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Diageo plc is a British multinational beverage alcohol company, with its headquarters in London, England. It operates in more than 180 countries and produces in more than 140 sites around the world. It is a major distributor of spirits and the world’s largest producer of Scotch whisky.
Brands include:
Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker, Cardhu, Justerini & Brooks, Bell’s, Black & White, White Horse, Caol Ila, Vat 69, Oban, Talisker, Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Clynelish, Singleton, Dimple, Glen Elgin, Knockando, Blair Athol, Dailuaine, Glenlossie, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Strathmill, Teaninich.
American whiskey: Bulleit, Seagram’s
Canadian whisky: Crown Royal
Vodka: Smirnoff, Cîroc, Ketel One
Rum: Captain Morgan,
Gin: Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Gilbey’s, Aviation Gin

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/21/2022

In Blended whisky

As I rummaged through my whisky collection, pondering the perfect dram to cap off another incredible year, my gaze fell upon the shopping bag on the counter. It struck me that, once again, I had unwittingly bought the whisky that has graced my glass more frequently than any other (with perhaps the exception of the Bain’s whisky). This is the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky.

Steeped in history, this whisky brand has maintained its position as one of the best-selling whiskies since 1909, making next year its remarkable 110th anniversary. That’s over a century of excellence in every bottle.

Widely acclaimed as the most globally distributed brand of Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky boasts a consistent taste profile coupled with an affordable price point.

I instinctively reach for Johnnie Walker Black Label whenever I am whipping up a Rusty Nail Cocktail. It’s a timeless classic that always stays in style. But let’s rewind and delve into this whisky’s origins.

Born in a humble grocery shop, the Walker family rechristened their creation from ‘Extra Special Old Highland Whisky’ to the illustrious Johnnie Walker Black Label in 1909.

Over the years, it has become the benchmark against which I measure all other 12 year old blends. Whenever I sip something new, I can’t help but wonder: is it as smooth, as easy-drinking, and as affordable as a glass of Johnnie Black?

Black Label whisky is a meticulously crafted blend of approximately 40 whiskies from various regions across Scotland. It reigns supreme in terms of smoothness and drinkability, setting it apart from its sibling, Johnnie Walker Red Label.

The Johnnie Walker whisky range is part of the Diageo stable. Other releases include the Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky and the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.

Now, let’s dive into what makes this whisky so incredibly easy to savour.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Deep polished amber

NOSE: When you bring the glass to your nose, you’re greeted with a delicate wisp of smoke, red berries, and the warm embrace of Christmas pudding, generously adorned with toffee and hints of winter spice.

PALATE: As it dances across your palate, you’ll find it both smooth and rich, with the perfect marriage of smoke and peat harmonizing with notes of fruit, citrus blossoms, oak, and malt. There’s a toffee sweetness here, embellished with subtle hints of spice. Remarkably, you don’t need to add water, but if you do, it coaxes even more sweetness.

FINISH: The finish is nothing short of awesome. It lingers, rewarding your senses with a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness, citrus peel, velvety vanilla, and a gentle, warming pepper spice.

RATING: DIVINE

What a fantastic release . Johnnie Walker Black Label delivers an astonishingly consistent taste that remains unwavering no matter where you travel. It’s a fixture in my home, always ready to be enjoyed. In fact, among all the sometimes costly Johnnie Walker releases I’ve had the pleasure of tasting, this one remains my favourite.

It is a compelling testament to the notion that price doesn’t always equate to taste and quality. You can easily pick this up for around £25 on Amazon.

Black Label comparisons

I’ve conducted intriguing side-by-side comparisons involving Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky. How does it stack up against Chivas Regal 12 yo? Is the Double Black whisky a significant improvement? The beauty of this release lies in its versatility for such comparisons. I’ve even placed it beside a Jameson whiskey; the contrast is enlightening.

For those curious souls, I’ve engaged in a Black Label vs Red Label comparison as well as a showdown with the illustrious Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.

I also stumbled upon a Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish whisky in Mauritius. Rest assured, I’ve meticulously documented tasting notes for this release.

So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of fine spirits, Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky is a timeless companion that never disappoints. Pour yourself a glass and savour the history, craftsmanship, and sheer delight this whisky offers.

