A friend and I were in need of something to drink for the evening, and he was looking for something good on the affordable side. He knew I was into whisky and he likes a lot of what I do so asked me to guide him for a choice. I had heard of Double Black but had not yet tried it and have found the Black Label to not be as smoky as I’d like, so it was something I wanted to try. I just hadn’t purchased it since there was so much more I wanted to use my money and storage on than a blend. He bought it and we drank it that evening and found it quite nice for what it was, though I didn’t take the time to review it as I was focused on enjoying the company. Another friend gifted me a bottle this past holiday season so I actually had some time with the bottle to take some notes. I’d like to note that I really like the presentation of this, I think the transparent black glass makes it look rather elegant and feel like an upgraded version of the Black Label without costing all that much more.Johnnie Walker Double Black, Scotland Blend, 40% ABV
Minutia: Essentially the Black Label (though lacking an age statement) which has been matured in heavily charred ex-Bourbon casks to give a smokier flavor. Possibly a bit more emphasis on smokier malts that go into the blend. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.
Color: Brown Sherry, 1.9.
Nose: Cherry, brine, smoke, oak, tea.
Taste: Thin, oak char, molasses, bit of smoke and spice.
Finish: Malty, charred wood, pepper.
This is better than Black Label, particularly if you like smokier character, but it’s still very much in that vein. I’d much prefer if this were the bottle most bars had rather than the standard, but it’s not something I’d want to order other than when I’m forced to order Black Label based on lack of options. I don’t know that I’ll buy this again unless I find myself wanting to stock some options for guests not as into whisky as I, but still have it be something I would drink. Letting it sit a while increases the smokiness a good deal and would bump the score up a few points.
Score: 74
SMWS Name: Johnnie Walker Black Black
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