whisky review 291 - Johnnie Walker Double Black
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- . . . the standard Black Label with extra wood-sweet and dollops of decent smokiness.
A variation on the theme that will work in Bars but will never top the excellent Green Label.
If you were to blind taste this next to Blue or Gold Reserve, you would think Double Black was the more expensive whisky. This is a really underrated scotch. I do like peated and smoky whiskeys so maybe I’m biased but this is my new favorite Johnnie Walker next to Green label. I tried this after trying Gold label and I thoroughly enjoyed the complexity and flavor over Gold label. Although if you like a smoother more sweet creamy scotch you may prefer Gold. But personally I was blown away when I tried Double Black and wished I’d discovered it sooner.
Ralfy you are the Tolkien of whisky! Thanks for the honest and constant teaching.
Bought some of this, it’s actually very good sipping scotch.
Throughly enjoy Johnny Walker Black i cant wait to try the Double Black
I am coming into this from the back end I guess...starting with single malt and then moving into blends. I have to say Double Black was a surprise and is a good sipper...neat.
"Smoky without being so peaty."
That describes it exactly.
I love this blend.
excellent review !!! thanks a lot from a complete newbie who's just landed to the whisky universe ..
You're spot on with the burnt smokyness near the end. I tried some with ice and I did notice it getting slightly more harsh near the end.
I've never tried this brand before. I always thought "not good", maybe because it's sold everywhere. The color looks great! Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoy the double black. it tastes like slightly smokey/charred butterscotch candies to me. i find it a great way to finish a short flight. One of my favourite, easy drinking night caps.
Very nice, I own two out of those four and like three! Thanks for the info.
" A blanket of Fog" Love your reviews and poetry!
i bought a bottle of gold label 2 months ago and that one is nice and smooth, just bought this one and can't wait to try it
Thank you for another grate review.
Glenlivet 15 is great. Very sweet and smooth. Add a touch of water and the vanilla really comes out. Definitely worth a try.
Thanks for the review. I first saw this a year ago in a duty free shop at Heathrow on my way home. It was fairly expensive and they claimed it was only available there. That may have been true but I saw it in my local store on this side within a month. I just haven't tried it yet. I might have to go down to my favorite whisky bar to have a sample.
I like the face you make at the beginning of the video...it sets the tone for the review. Great review as always on the nose no pun!
I tried the double black a couple months ago. It's not bad. It definitely has a more powerful flavor than the black but I think I found the flavor to be a bit overwhelming. My first impression was that it tasted like Black Label and Ardbeg blended together. But as an interesting note, it seems like it's good for both sipping straight and mixed drinks. I liked it but when I finished the bottle, I found myself wanting to get another bottle of the standard black label.
Here in 2021 I bought a set - full bottle of JW Black 12 with two 50ml minis, one of them being the Double Black. It's enjoyable enough (reminds me of Talisker, frankly) and seems a tad more solid than regular Black. My issue with many blends: they may have a nice tasty arrival but with the additional sips it all disintegrates while the annoying "spent cask" tannins build and you are left with just a taste of a wooden toothpick and pepper. So Double Black is a bit better in that department (we're talking almost a decade since this review). But at the price I would likely prefer many of the basic malts. With JW it's always the pricing, not just the flavors alone. The Gold Label (the other mini in the set, the NAS "reserve") is also a very nice unpeated sweet sipper with a pretty malty profile but who would pay that price when you could get so many of the nicer 10-12 year olds, i.e. Glendronach, Aberlour, even a Macallan. It's just not worth the money.
Terrifically informative as ever.....
Thanks so much for the malt mention on my behalf Ralfy,,,I`ll be sure to listen just that little closer about this JW Dblack that us here in Western Canada cannot get.Hope the day finds you well and keep keeping on.Cheers to the aqua vitea.........Ray.
Ralfy, when I tried double black last year I fell in love with the smokiness. Could you recommend a blend or single malt around the same price range( I don't mind spending a little more) and availability that top this in smokiness?
I got this whiskey for this year 2016 !! Happy new year guys
Blended Malt is the term the SWA used to replace Vatted Malt (which was much clearer) vs. a simple malt/grain spirit blend, which is a Blended Whisky. Green Label has always been a vat, and contains Talisker, Caol Ila, Linkwood and Cragganmore.