Cheers to a drink that transcends time and trends.Here’s to many more years of raising our glasses to Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker XR 21 yo whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/17/2022

In Blended whisky

On my recent trip to Mauritius, I found an interesting bottle of Johnnie Walker whisky in the supermarket. I had not seen the Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish blended Scotch whisky before and bought a bottle to try.

On the island, we had some time to explore this bottle properly. We love the Black Label whisky and always have a bottle around. So it made sense to spend a bit of time with this bottle.

The Sherry Finish is a limited edition Johnnie Walker Black Label initially released as a Taiwan exclusive. It is now available in more countries. According to the brand, this release combines the familiar notes of the Black Label whisky with dried plum and fig with aromatic vanilla.

Also Read: The Singleton Tailfire Whisky

Like the standard Black Label, the Sherry Finish is a blend that includes whisky from Cardhu in Speyside, Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie in the Lowlands and Clynelish from the Scottish Highlands. It was aged for 12 years and then finished in barrels seasoned with sherry from Jerez.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Reddish gold

NOSE: It has the distinctive Black Label peat and smoky nose with an extra layer of sweetness. Red fruits, dried cherries and hints of sherry. Bits of spice and vanilla, with hints of dry wood.

PALATE: Peat and faint sherry sweetness with black pepper, red berries and caramel. Drying tannins and oak underlay the red fruits with hints of chocolate. On the palate, it is delicate and soft with none of the standard Black Label bolder notes. As the ABV was only 40%, we did not add water.

FINISH: A drying, peaty finish with bitter citrus and black pepper. Medium length.

RATING: VERY GOOD

I was expecting a bit more of the sherry richness to shine through. The sherry notes are subdued and somewhat out of balance with the peat and spices. The sherry finish adds a unique red fruit note but also tannins and drying oak.

Not bad, but if I have to choose between the Sherry Finish or the standard Black Label, I will take the standard Black Label whisky. I have to add that we quickly finished our bottle during our holiday. It will be a great dram for Johnnie Walker aficionados.

The serving suggestion for the Sherry Finish whisky is either on the rocks or in a tall glass filled with ice, topped up with a blackcurrant mixer and garnished with a sprig of mint or a slice of citrus. According to Johnnie Walker, it also pairs well with dark fruits, nuts and chocolate after a meal.

I have not seen it in South Africa, and I can’t remember what we paid for it in Mauritius. It was not too expensive, though; I see it retails for around R 650 worldwide. On Amazon you can pick it up for £33.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Select Casks Rye Finish Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/23/2022

In Blended whisky

All around the world, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky is seen as a globally acclaimed symbol of super-premium whisky excellence. Sipping on this blend in South Africa signifies that you’ve arrived and are living your best life.

As I’ve explored in my previous posts, the Johnnie Walker saga traces its origins back to a modest grocery shop in Ayrshire, Scotland. John “Johnnie” Walker’s vision laid the foundation. His grandsons, Alexander Walker II and George Walker, revolutionized the whisky industry by introducing the colour-based naming system.

This innovative approach commenced in 1909 with the iconic Johnnie Walker Red Label. It soon expanded to encompass a spectrum of colours.

Also Read: Aultmore 18 yo Whisky

Yet, among these illustrious blends, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky reigns supreme. This blend represents a harmonious marriage of 35 grain and malt whiskies, some aged for up to an astonishing 60 years. Master Distiller Jim Beveridge crafted this masterpiece to reflect the essence of early 19th-century whiskies.

But is it just the marketing that makes Johnnie Walker‘s Blue Label extraordinary? Let’s dive into the taste experience of this blended whisky.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden amber. It is a thick and oily whisky with long slow fingers on the inside of the glass.

NOSE: Layers of aromas unfold, first some oak and malt, followed by the subtle embrace of barley. Following this are hints of smoke and peat that dance in harmony, and as you explore further, faint suggestions of dark Christmas cake, spice, and dried fruit emerge. Should you add a touch of water, the nose reveals a bouquet of fresh flowers and delicate florals.

PALATE: Peat and old wood with toasted nuts and toffee. Without water, the palate offers a delightful hint of spice. However, a drop of water transforms the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky into a more floral and sweeter symphony, balancing its flavours. The Blue Label presents an easily approachable yet complex enough profile with a velvety texture.

