Blended whisky

Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Whisky


Time for a Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky. Black – a timeless colour that resonates with elegance and sophistication. Henry Ford once famously quipped, “A customer can have a car painted any colour he wants as long as it’s black.” His reasoning? Cost-effectiveness, as black was the only colour available in the quick-drying paint of his time.

Coco Chanel echoed the sentiments, declaring, “Women think of all colours except the absence of colour. I have said that black has it all. Its beauty is absolute. It is perfect harmony.” Black, it seems, stirs profound emotions.

In the realm of colour psychology, black signifies power and refinement. It’s a hue shrouded in mystery, denoting strength and authority. Black exudes formality, elegance, and prestige. So, it’s no surprise that Johnnie Walker chose to double down on black when crafting their exquisite Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky.

Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black

Introduced by Diageo around 2011, Johnnie Walker Double Black elevates the iconic flavours of its predecessor, Johnnie Walker Black, to a whole new level. The maestro behind this transformation is Diageo Master Blender Jim Beveridge, who envisioned a darker, smokier interpretation of the beloved Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky.

Beveridge oversaw the maturation of Double Black in heavily charred oak casks. A higher proportion of Scottish West Coast and Island whiskies were blended into the mix, intensifying the already remarkable Johnnie Walker Black flavours. And thus, the Double Black blended Scotch was born, devoid of any age statement.



Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Amber with a little bit of red and copper floating around.

NOSE: On the initial nosing, you get a feeling of richness, complexity and luxury. There are notes of smoke, sherry-soaked Christmas pudding, red berry fruits, and a medley of nuts. Hints of vanilla intertwine with delicate, malty nuances.

PALATE: The journey continues with a burst of peppery spices, swiftly followed by waves of smoke and oak. It’s 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.

With a few drops of water, the Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky becomes sweeter, smoother, and more approachable, albeit losing a fraction of its intricacy.

FINISH: The grand finale unfolds gradually, leaving you with lingering notes of pepper, malt, and citrus. Without water, the finish is undeniably superior. The addition of water releases a touch of citrus bitterness in the finish.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky is that quintessential blend you can confidently request anywhere. It unfailingly delivers delight, turning even the dreariest of days into moments of joy. This dram is bold and audacious, a testament to Johnnie Walker’s commitment to quality. It’s a whisky worth stocking up on!

For those curious souls, I embarked on a side-by-side comparison between the classic Johnnie Black Label and the enigmatic Double Black. Is Double Black indeed double the delight?

Meanwhile, in Mauritius, I stumbled upon a release I didn’t see in South Africa, the Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry finish whisky, and embarked on a flavour adventure, capturing intriguing tasting notes for this distinctive release.

Also Read: Milk & Honey Elements Peated Whisky


Jeannette Wentzel

View Comments

  • ----- [1] I am not a big peat/smoke person. However, I do respect those big peat/smoke whiskys & I want to taste & experience them. ----- [2] JW Double Black is an excellent dram, an excellent peaty/smoky dram, & an excellent Scotch Whisky dram. It is quite accessible for a peaty/smoky dram. ----- [3] I find it more pleasurable than most of the more well known & bigger peaty/smoky Scotch Whiskys, because it is more accessible than almost any of those drams. ----- [4] Everyone has their tastes. Slainte, :)

  • Hot damn - you just made whisky sound amazing to this non-whisky drinker! :)
    (Although in desserts I do get a bit heavy handed with it)

    For my hubby, this is definitely up his alley!
    #GlobalBlogging

  • Mmm this sounds delicious, what a way to explain whiskey! I've had Johnnie Walker Black and it's one of my favorite whiskey drinks. As you've said the complexity of it is wonderful and I like the citrus finish when you add water. Thanks for sharing with #GlobalBlogging!

    • It is nearly Christmas and this will make the perfect present to yourself. Thank you for stopping by at my little corner of the world.

  • Nothing beats a smokey whiskey! With just 3 blocks of ice! I will definitely have to show my husband this. Pity I will only be able to sample in about 7 months! :) Thanks for linking up! Hope to see you next week! #GlobalBlogging

    • This has just the right balance between smokey and sweet. Something to look forward to when you can sample again. Good luck with the pregnancy.

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