Johnnie Walker Double Black

We arrive at something I know well, having polished off two bottles of DB to date. Originally entered into Distiller as my sixth taste in November 2021 (original taste deleted but copied in below), I now need to revisit and update my notes and reevaluate whether I do actually know this liquid. As I understand it Black 12 and Double Black are the same blends but in different proportions, I beleive DB has a higher, but younger, Islay (Caol Ila, Lagavullin) contnet than B12. The major difference though is the higher char barrel contnet of DB. What does that do to the liquid though? N: Quite rich and velvety with a seemingly high viscosity driven by a medicinal and almost petroleum smokiness. There is some sweetness coming via a BBQ glaze, a little salnity and spiciness, and rounding vanilla. There is also a little citrus note. P: A medium body with a little oily viscosity. Plenty of drying ashy smoke leads the charge and becomes softer and malty in the mid palate. Salt is well displayed and accompanies a slightly (wood)spiced and vaguely herbal characteristic. F: Medium-long. Ashy smoke, good weight of salt and pepper. A little syrupy grain sweetness in the back end. Not too much has changed for me from last go around, but new appreciation and insight is gained from now knowing what is happening in B12. The nose is as for B12 but amplified on the deeper darker notes of tar and smoke whilst restraining the sweeter side of things. The smoke profile is lovely and moves from what I think of as a Talisker influence in B12 to a richer Lagavullin influenced DB. Palate is very similar to the B12, but again, the sweet is dialled back and without as much apparent grain influence the rich, dark Islay notes really shine. The salinity too is amplified. Finish is much improved over the B12, which was largely nondescript. The last time I drank this, was by the bottle (oops) with family around a campfire out bush in winter. At the time it was perfect, no complications, no need for deep contemplation, enjoyable, quaffable; great stuff. However, around 140 whiskies ago, I didn’t know nearly as much about what was out there and what I should be asking for from my pours. Certainly, there are better quaffable whiskies around with similar profiles. But, the real magic of this to me is the price point. I’m not sure at a a hair under AUD $60, and $50 on special, that I can find a competitor at the same price point; and on that basis the consistency of this perfectly acceptable exploration of smoke and sweetness, is really quite remarkable. I gave this 3.25 last time around. I’m perfectly happy with it remaining there. [Pictured here with a double black mineral for a double black label. This rock is a Precambrian tourmaline schist from Marquette County in Michigan, USA. The tourmaline here is the variety schorl and exhibits two large crystals intergrown through one another; a double black.] 19th November 2021 N: Soft camp fire, sweet bbq sauce, honey (but difficult to find behind smoke) P: smoke, slight salt, honey, cereal, creamy thick body. F: long cool smoke, peppery and rounding candy sweetness 3.25/5 Distiller whisky taste #6 Johnnie Walker running scores Red: 2.0 Black 12: 2.5 Black Islay Origins: 3.5 Double Black: 3.25

Overall Rating: 90/100 Johnnie Walker Double Black is a bold and distinctive addition to the iconic Johnnie Walker range, crafted to offer a smokier, more intense experience than its sibling, the classic Black Label. Designed to cater to lovers of peaty whiskies, Double Black combines the hallmark smoothness of a blended Scotch with a deeper, smokier edge. While impressive, it leaves room for refinement, especially in its bottling strength and the consistency of its smoky character over time. Appearance Double Black showcases a deep amber hue with glints of copper, reflecting its additional maturation in heavily charred oak casks. The liquid forms long, steady legs, hinting at a rich, slightly oily texture. Nose On first opening, the nose is a powerful burst of smoke—intense and aromatic, with notes of charred wood, burning embers, and smoked meats. As the whisky settles, the smoke softens considerably, allowing underlying aromas of honey, vanilla, and ripe orchard fruits to emerge. Hints of dark chocolate, dried figs, and black pepper provide additional layers of complexity. Palate The palate is rich and flavorful, delivering an immediate wave of smoky peat that transitions into sweet and spicy nuances. Caramelized sugar, toffee, and dried fruits balance the initial smokiness, while subtle spices—clove, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg—add depth. There is a slight bitterness from the charred oak, which complements the overall profile but could have been rounded out more by a higher ABV. At 40%, the whisky occasionally feels restrained, with its flavors lacking the full vibrancy that a stronger proof might have delivered. Finish The finish is medium to long, starting with lingering smoke and charred oak but fading more quickly than expected. Sweet notes of honey and vanilla reappear toward the end, along with a gentle hint of spice, leaving a pleasant but somewhat subdued aftertaste. Observations One of the standout characteristics of Johnnie Walker Double Black is the powerful smokiness upon first opening the bottle. It is striking and bold, immediately setting the whisky apart. However, this intensity diminishes significantly with time and oxidation, which may disappoint those seeking a consistently smoky dram throughout its life. Additionally, while the 40% ABV makes the whisky approachable, it leaves an impression of untapped potential. A bump to 46% ABV would likely amplify its smoky character, enhance its mouthfeel, and bring greater definition to its flavor layers, making it even more compelling. Final Thoughts Johnnie Walker Double Black successfully achieves its goal of delivering a smokier, more robust experience while maintaining the blend's hallmark smoothness. Its complex interplay of smoke, sweetness, and spice makes it a standout in its category, particularly for those looking to explore peatier profiles within a blended Scotch. Despite some areas for improvement - particularly its ABV - it remains an excellent whisky, worthy of a place in any enthusiast's collection.