Johnnie Walker Double Black is the best one
Ralfy, as long as you are reviewing blends, PLEASE consider reviewing "Islay Mist 8 year old"...You have already mentioned the NAS bottling of Islay Mist in an early review on budget whiskies, which is what motivated me to pick up the 8 year old when I noticed it here in the states...at 20$ a bottle, this blend is stellar! A prolific peaty punch packed for a perfectly practical price! It deserves a mention from the most eccentric whisky anorak on the web!
I think interesting is the best way to describe double black. The sweet and smoke work great together. I agree with adding water to dwell the smoke a bit but after a few months I don't find it needed since it subsides.
A superb blend imo
You are awesome ralfy!
Loved the opening look on your face.
I love Black Label quite a bit, and enjoy this one for its extra spice from the smoke and a little bit more creamy, maple-y sweetness. Great blend, wish it were a bit cheaper of course.
dang. I have got to try this!
Hey Ralfy, been waiting for this! Thank you. Any opinion on Clynelish 14, also icluded (at least in the states) in the Classic Malts miniature collection.
I think Islay Mist 8 is pretty good as well, especially for the money. The grain spirit does cut into the Laphroaig malt, but it's well put together and a good introduction to Laphroaig for the faint hearted.
awesome, enjoyed some as I watched
Hi Ralfy =)
One question... Double Black or Gold Label?
Saludos desde Chile :D
Oh I see, Swing will be the next one I'm going to buy, I'm looking forward to it, by the way I really enjoy your whiskey reviews. learning, enjoying, and appreciating another thing in my life.
I'm sipping some of this now, I can definitely detect the golden syrup as well. After smashing the single malts for years I've come back to appreciate what this is.. a fine smokey sweet and majestic malt blend. I think we take it for granted J Walker can churn out liquid of this quality in such amounts!
+Niko Covich I can easily believe they churn out liquid of this quality. This is the first time I tried it. I didn't realize a whiskey could taste like it was burned.
great review ... i do agree it seems a bit "engineered" almosdt like the smoke was added after using E154 (smoke).. still not a bad experience
Enjoyable review! As sample 3 bottles of Johnnie Walker double black and found you have reviewed it almost exactly as I found this being said would you be able to recommend a single malt or a blend that's comparable in it color and oiliness with the smoke content not as high in peat, this week I have been sampling a Ardbeg 10 year which will keep a place in my cabinet for sure but not quite what I'm looking for....to heavy on peat to light in color not as oily.
Hi Ralfy,
Another great whisky review!
Any chance you could give me a bit more info on the differences between the pure malt and the blended green label?I've a bottle that doesnt say green label at all so I assume it's the former rather than the latter? Does it still have the same 4 malts?
Thanks, john
Couldn't the extra smoke be from Lagavulin? They always mention Caol Ila and Talisker when talking about JW Black. But this one is more smoky, so maybe Lagavulin - that's also owned by Diageo? (The sherried peat you mention reminds me of Lagavulin.) What do you think?
"better enjoy it sooner rather than later" !! haha well said.. deff will finish my bottle soon then! this is the only walker whisky I like.. its good n smoky!
I take a Whisky as I find it and make few assumptions based on Single vs Blend or price range where I can ... I've had $150 Single Malt that I enjoyed less than the Double Black! I had a love affair with Double Black on a flight up to London in 2015 ... having not tried it before I was apt to turn my nose up at Johnnie Walker ... I got a very pleasant surprise! For Aussies ... reminded me of a Bundaberg Rum version of a Whisky if that makes sense ... drank neat ... loved it. It may also help that Talisker is my favourite Whisky ...
Recent subscriber here, love your reviews and appreciate the time you dedicate to recognizing whisky greatness. Just wanted to add here that JWDBL is an amazing pairing with coffee cake--perfect for a superbly delicious snack occasion.
green lable is back ralfy ! i bought one from dubai airport
Ralfy, are there any blends you would rate among the same quality as premium single malts?
