Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Sherry Finish
The Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Sherry Finish gives the classic whisky a - as the name suggests - sherry finish, i.e. a post-maturing in Jerez sherry casks. This is to put the proverbial icing on the cake of the iconic whisky.With a slightly adapted design with distinct accents in pink, Johnnie Walker has remained true to the familiar style, as with all bottlings.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The profile is logically similar to that of the Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years. In addition, we have dominant notes of plum and red berries. In the background, a little thin smokiness, as well as the familiar honey-caramel flavours.
Palate
Soft and easy to drink with delicate smoke, the Johnnie Walker nevertheless comes across as thin and flat. The fruity sweetness at the front gradually changes to a marzipan-amaretto note. A little fig, a little vanilla. Nothing more.
Finish
Quite short and with light oak notes, the blend says goodbye to the palate.
Thoughts
Marcel 57/100
A light, fruity blend that’s pleasant to sip thanks to its sherry finish, but unfortunately leaves no lasting impression. For the price, you can find whiskies with more character elsewhere – yet it works well as an uncomplicated companion in cocktails.
Sascha 63/100
The Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Sherry Finish shows a solid balance between fruity notes and gentle smokiness, but overall feels a bit thin and lacking in complexity. The short finish and moderate sherry influence provide decent structure, yet fall short of what you’d expect from a 12-years blend.
Value for Money: Good
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63/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sherry finish influence the taste of the Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year?
The sherry finish adds extra aromas of plum and red berries, along with a fruity sweetness that develops into marzipan and amaretto notes. This gives the whisky a softer and more complex flavor profile compared to the standard bottling.
Why is the finish of the Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Sherry Finish comparatively short?
The finish is rather short and characterized by light oak notes. This is because the blend, despite the sherry finish, is kept soft and approachable without an intense or long-lasting smoky character.
What role do the Jerez sherry casks play in the maturation process of this whisky?
The additional maturation in Jerez sherry casks imparts the characteristic fruity and sweet aromas like plum, red berries, and marzipan. These casks add extra complexity and a distinctive flavor dimension compared to the classic 12-years expression.