Johnnie Walker Black Label

Johnnie Walker Black Label
Blended Scotch Whisky
12 Years Old
$32

The Johnnie Walker series of blended whiskies are ubiquitous on shelves and in bars throughout much of the world. The brand of choice of Winston Churchill, it is regarded by many as the classic "Scotch." Today I am tasting the Black Label, which signifies a blend of single malts and grain whiskies, all of which are at least 12 years old. It is a smoother and older whisky than the Red Label, which is blended with mixed drinks in mind. However, it is more affordable than the Green Label vatted malt or the Gold Label or Blue Label premium blends.

Johnnie Walker is named for a grocer who sold whisky in Ayrshire, Scotland. The brand was really begun by John Walker's son Alexander. The company's first blended whisky was made in 1865, and the characteristic square bottle was introduced in 1870. The whisky is blended today in Kilmarnock, and exported around the world.

Nose:
Wonderful maple syrup and honey aroma. Citrus undertones like orange zest. Green apples and brown sugar.

Palate:
Smooth flavor of malt with oaky bourbon flavor apparent as well. Sweet, balanced and easy to drink, with a light peat smoke on the finish which does not linger long.

The commercials for Black Label always show it being served over ice, but I think it's better neat. Ice brings out the buttery smoothness in a blend like Famous Grouse, but it really kills the rich maltiness of this one. Johnnie Walker Black Label is warming and sweet, with a rich flavor from the barrel aging, and a light smoky finish. The smoothness of well-chosen and well-aged grain whiskies is really clear in the flavors of this drink.

If one had to choose only one Scotch whisky for the shelf, I am inclined to think this may be the one to pick. A standard by which to measure other whiskies, blended and single malt alike. Inexpensive enough to drink and share with friends, and good enough to really impress.