The Glenlivet 15 is very oaky, intense in flavour, smooth, really enjoyable stuff. The oak is an acquired taste, I initially preferred the 12, but grew to love the 15. I can't give quite the depth of review as Ralfy and haven't tried 10% of what he has. I would say I prefer it to the Glenfiddich 15/18 perhaps (the 15 been my favourite of those 2), although those are quite different sherry types
Ralfy 4hrs later...the Maltbar can attest that DoubleBlk keeps on giving, unlike the Stnd JW12 which gets a little thin in the tooth as the hours pass. the Doubles' step-up in complexity just gets better as time marches on. Thanks for the recommendation mate.
cheers.
I rate this whisky. Pound for pound, you get a lot. There's a bit of everything in there - Smoke, sweet and an easy sipper.
Double Black is the BEST to mix with cola or ginger ale, even more so than red label.. Such a delicious drink.
My style bar is a garden shed with a paraffin heater. A few lads over, cigars and pipes, whisky of course, and a home brew or two.
Spot on with the Dailuaine, my impression as well. And Dailuaine 16 year old I quite like on it's own, very tasty albeit hard to find.
Sláinte!
I've read that the last bottle of Green Label has already been bottled. They estimate that the US market will have a supply until Summer 2013. I've got one case now and planning on at least one more case before the end of the year. My Aunts love it and I love them. I hope I have enough to see them through.
If you had to recommend a whiskey for someone just getting into appreciating whiskey/scotch, what would you choose? Also any beginner's tips on appreciation/enjoyment?
The Classic Malts of Scotland - it's how I got introduced to both Oban and Talisker.
Got a bottle of this for £10.. extremely proud of myself... and i must say whiskey's growing on me
I have an odd question for you. what would go good with iron brew? I'm thinking jonny walker red.
Easily my favourite whiskey. If you like smokey whiskies, johnnie walker double black is for you
I'd go with Ralfy's recommendation of Green Label. If anything it will make for great conversation when you mention the bottle may become a collector's item in the future.
Hello Ralphy! Stumbled across a green label pure malt 15 yo! Should I drink it or save it? Thank you for your great and entertaining reviews!
at my package store, about 3 dollars less actually- great blended malt
Ralfy, any plans to review more of the Bruichladdich lineup? I know you favor the Laddie 10, but I bought a bottle of The Rocks recently and found it to be of great quality. Also what are your thoughts on the brand being sold to Remy? I'm considering stocking up on some bottles before the new leadership starts making changes to the product.
Ralfy, thanks again for a great review. I am amazed that no matter what bottle i stumble upon, you have a review for it.. I favourite whisky so far is the Ardbeg 10 years. Can you recommend an Interesting alternative to that (within the same price range? Thanks again for your great videos. Thomas, Copenhagen, Denmark
You are the whiskey Doctor... You only one say what I'm thinking about...
just got a bottle of this double black at costco for £23. brought because it was cheap, couldnt resist for the price.
Ralfy what's the highest rating you've ever given a whisky?
where do you keep all your bottles? do you finish each one or have a cellar?
The Green Label will certainly be missed: one of the few widely available vats with medium-range aging (and statement!).
How would one describe peat in tasting a whisky ? I'm still very much new to whisky and only tried black label in a bar. I got some smoke in the taste and faint salt/brine after which weirded me out abit, still not sure if i like it, it might be an acquired taste.
Ralfy: As you said, you might be reviewing the Gold Label next year. If so, perhaps you could address the issue of freezing. I received a bottle as a gift and thought it was a good, if unremarkable, blend. I (regrettably) followed the advice on the JW website -- I put it in the freezer. To my palate, the result was a bruised whisky that lost all its subtle qualities. After letting it return to room temp, it still wasn't the same as before the freeze attempt. Does freezing ruin it permanently?
Now that you mention it, what's your opinion on Dailuaine?
I Throughly enjoy the Black label i cant wait to buy the double black
Hi Ralfy, love your vlogs, could I get away with adding a smidge of Caol Ila or Laphroaig to my dram of JW Black in order to replicate the DB product ?
yes, should work well !
Pleasantly surprised with this. Very Lagavulin like. Tasty.
hi...always enjoyed ur vids...tried Rock Hill Farms Bourbon recently...excellent stuff...considering the price too...hope u get to reviewing it. cheers!!!