FINISH: A medium-length finish, leaving traces of spice, caramels, and oak in its wake. Gradually, notes of pepper and nutmeg emerge, with a touch of citrus adding depth to the finale.

RATING: EXCELLENT

While Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch undoubtedly stands as a remarkable whisky, it raises the question of whether its premium price tag aligns with its overall value. It is a well-balanced whisky, but the taste is not exceptionally remarkable or memorable.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch in South Africa is typically priced around R2,500, making it quite expensive. You can pick it up from Amazon for around £165 in the UK.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this iconic blue bottle stands out as a premium luxury.

Other Premium Category Comparisons

In my evaluation, other blends in the super-premium category have received higher ratings and might take precedence on my list.

I’ve compared the Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the Johnnie Walker XR whisky in a dedicated post to shed more light on the matter. The nuances between these two exceptional expressions are explored in-depth, providing further insights into the world of Johnnie Walker’s whiskies.

Another captivating side-by-side exploration awaits comparing Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the Black Label whisky. Playing with colour, I did a comparison between the Green Label and Blue Label as well.

Also Read: Chivas Royal Salute 21yo whisky

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/22/2022

In Whisky Comparison

I have not done a side-by-side whiskey comparison in months, and it is so much fun. So today, let me look at a rye comparison: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey. Earlier this year, I tasted the Woodford Rye whiskey, and the bottle gave me so much inspiration for side-by-side comparison posts.

I wanted to see how it stacks up against other ryes, such as the Jack Daniel’s and the Bulleit Rye. It will also be interesting to see how it compares to the Woodford Reserve bourbon. Over the past weekend, I have played around with the various ryes in my collection.

So, I’ll first start by capturing my tasting notes for the Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey. In a way, it is a clash between two whiskey powerhouses, Diageo vs Brown Forman. Can there only be one champion? Or is there a place for both of these bottles in your collection?

Both rye releases are readily available, so let’s jump into the Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye comparison.

Bulleit Rye Whiskey

review and tasting notes Bulleit Rye whiskey with glass
Augustus Bulleit produced the first Bulleit bourbon. He wanted to create a bourbon with a unique flavour profile and experimented with varying recipes until he found a whiskey he was happy with. He started his bourbon, which was available until he died in 1860.

Years later, his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit, dreamt of continuing his ancestor’s distilling tradition, and in 1987, he created a small batch bourbon bearing the family name. Diageo owns the Bulleit brand. The bottles are modelled on old medicine bottles, with distinctive raised lettering. The label on the Bulleit Rye is green.

Bulleit Rye whiskey was introduced in March 2011. It is a whiskey high in rye compared to other rye releases. The mash bill has 95% rye and 5% malted barley and is produced in small batches.

Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey with glass

The Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey was launched in 2015 as the third permanent addition to the core range. The rye whiskey uses a pre-prohibition style rye ratio to pay homage to history’s original rye whiskeys.

It is a NAS (no age statement) release, and the mash bill is 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt. Woodford Reserve is part of the Brown Forman stable. The Woodford Reserve Rye bottle shape is similar to the Woodford Reserve bourbon, just with green labelling.

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye Whiskey

Woodford reserve rye vs Bulleit rye whiskey

	Bulleit Rye Whiskey	Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey
Type	Rye whiskey	Rye whiskey
Mashbill	95% rye and 5% malted barley	53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt
ABV	45%	45.2%
Colour	Light golden caramel	Polished copper
Nose	Sweet and fresh. Cherries and vanilla with hints of grain and toasted oak. Subtle rye spices with hints of cinnamon and cloves.	Caramel sweetness, fresh green orchid fruit, cereal and toasted wood. The traditional rye spice notes with hints of black pepper. Elegant and soft.
Palate	Caramel sweetness followed by fresh fruit and green herbs before the spicy notes. Overripe cherries, dry roasted peanuts and crunchy grain. Then follows the rye spice mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and hints of pepper and cloves. Water brings more orange notes forward.	Rye spices mixed with fresh fruit, green grass and black pepper. Bits of honey and bourbon vanilla with a butterscotch note. Toasted oak, green herbs with bits of orange. Medium body that is soft and oily. Water softens the rye spice notes, and it is delicious without water. Not the boldest rye, but an outstanding balance between the rye spice and sweet fruity notes.
Finish	A spicy rye finish with cinnamon, allspice and vanilla. Medium length. Warming.	Medium length with oaky notes, pepper and caramel sweetness. Something green in the background.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price point	$40	$43

Side by side, the difference in the mash bill is quite noticeable. The Bulleit is spicier with more pronounced cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. The Bulleit Rye brings a more cherry and vanilla sweetness when compared to the Woodford Reserve Rye.

