Johnnie Walker Double Black, a smoker expression of Johnnie Walker Black made its debut into the Australian market in 2011.
Johnnie Walker Double Black Label is a blend of naturally smoky west coast whiskies matured in deep charred old oak casks. This latest addition to the Johnnie Walker family is a step up in flavour and intensity from Johnnie Walker Black and a good introduction to the world of smoky blends.
This expression has a smokier, richer and more intense flavour profile than the Johnnie Walker Black. Combining light smoke on the nose, orange zest notes and spice notes, with dried fruits and vanilla on the palate, Double Black has a longer finish with mild oak tannins and a lingering smoky finish.
When it comes to this blended expression, it pays not to compare it to peated single malts. If your taste in whisky is closer to Laphroaig and Lagavulin, you’ll find the amount of smoke on the conservative side. But for a novice dipping their palate into the world of smoke, it bridges the gap between blended whiskies and peated single malts. It fares well in cocktails, some releasing more smoke on the palate than others.
Johnnie Walker Double Black in 700ml will set you back AUD$64.99 RRP. Try it in a smoky Martini, Double Black Fizz cocktail or the Old Fashioned and experiment with flavours. For best enjoyment, try it neat on carved ice, or on perfectly created ice spheres.
This article was originally published on November 13, 2011 on our sister website Gourmantic.