Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker is a power house in the blended scotch whisky world with Black Label leading the way. This is a blend of about 40 whisky's all for which are 12 years old. This makes for a very complex scotch that is also accessible. The nose is deep with a slight sweet peat sent. It has slightly smokey intense flavor with a short finish but not overpowering. If you are a first time scotch drinker and want to start exploring 12 year old blended or single malt, this is a very good place to start and to measure the others by. This is one that can be served on the rocks and neat in a sniffer. Because of the blended complexity it will taste different both ways. I prefer on the rocks because it seems to have a little more flavor. The water from the ice opens up and separates the flavors a little more. Neat is very good but it is harder, in my opinion, to separate the notes. This is opposite of what happens when ice is added to traditional single malts. However, adding water, not ice, in single malts can add flavor.
I like Johnnie Walker Black Label but it is not my favorite. To the credit, or discredit, of the blenders it is a little too smooth for me as a scotch. I like a little more character. Another factor is the price. At the liquor store Black Label is around $50 for $750ml or $25 for 375ml. For a few dollars more an outstanding single malt can be purchased. However, this is not true at your local bar. Nearly every bar has Johnnie Walker Black Label. In some bars, sad to say, this is the only scotch that they have. At least they picked a good one. Because of the commonality of Black Label at bars, the price of this Scotch can vary drastically. I have seen $5 (yes I said $5) to as high as $14 per glass. Because of this I find myself drinking this at the bar and not buying at the liquor store.
Ask for this one the next time you are out. It will most likely be cheaper than the mixed drink you just bought your girlfriend or the over priced Martini's on the drink menu and much better.
Enjoy
-D
Posted by Ghostshark under Reviews,Spirits | Comments (0)