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.
The panel
Mean 61.0 · spread 0
Value for money 4/5
- Bottler
- John Walker & Sons
- Type
- Blended Malt Whisky
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 12 years
- Strength
- 40% ABV
- Character
- delicate
Tasting
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.
Verdicts
Marcel
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
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.
What it is worth
No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.