Whisky Review/Tasting: Johnnie Walker Double Black

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scotch whisky, produced by Johnnie Walker, the most often sold Scotch whisky brand globally.
Type: Blended whisky, combining malt whiskies with grain whiskies.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky includes spirits matured in deep charred old oak casks. The deep charring of the casks acts as an active filter, removing sharp aromas without imparting smokiness to the whisky, which instead comes from smoked malt.
Age Statement: No age statement provided, a departure from the traditional age-stated labels like the 12-year-old Black Label.
Color & Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a dark blue-brownish colored bottle, reflecting its intense and smoky character. The iconic square-shaped bottle with a diagonal label is retained, consistent with the brand's visual identity.

Balance of Flavors: The Double Black offers a rich, intense, and smokier flavor profile compared to the standard Black Label. It is described as smoother and richer than the Red Label, with a notable smokiness, a big citrus note, and a slight bitterness in the finish.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky's smokiness is highlighted as faint, with a peatiness of around 7 ppm, which is less than that found in a Highland Park. The blend's character is shaped significantly by the grain whiskies, contributing to its smoothness and mellow character, with a light fruitiness and a background bitterness.
Comparison: The Double Black is distinct from the 12-year-old Black Label, offering a younger profile with light smokiness and a bit more intensity. However, it is noted that the price range of the Double Black enters the territory of single malt whiskies, which may offer more intensity and character for the price.

Production Challenges: Johnnie Walker faces challenges with maintaining their whisky stocks due to high sales volumes, leading to the introduction of no-age-statement expressions like the Double Black.
Innovation: The Double Black is presented as an example of Johnnie Walker's pioneering spirit and unique blending skills, building on the legacy of the Black Label but offering a more intense and smokier experience.

Brand Legacy: Johnnie Walker Black Label, introduced in 1909, is recognized as the world's number one best-selling deluxe blended Scotch whisky, a testament to the brand's enduring popularity and influence in the whisky world.

"It's for a blended whisky like the Johnny Walker Red label this is definitely smoother, richer, little smoky in comparison to a malt whisky it's smooth and mellow."
"I'm a malt head, I prefer single malt whiskies. So, don't count too much on what I'm saying here. I'm definitely not a friend of blended whiskies."

Johnnie Walker Double Black is a no-age-statement blended Scotch whisky, offering a richer and smokier profile than its counterpart, the Black Label.
The blend includes whiskies matured in deeply charred old oak casks, contributing to its intense character without a strong smokiness, which comes from smoked malt.
The flavor profile is balanced, with a light smokiness, citrus notes, and a slight bitterness in the finish.
The Double Black reflects Johnnie Walker's response to stock challenges and innovation in blending, maintaining the brand's pioneering spirit.
Despite its qualities, the reviewer expresses a preference for single malt whiskies, suggesting that the Double Black's price might not justify its value compared to single malts.

For Blended Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the craftsmanship of blended Scotch whiskies will find the Double Black a fascinating exploration of smokier and more intense flavors within the Johnnie Walker range.
For Smoky Flavour Seekers: Those intrigued by smoky whiskies but looking for a milder introduction than heavily peated single malts might enjoy the Double Black's subtle smokiness.
For Johnnie Walker Fans: Loyal followers of the Johnnie Walker brand eager to experience the full spectrum of the brand's offerings, including variations on the classic Black Label.
For New Whisky Explorers: Newcomers to whisky who are curious about blended Scotch and the impact of maturation in charred casks might find the Double Black an accessible and intriguing choice.