It's Halloween, so I thought I'd go with something possibly spooky-sounding. Tonight's contestant is Johnnie Walker Black Label (ok, not spooky), a staple blended Scotch whisky in pretty much any bar across America. American whisk(e)y market stats from 2006 showed JW Black Label as the second-best-selling Scotch whisky in America, only falling behind Dewar's. Surprisingly, JW Red Label didn't have as large a market share as JW Black. At least that was in 2006...with a rather roughed-up economy now, JW Red might have the lead as people may have shifted to a more economical dram.
Or not.
Either way, Johnnie Walker Black Label is seen as a paragon of Scotch whisky, coming from Diageo and being a blend of who-knows-how-many whiskies that keep it consistent from year to year and decade to decade. And bar to bar to bar.
Johnnie Walker Black Label, 40% ABV
Blended Scotch whisky
Blended Scotch whisky
Appearance: Medium-dark amber.
Nose: Walnuts, caramel candy. Sherry, salt. Some nice wood rounded out with fruit. Very good.
Palate: Some peat, yet smooth, with sherry. Gentle fruit and light wood. Not really a lot coming out at me, though.
Finish: Some lingering smoke but otherwise the finish is relatively dry and nondescript.
Rating (of 100): 85. I remembered this whisky being more flavorful and heartier, but it just seemed to fall a bit flat tonight.
Nose: Walnuts, caramel candy. Sherry, salt. Some nice wood rounded out with fruit. Very good.
Palate: Some peat, yet smooth, with sherry. Gentle fruit and light wood. Not really a lot coming out at me, though.
Finish: Some lingering smoke but otherwise the finish is relatively dry and nondescript.
Rating (of 100): 85. I remembered this whisky being more flavorful and heartier, but it just seemed to fall a bit flat tonight.
