One of the search queries that bring quite a few people to my blog is a comparison between the Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky. Google brings them to my site because I have written about both, but let me do a proper comparison for people who want to have it all on one page.
Johnnie Walker is considered the most widely distributed brand of Scotch whisky globally. John “Johnnie” Walker started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop. His blends were trendy at the time.
It wasn’t until he died in 1857, when Alexander Walker with his son Alexander Walker II inherited the company, that the brand took off. Johnnie Walker whisky was sold in the distinctive rectangular bottles for the first time during 1870.
In 1909, as part of a rebranding exercise, the company started to name their blends to match the colours on the bottles. The Special Old Highland became Johnnie Walker Red Label, and Extra Special Old Highland became the Johnnie Walker Black Label. Today the brand is owned by Diageo.
Johnnie Walker Red Label Whisky
Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch whisky is a blend of 30 single malt and grain whiskies. It’s a combination of light whiskies from Scotland’s East Coast and more peaty whiskies from the West.
It has no age statement. Affordable, consistent taste and quality that is an excellent base for cocktails. The price for the Red Label whisky is around R230.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
The Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky has a consistent taste profile and an affordable price point. It is a blend of about 40 whiskies from all around Scotland. All the whiskies are at least 12 years old.
You find this bottle of whisky in nearly every bottle store and bar around the world. The price for the Black Label is R 330.
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label
Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky
| Johnnie Walker Red Label | Johnnie Walker Black Label |
|
|---|---|---|
| Type | Blended Whisky | Blended Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Honey gold | Polished amber |
| Nose | Fruit, malt and wildflowers. Green notes with bits of vanilla and hints of smoke. Not the most complex nose. | Faint smoke, red berries, Christmas pudding with heaps of toffee and hints of winter spice. |
| Palate | Toasted oak, toffee sweetness with hints of smoke and peat. Medium body with vanilla, pepper and cardamom heat. A few unrefined alcohol notes that are softened with water. | Smooth and creamy with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A toffee sweetness with hints of spice. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness. |
| Finish | Medium length with pepper, pectin and honey | Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice. |
| My Rating | Very Good | Divine |
| Comments | Not the most complex and refined whisky, but certainly drinkable. | Smooth, easy drinking, perfectly balanced peat and sweetness. |
| Price | $26 | $37 |
| Pairs well with | Good in cocktails. | A cheese platter or roasted pork. |
One of the things I appreciate about the Johnnie Walker Red and Black Label blended whisky is the consistent taste. Bottle after bottle you get excellent drinking whisky. However, it is a massive jump from Red Label to Black Label; in both price and on the palate.
The Red Label whisky has sweet fruit, malt, toasted oak and peat notes. There is vanilla mixed with cardamom and pepper. The Red Label has a few raw alcohol notes and intends a few drops of water to soften the alcohol.
On the other hand, the Black Label has notes of peat, smoke, red berries, Christmas pudding, flowers, malt, and oak. Hints of spices mingle with the fruity sweetness. It is bold and complex, and you don’t need to add water.
The Black Label is more complex, bolder, and more drinkable than the Red Label. The difference is noticeable on both the nose and the palate. The finish on the Black Label also stands out far more than the finish on the Red Label.
If you look at the Johnnie Walker Red Label vs Black Label price change, it is more than worth paying extra for the Johnnie Walker Black Label. The increased smoothness and delicious taste makes the roughly R100 / $11 price difference worth it.
The Johnnie Walker Red Labelis the good, affordable whisky to make cocktails with. It is spicy and unique enough to use in a variety of cocktails but still price-sensitive. If you want to enjoy a delicious peaty experience and spoil your self, the Black Label is ideal.
My favourite cocktail with the Red Label is a ginger highball made with ginger ale and with the Black Label is a Rusty Nail.
Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky
Hywel
I’ve always prefered Red. Black has a longer after taste, which is delicious. Yet, it’s a bit Sharp for me.
My preference is Isla and island and lowland or Spey wiskey. Mebe that has an influence yet I don’t know where each mix of wiskey comes from
Hywel
Black requires a little more water.
James
Hi, just got home, here in WI, with my 1.75 L Johnnie Red @ 40% Cheers
Rob Manzanares
Can you please check your ABV statement on Johnnie Walker? On Red, Black and Double Black you state 43 percent.
I believe this statement is incorrect and is in fact 40 percent.
Cheers
Jeannette Wentzel
HI Rob, Were I live (in SA) the standard ABV is 43% and the regular JW’s (and most whisky) are all that at that level.