Es un whisky más complejo que su "hermano", el Black Label, más rico pero con un desarrollo suave. Suave dentro de los peaty, claro, porque su principal característica es el toque ahumado, el matiz a ceniza y los aromas a hoguera, que permanecen mucho tiempo en el retrogusto. El toque picante realza estos sabores principales, que dejan un fondo dulce. Es un whisky complejo para tener una presencia ahumada tan fuerte, y sorprende porque en nariz te promete ser mucho más dulce, proporcionando una interesante sorpresa. / It's a more complex whisky than its "brother," Black Label, richer but with a smooth development. Smooth within the peaty, of course, because its main characteristic is the smoky touch, the ashy nuance, and the campfire aromas, which linger for a long time in the aftertaste. The spicy touch enhances these main flavors, leaving a sweet undertone. It's a complex whisky for such a strong smoky presence, and it's surprising because the nose promises to be much sweeter, providing an interesting surprise.

Johnnie Walker Double Black is similar to Johnnie Walker Black, with the peat notes dialed up a bit. I'm not sure if that makes this one better, I would it's on par with the black, but it really just comes down to how much smoke you want in your scotch and is the price worth it. The nose starts with the smokey notes and orange peel. On the palate it's actually pretty thin, peaty in the vein of Ardbeg 10yr, with some vanilla notes. The finish is average length, with a touch of heat and pepper. The biggest problem for me is the price. In my area it costs $10 more for the double black and I don't think you get enough bang for your buck. I would stick with the black over the double black. Both are good and the heavier peat notes are nice for those that love Islay peat heavy scotch, but I'm not sure the price is worth it. Plus, the black is a better cocktail scotch than the double black.

Back when I could handle peat, the notes from the nose and palate of a brand new Johnnie Walker Double Black bottle were amazing to me. When I would take my first sip from a new bottle, it tasted like I was almost licking a grill. As time crept on and my bottle hung around, the strength of what I got on the nose and palate wore a bit thin. Based on my previous tastes alone, this would be worthy of at least a 3.5 rating, but since I have moved on from drinking scotch and have discovered many different whisk(e)ys since then, I have to downgrade my rating. Adding to the reasons for my downgraded rating: When I last drank this a couple of years ago, it was $37 at my local liquor store. Since that time, the price has vastly increased to $45.

This isnt my favorite JW, that would be the Green, but given very few other options, this isnt bad. Im having this while in the African safari bush—-our trekker pulled over rhe jeep, started a bonfire, and pulled out a few drink options ( coffee, tea, wine, a JW red, and a JW double black). The picture attached is where we pulled over. I went for this, over some ice. Slight peat, just enough to make you know it’s there. Honey, caramel, and cereal are the predominant characteristics. I do get some Caol Ila-esque DNA…but muted. Overall, a solid choice—-one bottle i wouldnt normally buy, but would gladly choose as the go-to option in weddings, parties, and here—-in the African safari game viewing.