Review: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Old (2019)
Review: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Old (2019)
It’s been more than 10 years since we reviewed Johnnie Walker’s iconic Black Label (here) and, considering it’s one of the best-selling Scotch whiskies in the world, we thought the ubiquitous blended Scotch deserved a fresh review. We’ve considered the range of base whiskies that comprise Black Label in this piece, but today, we’re looking at a recent bottling to see how it compares to prior years.
Poured into a glass, Johnnie Walker Black Label is colored a light shade of gold. The nose is a bit thin and offers light, gentle peat and some apple sweetness along with a bit of malty cereal. On the palate, the whisky is delicate and quite agreeable. The peat remains mild and couples with a creamy caramel character along with fruity notes that include peaches and orange peel. Light vanilla and a touch of marshmallow appear on the finish, which is medium in length.
All in all, Black Label remains an entirely enjoyable whiskey. It isn’t likely to be anyone’s favorite, but just about anyone can enjoy it, and it still serves as an excellent baby step for those interested in tiptoeing into peated whisky.
80 proof.
B / $30 / johnniewalker.com [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Old (2019)
$30
I have been a Black Label fan for many decades. However, recently, I had an adverse experience which forced me to switch from Johnnie Walker to Glenfiddich. I bought a 1.75L bottle of Black Label form a well known liquor store in Calgary. On consuming a couple of drinks I noticed a suspicious looking residue starting near the lid down to the body of the bottle. I sent pictures to Johnnie Walker customer service, asking for advice. They promised a response within 24 However, my repeated requests for clarification have gone unanswered. I am highly disappointed at this lack of response from JW. Myself and my drinking buddies have switched to Glenfiddich 12 years old, which I find much smoother and satisfying. So Long Johnnie Walker! RIP! Has anybody else had similar experience with Johnnie Walker customer service? Would be interesting to know. Perhaps they think they are too big to care!
Hi Kam: I have had the same experience. My brother and I have been drinking Johnny Walker Black for many, many years when I, too, came across such an experience with this whisky. I wrote the Manager of Johnny Walker and never received even a short reply of acknowledgement of my letter. I was really disappointed in their complete lack of concern for their clientele. My brother has since deceased and although I would like to rekindle my memories of him with a wee dram of Johnny Walker, I have never bought a bottle since. I often think of my brother but never of Johnny Walker. Yes, too big to care.
p.s. This took place many years ago and I have never forgotten the complete and utter disregard and disrespect shown for us.
Sincerely Ron P.