A bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label is rarely absent from my whisky shelf. It’s one of those dependable drams that I find myself reaching for during the week after a long day. Come the weekend, however, things change. That’s when you’ll usually find me pouring a glass of Johnnie Walker Double Black.
But why do I drink them so differently? I’ve enjoyed both expressions for years, yet I’d never tasted them side by side. That changed recently when I decided to compare Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black blended Scotch whisky to find out exactly what separates these two popular blended Scotch whiskies.
Is Double Black simply Johnnie Black turned up to eleven, or is there more to the story?
Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
Few Scotch whiskies have achieved the global success of Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky. Introduced in 1909, it remains one of the world’s best-selling premium blended Scotch whiskies and is often regarded as the benchmark for the category.
Produced by Diageo, Black Label is crafted from around 40 different malt and grain whiskies sourced from across Scotland. These whiskies come from regions including Speyside, the Highlands, the Islands, and Islay, creating a blend that balances smoke, fruit, sweetness, and spice. Every whisky in the blend is matured for a minimum of 12 years, giving Black Label a depth and maturity that punches well above its price point.
For many whisky drinkers, Johnnie Walker Black Label represents exceptional value for money. It is affordable, widely available, and consistently delivers a quality drinking experience.
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Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky
Released in 2011, Master Blender Jim Beveridge created Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky as a bolder interpretation of the classic Black Label.
The goal wasn’t to reinvent the whisky but to amplify the characteristics that many drinkers already loved. To achieve this, Double Black incorporates a greater proportion of smoky West Coast and Island malts and is matured in heavily charred oak casks.
The result is a darker, richer, and more intense whisky that retains Black Label’s DNA while offering a more robust flavour profile.
Even before tasting, the difference is apparent. Double Black displays a deeper colour in the glass, hinting at the richer experience that follows.
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Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Comparison
Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Whisky
| Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky | Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Blended Whisky | Blended Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Amber with a little bit of red and copper | Polished amber |
| Nose | Richness, complexity and luxury. There are notes of smoke, sherry rich Christmas pudding, red berry fruits and nuts. Hints of vanilla with touches of malt. | Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice. |
| Palate | A burst of peppery spices, followed by waves of smoke and oak. A robust, mouth-filling experience marked by a buttery richness in flavour. Subtle peat notes harmonize beautifully with the embrace of malt and honey sweetness. | Smooth and easy drinking 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 | It has a brilliant finish that builds slowly. The finish ends in notes of pepper, malt and citrus. Without water, the finish is better. Some citrus bitterness is released in the finish when you add water. | Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Divine |
| Comments | Big, bold and robust. Rich and delicious with a luxurious feel. | Easy drinking, affordable and rewarding. Full bodied. |
| Pairs well with | Blue Cheese, smoked leg of lamb or a rump steak. | A cheese platter or roasted pork. |
On the nose, the Black Label offers gentle smoke, dried fruit, vanilla, toffee, and hints of citrus zest. There is an inviting balance between sweetness and peat that makes it immediately approachable.
Double Black opens with a more assertive nose. Smoke arrives first, followed by charred oak, dark honey, spice, and subtle citrus notes.
The Black Label palate delivers layers of caramel, orchard fruits, malted cereals, soft smoke, and warming spices. The peat is present but never overwhelming, allowing the sweeter notes to shine through.
The palate of the Double Black feels richer and more concentrated than that of Black Label. Smoky malt, peppery spice, toasted oak, and honey sweetness combine to create a whisky with greater intensity and depth. Despite its bolder character, it remains remarkably smooth.
The Black Label finish is long, smooth, and satisfying, leaving lingering smoke and gentle spice behind. The Double Black finish is slightly shorter but delivers more spice and oak influence, with lingering smoke and cracked black pepper.
Which Whisky Is Better?
When comparing Johnnie Walker Black and Double Black, there isn’t a clear winner, as each whisky serves a different purpose.
Black Label excels as an everyday dram. It’s balanced, approachable, and versatile enough for both newcomers and experienced whisky drinkers. The combination of fruit, sweetness, and gentle smoke makes it incredibly easy to enjoy.
Double Black, on the other hand, feels like the more adventurous sibling. It offers greater intensity and richer smoke. It has a darker character that appeals to those who enjoy peated whiskies but don’t necessarily want to jump straight into heavily peated Islay malts.
If Black Label is the trusted old friend who is always welcome, Double Black is the far-away friend who arrives dressed for a special occasion.
Final Verdict
Both whiskies demonstrate why Johnnie Walker continues to dominate the blended Scotch category. They are affordable, widely available, and deliver quality for the money.
After this side-by-side comparison, I can confidently say that both deserve a place on my shelf. However, judging by how quickly the liquid disappears from each bottle, my personal preference remains Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Its balance and complexity make it a whisky I can enjoy any day of the week. Double Black is excellent when I’m in the mood for something bolder, but Johnnie Black remains the bottle I reach for most often.
Further Johnnie Walker Black Label explorations include comparing it with the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey.
Article also published on Medium.
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Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky
Thank you for confirming my novice suspicions in comparing WDB with my favorite, WBL. I feel like my senses are developing well.
My impression from aroma to first sip was that I had just entered an early 19th centry, American frontier Smithy/Ferrier shop. And the impression of mixed smoke and leather aroma was not abandoned by the taste. Wonderful! However, Double Black did not displace my affection for Black Label.
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I drink my dBm black with a dash of cold water. Have 1 every evening love it