Johnnie Walker Black Label | Taste, Price, Drinks and Similar Whiskeys

Johnnie Walker Black Label is one of the most famous blended Scotch Whiskys in the world. It has always been one of Johnnie Walker’s top sellers. This blend consists of 40 single malt whiskies, the youngest of which is aged for at least 12 years.

On average Johnnie Walker black label whiskey price is about $31 for a 750ml bottle. A price-quality comparison with similar whiskeys and prices across shops in USA is provided below.

Despite (or maybe because of) the low price, you can’t go wrong with this blended scotch. You can expect a very neat taste experience.

The aroma has hints of sweet honey, vanilla and fresh fruitiness. The pleasant smokiness from oak acts as a counter balance. The taste is balanced, with motifs of cereals, herbal honey, creamy butterscotch, with a characteristic smokiness.

As compared to the Red label, this blend develops significantly more flavors and, above all, discards the sharp distillery character of younger bottlings. If you are looking for a softer and fuller whiskey, you should go for the Blue Label.

Here you can read more about Johnnie Walker whiskies, their prices on average and their characteristics.

Johnnie Walker Black VS Other Whiskies

We wanted to know how the black label compares with similar whiskeys. Below are 3 comparisons.

Johnnie Walker Black vs Chivas Regal 12

The Chivas Regal 12 years old wins in a direct duel.

It is more aromatic, rounder and somehow a fuller blend. And at just over $30, it is even a little cheaper than the black gentleman.

Johnnie Walker Black vs Red label

The Red Label is more smoky compared to the black label. But red label’s Achilles’ heel is that the grain alcohol comes through clearly and the blend is not so pleasant to drink on its own. The Black Label is definitely better.

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Ardmore Legacy

Ardmore Legacy is a single malt without an age, it costs about the same as the Black Label. The taste is rather light with a well-defined smoky note, but both whiskeys are not particularly complex. It can be said that this one is similar to the black label.

Price and Quality Comparison with Similar Whiskeys

If you like the honey-sweet and peaty taste of Johnnie Walker black, then you will find the price-quality comparison with similar whiskys useful.

The black label is by far the best priced whiskey with its taste characteristics. Other similar malts/blends that are similarly rated cost at least $20 more.

Reasons to Try Black Label

• Not younger than 12 years: all whiskeys used to make this blend had at least a dozen years to develop a distinctive taste profile.
• Price-performance cracker: you need to shell out much lesser as compared to similar tasting whiskeys.
• Delicate smoke note: in addition to its sweet honey and fruity notes, the Black Label lures you with its subtle smokiness.
• Great as a gift: not only for your own enjoyment, but also as a small gift thanks to its availability in gift packaging.
• Highly reliable: Johnnie Walker has delivered constant quality for over 100 years. No wonder it is one of the best blenders of whisky in the world

Drinks with Black Label

Like the red label, the black label is highly suited in whiskey cocktails and long drinks. Although Johnnie Walker advocates drinking it neat, the slight smokiness goes marvelously well with a little acidity.

The recipes below are common whisky drinks that suit the black label quite nicely.

Whiskey and Coke

2 oz whiskey
6 oz Coca-Cola
Lime Juice (optional)
Ice cubes

Rob Roy

2 oz Scotch whiskey
1 oz Red Vermouth
2 dashes Angostura
Ice cubes

Blood and Sand

1 oz Blended Scotch Whisky
3/4 oz Cherry Brandy Liqueur
3/4 oz Sweet vermouth
3/4 oz Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
¼ oz Lemon (optional, not an ingredient in the classic recipe)

Penicillin

2 oz Blended scotch whisky
3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz Honey-ginger syrup
1/4 oz Islay single-malt scotch
Garnish: Candied ginger

Whiskey Sour

1 1⁄2 oz whiskey
1 oz simple syrup
3⁄4 oz fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 oz egg white (optional)
1 maraschino cherry for garnish

Rusty Nails

1 1⁄2 oz Scotch whisky
3⁄4 oz Drambuie

Ice cubes

Recommended reading: Best selling whiskey brands in the world

Johnnie Walker Black Label Price

Below is the price of black label in different stores in USA.