One of the search terms, according to Google Analytics, that bring many hits to the blog is a query relating to Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label blended Scotch whisky. The exclusive and expensive Blue Label versus the more affordable, standard range Johnnie Walker Black Label.
At first glance, it seems like an unreasonable comparison to do. A luxurious blend of older drams compared with a younger blend that is affordable and widely available. However, perhaps the real question is, is the Johnnie Walker Blue worth the high price, and if I can’t afford it, what is a quality alternative?
The Johnnie Walker story started as a blend in a grocery store in Ayrshire, Scotland. John Walker sold made-to-order whiskies, blended to meet specific customer requirements because he did not have any brand of his own. As his blends became successful, he started creating blended drams that he labelled Walker’s Kilmarnock whisky.
His grandson introduced the brand’s signature square bottle in 1860. The popularity of the blended releases grew steadily, and today it is one of the world’s top-selling brands.
Let’s put them side by side and see how they compare.
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky is a blend of about forty whiskies from all around Scotland. Smoother and more drinkable than its little brother, Johnnie Walker Red Label.
This release has a consistent taste profile and an affordable price point. In SA, the Black Label retail for around R 340.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blended whisky made from thirty five grain and malt whiskies aged for up to 60 years. Master Distiller Jim Beveridge created the Johnnie Walker Blue Label to mirror whiskies’ style in the early 19th century.
Only one in ten thousand casks from the extensive Diageo inventory make the grade. It has no age statement, but each bottle has a serial number. In South Africa, it is seen as the whisky to drink to show that you have arrived. It retails for around R 2 700.
Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky
| Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky | Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Blended Whisky | Blended Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Light golden amber | Polished amber |
| Nose | Peat, smoke with oak and malt. Christmas cake, spice and dried fruit. Adding some water unlocked fresh flowers and florals. | Faint smoke, red berries, Christmas pudding with heaps of toffee and hints of winter spice. |
| Palate | Peat and old wood. Water smooths it toward a more floral, sweeter bouquet with notes of oak and toffee. | Smooth and creamy with smoke and bold peat, perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A toffee sweetness with hints of spice. |
| Finish | Medium length with notes of pepper and nutmeg, caramels and oak. | Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Divine |
| Price | $250 | $40 |
| Pairs well with | Roast Beef or tiramisu or a light blue cheese. | A cheese platter or roasted pork. |
When I look at the ratings on Whizzky, it seems more people like the Johnnie Walker Blue Label than the Black Label whisky. However, I’m afraid I have to disagree. I think the Black Label is far superior to the Blue Label whisky. Let me explain why.
Both these releases bring the characteristic Johnnie Walker peat, smoke and a fruity sweetness. However, the Black Label is more memorable and bolder. The nose on the Bue Label is soft with more floral notes.
On the palate, the Blue Label exhibit a more wooden character when compared to the Black Label. It is also slightly spicier. The Black Label brings bold fruits, malt and mixed spices.
It is better balanced, richer, and more complex than the Blue Label. Make no mistake. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch is a good dram. It is elegant, smooth and delicious, with a lovely palate. But I am not convinced that what you are paying is worth it.
Then, there is the hefty price difference. I will keep my current Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky for occasional celebrations. The bottle should last me quite a while. And I don’t know if I will restock when it is finished.
On the other hand, I will always have a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky in my collection. What do you think?
Loading ...Exploring further, I have done a side by side comparison between the Green and Blue Label whisky to get a better understanding of their differences.
Also Read: Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 yo Whisky
Deep Dsouza
Nice article. I love my whisky. Had almost all brands till date.
I have a strong palate and personally I prefer the double black (compared to blue) which is nicely full bodied and satisfying.
Do agree that the price for the blue is too much.
McJames
Totally off comparison. Blue is JW’s best. Black is not bad at all. My preference is JW Green, for both taste & price.
Max Libedinsky
Dear Jeannette,
Best regards from Argentina!
I follow your site and tasting and always find them very interesting and informative.
Regarding this specific comparison, I’m afraid I partly agree with you.
I agree that Blue Label is an aspirational whisky and is clearly overpriced, as there are so many bottles far better at less price.
However, I do disagree on the tasting: despite being one of my favorites, Black Label is still a bit harsh on palate, with clear oak notes which feel a bit agresive, while Blue is mellow, soft and well tuned.
Blue is not particularly bold, actually rather light, but the balance of aromas and flavors is great.
Well… thank you for listening, I realize tasting is a matter or… taste
Jeannette Wentzel
Thank you for stopping by. That is what I like about whisky. We all have a different palate and fortunately, we don’t all like the same drams.
Bernard Gutman
Interesting. If you have any of the older JW Black, you’ll be blown away. I think the blend has changed dramatically over the years, far less sherry cask influence. A few years we had a bottling from about 25 years ag that Tommy had, and we compared it side by side to the new one. Different whiskies. JW Blue is nice from one point of view, a very decent whisky but I think there is far better value. Genius marketing that got it to be the aspirational drink that it is. I still think that JW Platinum was the best of the normal range.
Jeannette Wentzel
Thanks for the feedback Mr G. The PW Platinum is nice, but I like the JW Green Label more. At the end of the day, the experimenting stays fun.