Ralfy, you dont have to tell us your half way through the bottle. We know.....we know. Lol love you reviews!
the face at the beginning says it all lol
i agree blends are meant for mixing with other stuff not for sipping neat
Ralfy I tried Double Black recently and really enjoyed it. What single malt would your recommend that is in the same style?
Caol Ila.
Talisker
Ralfy, I'm a new drinker so just wander to know how long will an opened bottle of any Whisky stay good or keep it. Thanks
+Chang Thao An opened bottle will last months. It's not like wine.
Green Label will apparently stay in some Asian markets like Taiwan where it's quite popular. In other words Diageo has the whisky stocks to make Green Label but they are simply making a lot less of that blend and diverting the rest to the Gold Reserve and Platinum labels.
Just got a bottle. Nice present. Curious what reviewers say.
Looks like I'll have to add double black to my collection. You think you'll review gold label any time soon?
ralfy, i know your busy so i would be very happy with one word answers if you can spare the time.
whats your opinion on the octamore?
whats your opinion on midelton very rare?
have you tried remy martin accord royal?
any cigar reviews on the way?
thanks
This is definitely a smoke lover's whiskey. It is much more one-dimensional than he made it seem though. The smoke overpowers every other flavor, but it does not overpower your sense of taste.
With losing green and gold label is platinum and gold reserve suppose to take their place here in the states?
were u ever going to review the gold label?
What's the best johhny walker?
I just got a bottle of Bowmore and when I first cracked the cork, the smokiness was overwhelming and a delight. But after a week and half way through the bottle the smoke was almost non existent. Are there any methods to keeping the flavour for a longer period of time?
*****
thanks for the tips. i will try the gas outwith the next bottle.
add cigarette to your bowmore
is this basically a johnny walker version of laphroaig quarter cask, substituting peat for maturity to get those bottles out quicker (and the price tag higher) ?
Hey Ralfy just letting you know the sound of your voice has been a consistent presence in my apartment for years now, and I'm sure many other here feel the same way. With so many reviews, often I rewatch older ones once I've acquired a bottle or tasted the malt. It would be really helpful if you could add in the description of each review a few keywords like: "Sherried, sweet, woody. 89/100" so when I need to quickly compare a couple malts at a party I can. Would this be possible? Thanks!
what episold of that vdo plz ?
sorry for bad english , im from thailand and i like this channel :D
Will you be reviewing the Platinum? I am holding off the purchase until I see your marks
I like how you say that it will never top the excellent Green Label. I would try this and even buy a bottle if my local spirit shops would carry it but since they dont I will keep trying a wide range. Green label is my fav and honestly broke my heart when I heard it is being canceled and replaced with Platinum. I will try platinum but I dont understand if green is so damn good why drop it at all. I guess I need to stock up on Green since I dont want to pay a premium for it after this year.
Do you have a list where you show your scores?
Just finished my green label last night. It is good, sad to see it go but i'd rather have the black any day.
looks good
That would be a nice gift, but he's not a collector, he wants something to drink. I'm sure he'd like it though. Thanks for reminding me of that one.
Nice review! I just picked up a bottle on sale for $39 (USD) because I've never tried it. Plan to give it a go tomorrow.
Have you ever tried the XR 21-year? They only sell it in Duty Free I think (I got it in Narita airport). It was just a hair more expensive than the Gold, and it's a heck of a lot better, imvho. Probably the smoothest Scotch that I myself have had in terms of mouth feel. Not crazy complex, but tasty and smooth, and beats the pants off the Blue.
Great review Ralfy. My girlfriend told me that her dad drinks Johnny Walker Red Label (which I haven't heard much of anything good about it), and I would like to get him a decent whisky. Do you have any good recommendations of either a blend or malt? Any help would be great, thanks Ralfy.
10 years later but,, you can start with Glenlivet 12 years old for a begginer’s malt,, or with Black label 12 years old for a blended one
Great review. Brilliant identification of odours and flavours. Spot on comment about the unique complex character of the original black. Absolutely a good way to get into a good quality smokey whiskey without forking out the bigger bucks exactly as you say for a single malt I enjoy its thicker magnified raisin fruit cake character as well as standard JW Black which is also great.
could you show us YOUR collection Ralfy... Im sure its amazing!!!!