While travelling through OR Tambo International Airport, I stopped at the Duty Free where a Johnnie Walker stand offered tastings of Black Label and Double Black. I skipped straight past both and headed for something newer: Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, Diageo’s fruit-forward twist on the iconic Black Label.
Released in 2025, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby was created as a sweeter, more approachable expression within the core range. Made under the direction of Master Blender Emma Walker, the aim here is clear: soften the edges, dial up red fruit sweetness, and appeal to a new generation of whisky drinkers. Focus particularly on those interested in cocktails or easy sipping rather than complexity.
The blend uses malt from across Scotland. There’s Highland malt from Clynelish, Lowland gentleness fromGlenkinchie, Speyside fruit fromCardhu, and a familiar thread of Islay peat from Caol Ila. Grain whisky from Cameronbridge supports the malts.
However, the real backbone of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby comes from Roseisle, Diageo’s modern Speyside distillery near Moray. Roseisle is known for its versatility and consistency.
Maturation plays a significant role in shaping the required profile. The Black Ruby whisky is aged in a mix of PX and Oloroso sherry casks, bourbon barrels, and first-fill red wine casks. The team deliberately chose the cask combination to amplify sweetness, fruit, and approachability rather than depth.
Also Read: Three Ships 5 year old Whisky
Tasting Notes for the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Whisky
ABV: 40%
COLOUR: Tawny
NOSE: A vibrant, fruit-driven nose of red berry preserve, cherries, sultanas, and honeyed vanilla. Malt and toasted oak sit underneath, with baking spices and a soft wisp of peat smoke lingering quietly in the background.
PALATE: Less sweet than expected after the nose. Flavours of baked apple pie and dried orange peel lead, followed by black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and malt. There’s a faint green herbal note, damp bark, gentle peat, and light smoke. Medium-bodied with a touch of alcohol heat. A few drops of water smooth things out and push the fruit forward.
FINISH: Medium length. Dried fruits, caramel, and citrus zest fade into light charred wood, ashy peat smoke, and a subtle saline edge.
RATING: VERY GOOD
The first sip brought to mind Bell’s whisky, with that familiar interplay between Caol Ila’s peat and Cardhu’s fruitiness. It’s balanced, easy, and inoffensive—but also a little bit one-dimensional. While it’s smoother and more subdued than Black Label, it lacks the depth and complexity that you get in a Johnnie Black Label.
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby works well as an introduction to peat or as a cocktail base, which is clearly part of its design brief. However, for experienced drinkers looking for complexity or character, this feels safe; almost too safe. Competent, approachable, but ultimately something to add to cocktails.
Which is not a bad thing. You can’t make good cocktails with a weak base, and for great cocktails, the Black Ruby is a good choice. My favourite cocktail suggestion would be:
Black Ruby & Tonic
- 50ml Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
- 2 tsp blackberry jam
- 100ml tonic water
- Garnish: 3 blackberries
Fill a glass with ice, add all ingredients, and stir until fully integrated.
Also Read: Wild Reeds Whiskey
