Scotch

The Ultimate Review: Johnnie Walker Double Black

A non-age-statement release from Johnnie Walker, Double Black is a smokier, more robust evolution of Black Label, launched in 2011.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Tasting Notes

About:

A non age statement Johnnie Walker release which was originally launched for travel retail but can now be commonly found in various shops and is a staple in the Johnnie Walker range. Launched in 2011 this is often seen as the step up and a ramped up version of the well loved 12 year old Black Label.
Appearance:
Vibrant gold
Nose:
Instantly hit with sweet aromatic smoke as soon as it was poured into the glass with a much more savoury peat note. Crispy duck in plum sauce with a real herbaceous and mossy nose. A very specific note is of creamy and metallic “chunky chicken in white sauce” tins.
Palate:
Despite it being in glass, there is a perplexing plastic note that overrides all other flavours leaving an artificial tang on the tongue throughout. The peat again is prevalent but not as robust as expected, though can still find BBQ ribs, wood bonfire smoke and creamy vanilla. It is a harsher possibly more youthful peat which may be why this one has dropped the age statement.
Finish:
The finish is short with a dry mix of ground pepper, BBQ sauce, oak tannins, and plasticine.
Comments:
While this seems to have become a Johnnie Walker staple and is targeted to customers searching for a robust smoky experience I have found it a little underwhelming in contrast to the marketing. However it is still a solid smoky cheaper blend which has a little hint of “Ardbeg-y character” in contrast to the commonly found Caol Ila peat in Johnnie Walker.

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.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

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