Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years
Blended from over 40 different Scotch whiskies and grains, Johnnie Walker is the most widely used whisky for cocktails in bars. We take a look at whether it also delivers what it promises when neat.First bottled in 1909, the Black Label has been with us for over 100 years and has become the world's most famous Scotch blend. Over the years, the whisky, against which everyone had to measure themselves at the time, has won countless awards.
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Buy on AmazonTasting Notes
Nose
Sweet and tart. Bright grapes, lemony aromas and grapefruit are accompanied by vanilla. A light smoky note resonates.
Palate
It tastes younger than it is. A certain alcoholic sharpness transitions into strong oaky, cereal aromas. Fresh rye bread comes to mind. The light smoke from the nose is also recognisable here. Later, we also notice the smelled aromas of vanilla and lemon. However, the oaky taste clearly predominates.
Finish
In the finish we have bitter notes paired with light fruit and a not excessive amount of dried wood. There is also a hint of smoke.
Thoughts
Marcel 61/100 - (Good)
For just under 20 euros, the Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year offers a solid companion, especially impressive as a cocktail base. While it lacks the wow factor when sipped neat, its charming smoke and sweet-fruity notes make it approachable and easygoing.
Sascha 61/100 - (Good)
The Johnnie Walker Black Label presents a structurally balanced profile but falls short of expectations in complexity. The dominant oak tones and slight alcoholic sharpness make it feel more like a mixer than a whisky to savor neat.
Value for Money: 4/5 (Good)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year special compared to other blended Scotch whiskies?
The Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year combines over 40 different malt and grain whiskies, giving it a complex flavor structure. Its balanced blend of sweet, fruity, and smoky notes, along with a pronounced oak character, sets it apart from many other blends.
How does the 12-year age influence the taste of the Johnnie Walker Black Label?
The 12 years of maturation ensure a harmonious integration of flavors: the whisky displays youthful freshness with lemony and fruity notes alongside matured oak tones and a subtle smoky hint. The age contributes to a balanced profile that’s not too heavy.
Is the Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year recommended to drink neat or mainly for mixing?
Although the Johnnie Walker Black Label is often used as a cocktail base, its complexity and balanced flavors also make it well suited for drinking neat. Its multi-layered character unfolds especially well when sipped slowly without additives.