Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch Whisky delivers a rich, smoky experience perfect for those who crave bold flavors in every sip. Crafted with inspiration from the iconic Black Label, this full-bodied blend intensifies the smoky character, thanks to a higher proportion of West Coast and Island malts aged in heavily charred oak casks. With notes of sweet apple, creamy vanilla, honey, and spices like cinnamon and clove, it offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and peaty depth. The long, warming finish lingers with hints of pepper and malt, making it an excellent choice to enjoy neat or as a robust base for cocktails. Ideal for celebrations or quiet indulgences, Johnnie Walker Double Black is a sophisticated statement of smoky luxury.
Process & Profile
Johnnie Walker Double Black takes inspiration from its iconic predecessor, the Black Label, but amplifies its depth and intensity. The blend includes a higher proportion of peated malts and is meticulously aged in heavily charred oak barrels, enhancing the smoky essence and adding layers of complexity. This distinct production process results in a bold, full-bodied Scotch with 40% ABV, embodying the adventurous spirit of Scotch whisky blending.
The flavor profile showcases the rich smokiness of Islay malts alongside notes of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, with subtle hints of tropical citrus, creamy vanilla, and spices. The finish is long and warming, with lingering peat smoke and oak spices, making it a standout choice for connoisseurs of complex, smoky whiskies.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Deep amber with golden highlights, hinting at the richness within.
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Nose: Aromas of sweet smoke, clove, and dark fruit with a whisper of citrus zest.
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Palate: A harmonious blend of creamy vanilla, ripe apples, and tropical orange flavors, underscored by bold peaty smoke and soft spices.
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Finish: A long, warming conclusion with layers of oak tannins and smoldering spice.
The whisky's balance between smokiness and sweetness ensures an indulgent sip from start to finish.
What Makes It Special
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Smoky Heritage: Johnnie Walker Double Black is crafted using malts from Scotland's Islay and West Coast regions, renowned for their peaty character.
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Charred Cask Aging: The use of heavily charred barrels deepens the whisky's smoky, spicy foundation and adds rich complexity.
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Versatile Appeal: While bold and robust, it remains a balanced whisky ideal for neat sipping, cocktails, or on the rocks.
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Award-Winning Excellence: Double Black has been recognized for its unique profile, including being a category winner at the World Whiskies Awards.
This whisky perfectly bridges the gap between single malt aficionados and blended whisky enthusiasts with its daring yet approachable flavor.
How to Enjoy
Johnnie Walker Double Black is versatile in how it can be enjoyed, allowing its bold flavors to shine in different settings:
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Neat: Savor its complex layers unfiltered for the fullest experience.
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On the Rocks: Adding ice mellows the smoke and accentuates the vanilla and fruity notes.
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With Water: A splash of water opens up hidden layers of spice and sweetness.
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Cocktails: Use it in smoky twists on classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. For instance, try mixing it with sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters for a Double Black Manhattan, garnished with an orange twist.
Johnnie Walker Double Black is a celebration of bold flavors and masterful blending. Whether you're a seasoned whisky lover or an intrepid explorer of smoky drams, its unique intensity and complexity make it a must-have addition to any whisky collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Johnnie Walker Double Black?
Johnnie Walker Double Black has an intense smoky character with layers of spice. Expect flavors of peat, creamy vanilla, dark fruits, and subtle hints of citrus. Its finish is long, warming, and smoky, with notes derived from aging in heavily charred oak casks.
How does Double Black differ from Black Label?
Johnnie Walker Double Black is a bolder and smokier interpretation of the Black Label. It uses a higher proportion of West Coast and Island whiskies along with aging in heavily charred oak casks, giving it an amplified smoky and spicy profile compared to the smoother, more balanced Black Label.
What is the alcohol content of Johnnie Walker Double Black?
Johnnie Walker Double Black has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43%.
How should I serve Johnnie Walker Double Black?
Double Black is highly versatile. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of premium cocktails. Adding a dash of cold water can also enhance its complex flavors and smoky notes.
What is the production process for Johnnie Walker Double Black?
This whisky is crafted through meticulous blending, combining select single malt and grain whiskies. It undergoes aging in heavily charred oak barrels to achieve its smoky, robust character.
What are the recommended food pairings for Double Black?
Johnnie Walker Double Black pairs well with strong, smoky flavors. Consider serving it with blue cheese, smoked lamb, or hearty meats like rump steak for a complementary experience.
Does Johnnie Walker Double Black have an age statement?
Double Black does not carry an age statement but is carefully blended to achieve a consistent and sophisticated flavor profile, emphasizing its rich and smoky character.
How should I store Johnnie Walker Double Black?
To preserve its flavor, store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, keep the bottle sealed tightly to minimize oxidation.
Is Johnnie Walker Double Black a single malt or a blended Scotch?
Johnnie Walker Double Black is a blended Scotch whisky, made by combining malt whiskies from various distilleries with grain whiskies to create a complex and harmonious flavor profile.
What occasions is Double Black suited for?
Johnnie Walker Double Black is ideal for celebrating special moments, hosting gatherings, or as a refined gift option. Its bold and luxurious taste also makes it a great choice for whisky enthusiasts or those exploring smoky flavors.