The Woodford Reserve is softer and more balanced with mixed fruit sweetness. The Woodford spices are milder and less distinctive than the Bulleit.

Both have a caramel-sweet undertone in the background. The finish on the Bulleit is longer and spicier, while the Woodford Reserve has more woody oak and sweetness in the finish. The Bulleit Rye will be better when looking at rye-forward cocktails.

The Woodford Reserve Rye is not the most complex or bold whiskey. However, it is sweeter and more approachable. If I have to choose between these two, I prefer the Woodford Reserve Rye.

The Bulleit Rye doesn’t hide the spiciness; it is bolder and slightly more complex. John loved the Bulleit Rye the most as his palate prefers spicier tastes.

There is a big difference in price between the two bottles. The Bulleit is nearly double the price in ZAR. That tips the scale in the Woodford Reserve direction. A great-tasting rye at an affordable price.

If you are passionate about rye, the Bulleit Rye is worth the extra money. However, the Woodford Reserve is perfect if you want to explore rye whiskey to learn new tastes.

In this Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye comparison, we’ve delved into the histories of these two powerhouse distillers and the distinctive characteristics of their rye whiskeys. While both are excellent choices, your preference may ultimately be your palate and budget.

If you’re looking for more spice and complexity, the Bulleit Rye could be your top pick. On the other hand, if you seek a sweeter and more approachable rye at an affordable price, the Woodford Reserve Rye is a solid choice. It’s a clash of the titans in the world of rye whiskey, and both contenders have their strengths.

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Also Read: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/18/2022

In Blended whisky

This week I try another blend, one in a unique bottle, the Johnnie Walker Swing blended Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker is owned by Diageo and originated in Kilmarnock, Scotland. It is the most widely distributed Scottish blended whisky brand in the world.

Yearly sales exceed 100 million bottles. John “Johnnie” Walker started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop. Originally it was known as Walker’s Kilmarnock Whisky.

After Walker died in 1857, it was his son Alexander Walker and grandson Alexander Walker II who were largely responsible for establishing the whisky as a famous brand.

Sir Alexander Walker, the grandson of John Walker, created Swing during the golden age of travel in 1932. On transatlantic voyages, bartenders desperately stowed loose bottles on racks to prevent breakages. The unrelenting pitch and roll of stormy weather on the high seas causing havoc with their whisky stocks.

Johnnie Walker Swing’s unique glass decanter allowed it to swing back and forth on a convex base. Known and respected as a captain of industry for his role in the international success of the Johnnie Walker brands, Sir Alexander was a familiar sight on these voyages himself. Today the Swing bottle remains instantly recognizable amid a myriad of newer offerings.

The Johnnie Walker Swing is a blend of 35 whiskies with a high proportion of Speyside malts. These are complemented by malts from the northern Highlands and Islay. There are also whiskies matured in sherry casks.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Scotch Whisky

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: An amber golden colour and quite dark.

NOSE: The sherry cask sweetness comes through. There is also some mild smoke and spice. The nose has an old-world feel to it. Hints of dried fruits, tobacco and leather. Nosing this Johnnie Walker Swing, you can almost imagine the old leather couches in a gentleman’s club in London during the early 1900s.

PALATE: On the palate, the Johnnie Walker Swing is very smooth and quite oily. Spicy notes balance the sherry sweetness. There are notes of smoke and faint peat, probably from the Islay whiskies. There are some cereal flavours and oak. The spice is reminiscent of pepper with hints of ginger.

FINISH: Long and rich. It ends in rich notes of spice and oak with a hint of cloves. Swing is an easy-drinking whisky.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It is medium-bodied and not too complicated, and you should be careful when you add water. Water can quickly overwhelm this whisky. However, it is an excellent addition to any whisky collection. I paired this release with some Wensleydale cheese with cranberries over HERE. See how this pairing worked.

Also Read: Chivas Royal Salute 21 yo whisky