notes of vanilla, toffee, and subtle smoke.
In contrast, Double Black, launched in 2011, incorporates a higher proportion of peated malts from Scotland’s West Coast and Islay regions. It is matured in heavily charred oak casks, enhancing its intense smoky character and deepening its flavor profile with rich layers of spice and dried fruits.
Consequently, Double Black offers a bolder, more robust experience compared to the classic Black Label.
How Good Is Johnnie Walker Double Black?
Turning to the reliable metric of whisky awards, Johnnie Walker Double Black has garnered many accolades over the years, including a Double Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as in 2015.
A Gold Medal was awarded to Double Black in 2020 and 2022 at the International Spirits Challenge. Additionally, the expression was a category winner at the World Whiskies Awards in 2023.
The reviews for this whisky, however, are quite diverse. It is safe to assume that this is because Johnnie Walker Double Black contains a lot more smoke than the standard Black Label expression.
How Much Is Johnnie Walker Double Black?
In keeping with Black Label’s affordability, Double Black can be picked up at relatively cheap prices. The Whiskey Wash’s Compare Tool allows you to track the prices of your favorite whiskies, and order them directly from the retailer that offers the best price. You can also specify your currency and location, making it easy to search worldwide whisky prices.
U.S.: $29
UK: £29
Context Is Key
The reviews for this whisky are notably mixed, likely due to its bold smoky character. With a blend that incorporates Islay and West Coast single malts, there is almost certainly some peat influence. Its maturation in heavily charred ex-bourbon casks further enhances its smoky profile.
As a result, this whisky will not appeal to those who dislike smoky or peaty flavors, which are inherently divisive. Some people relish the boldness, while others find it overwhelming – and that’s perfectly fine! Double Black is crafted specifically for those who enjoy a pronounced smoky kick in their dram.
If compared to a watch, you might choose the Panerai Luminor 1950. Both have bold, distinctive designs that stand out in their respective fields, but they’re not for everyone—and that’s the point. Just as the Panerai’s oversized case and unique aesthetic appeal to a niche group of passionate enthusiasts, Double Black’s intensified smoky and peaty profile caters to those who seek a daring and unconventional dram. It’s unapologetically crafted for a specific palate, not aiming for universal appeal but rather embracing its identity as a whisky for adventurous spirits who love bold flavors.
That said, Double Black differs significantly from a traditional Islay single malt, the benchmark for peaty and smoky whiskies. While fans of peat may appreciate this expression, connoisseurs accustomed to Islay icons like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, or Bowmore might find it less complex and lacking the depth they expect.
What Do The Reviews Say?
Serge Valentin, founder of WhiskyFun, is a world-renowned whisky reviewer. He has sampled the rarest and most exceptional expressions, resulting in a refined palate.
Upon tasting the Johnnie Walker Double Black, he said: “It’s a surprise, I’d bet there’s quite a lot of peated malt in there. A very intelligent version, I dare say – yes marketing can match taste. […] 86 points.”
StraussInTheHaus on Reddit had a rather different opinion of the Double Black, updating their review by saying: “This is hilarious. I just poured myself a little bit of Talisker Storm to try as a follow-up, and now my review of JWDB has changed to “literally a watery Talisker Storm.”
WhiskyDad, a whisky enthusiast and blogger developing his palate, had this to say about Johnnie Walker Double Black: “Suitable for drinking neat and with ice or however you take it. It won’t appeal to someone who dislikes smoky whisky but if you appreciate a little peat and are looking for a cheaper blended alternative for cocktails or drinking with ice and/or a mixer on hot summer nights, look no further than Johnnie Walker Double Black; a surprisingly good blended Scotch whisky.”
How To Drink Johnnie Walker Double Black
Upon its release, Johnnie Walker recommended enjoying Double Black neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its intensified smoky character.
However, the bold flavors could also be explored in classic whisky cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, where the whisky’s depth adds a distinctive twist. This might also be a great way to ease yourself in if you are trying peated whisky for the first time.
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