When it comes to the world of spirits, few names resonate as widely as Jameson and Johnnie Walker Black Label. In this article, I will delve into the realms of blended whisky versus Irish whiskey as I compare these two iconic brands: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky.
Before we embark on our tasting journey, let’s get to know our contenders a bit better.
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky
Jameson Whiskey
Jameson Irish whiskey traces back to 1780 when John Jameson, a lawyer from Scotland, founded the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. This marked the inception of a legacy that would conquer the world. However, turbulent world events such as the Irish War of Independence and Prohibition in the US posed significant challenges to the Irish whiskey industry.
Fast forward to the 1960s, when Irish Distillers, a conglomerate comprising Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, emerged to breathe new life into Irish whiskey. In the 1970s, these distilleries centralized production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, a pivotal moment in the history of Jameson.
Today, Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey, triple-distilled to achieve that famed Irish smoothness. It matures for four years in oak barrels and has consistently been one of the top-selling whiskies since 1909.
As part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, Jameson shares the stage with other esteemed Irish whiskey brands like Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
Now, let’s turn our attention to Johnnie Walker. You’ve undoubtedly seen the iconic walking man symbol adorning bottles in liquor stores worldwide. While Johnnie Walker boasts a range of expressions, the Johnnie Walker Black Label is a true gem in their collection.
Johnnie Walker, a brand synonymous with Scotch whiskey, is known for its global presence. Johnnie Walker Black Label, in particular, represents a blend of approximately 40 whiskies from across Scotland. It’s renowned for its smoothness and drinkability, making it a compelling option for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers.
Part of the Diageo stable, Johnnie Walker has various releases, including the intriguing Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky.
It’s time to pit these two giants, Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label, against each other.
Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
| Jameson Whiskey | Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Irish Whiskey | Blended Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Gold | Deep polished amber |
| Nose | Freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruit with bits of spicy wood and caramel. Grain mixed with plums, pineapple. Complex and delicious. | Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice. |
| Palate | Very smooth. Medium body but the tropical fruit deliciousness promised by the nose is not there. Bits of malt, aniseed mixed with vanilla and pepper notes. Adding water softens the pepper notes. | Smooth and rich with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness. |
| Finish | Short with pepper and orange rind. | Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice. |
| My Rating | Good | Divine |
| Comments | The nose promised the world. It was delicious and complex, however, it all fell flat on the palate. Not as complex as I was expecting after the delicious nose. | Rich and rewarding. Full bodied. |
| Price | $32 | $40 |
| Pairs well with | Hawaiian pizza, Smoked salmon, dried fruit. | A cheese platter or roasted pork. |
Interestingly, the Jameson and Johnnie Walker Black Label receive similar ratings on Whizzky, yet they offer distinctly different tasting experiences.
The Jamesons bring freshly baked banana bread and tropical notes with malt, vanilla and pepper. The nose is warming and inviting, but the richness doesn’t quite translate to the palate. The Black Label has Christmas cake and red berries mixed with peat, smoke and buttery toffee. Complex, bold and delicious.
While the former teases with promises on the nose but falls short on the palate, the latter delivers a bold and unforgettable flavour profile that captivates the senses.
In this tasting journey, a clear favourite emerges. The Johnnie Walker Black Label commands the stage as the whisky to savour first. In my humble opinion, there is no contest. Its boldness, rich flavour, and memorable character set it apart from the Jameson Irish whiskey.
In conclusion, each iconic spirit carries its unique legacy and flavour profile. Whether you lean towards the smooth embrace of Jameson or the bold allure of Johnnie Walker Black Label, both whiskies offer a taste of tradition and craftsmanship that has conquered the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.
Stay tuned for more spirited comparisons as we continue our exploration of the world of whiskey. Additionally, if you’re curious about how Jameson stacks up against other Irish whiskey contenders, check out our side-by-side comparison of Jameson with Tullamore DEW in another tasting adventure.
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Cailean
I’m probably slightly biased as a Scot, but Black Label and Jameson just don’t compare. JW Black is rich, complex and smooth with a little peat and smoke to reward you. Jameson is bland and really just tastes like ethanol and water. There are a couple of new interesting Irish single pot whiskies that are ok but the cost goes up rapidly. For the most part, but any money spent on Irish Whiskey would be better spent on even the cheapest Scotch blends.
Triple distilling imo “over cooks” the whisky removing most of the flavours. Scots whiskies like Auchentoshan also fail to hit the spot due to the unnecessary third distillation.
T S
True connoisseurs of Whiskey will appreciate the triple distilled perfection of Jameson. If you really like it rough – drink MacAllan instead.
Alex
I got a bottle of Jameson and a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label which I never had before and while I barely touched Jameson, Black Label is almost gone. My first sip of Black Label didn’t impress me, in fact I was repelled but then it started growing on me. Jameson continued to disappoint no matter how many times I tried. The big difference to me is that Jameson’s subtle notes get lost in the overpowering taste of alcohol content and fail to deliver, as Black Label bold smoky and oaky flavor never disappoints.
HARPREET SINGH
I tasted Jameson several times but didn’t liked it, my new friend is Johnnie walker black label. Hats off to the master blenders. Jameson double barell or caskmate cannot change my mind now. Black label is best
Anthony Delmar
The writer is proof that palates differ as much as people do. I have, together with other international visitors, tasted Jameson 15-year-old at the Jameson outlet in Dublin, when it was offered against a Johnny Walker and a Jack Daniels. The consensus was greatly in favour of Jameson, even among the Americans there. Jameson is subtle and the overriding flavours are far more complex than the other two.
David Wells
I recently tried both of these spirits myself. Although I am no expert in whiskeys having always drank Jim beam or makers mark I always had this impression of scotch being the best in the world of whiskeys. While I found both to be excellent in flavor and very different from each other, it was the Jameson that I found myself going back to purchase another bottle. It just seems smoother and more pleasant wether straight or mixed in a highball.
Thomas Curtis4
I’VE NEVER DRANK A LOT OF SCOTCH WHISKY FOR SOME REASON, I THINK BECAUSE OF THE MEDIOCRE BOTTLES,(MY OPINION ENTIRELY) THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO ME AS XMAS PRES. SO IT WOULD TAKE A LOT OF PERSUADING TO CHANGE ME FROM SAY, BLACK BUSH OR JAMESON CRESTED.
Cailean
Sshhhhh. Not so loud.