Tastes

Name: Johnnie Walker Black Label Age: 12 years old ABV: 40% Setup: Two glencairn glasses with an ounce pour each. I put one ml water in one of them. I let the drinks rest for 15 mins before tasting them. Appearance: Nice golden color. I know they use caramel to enhance the color but boy does it look good in the bottle, very attractive. With water: Did not make any noticeable difference. Nose: Starts with a gentle smoky and oak smell that is not too offensive like the Red Label. Got hints of orange, sweet toffee, caramel, sherry, nutty, honey...Overall it was a nice nose. With water: Overall the flavors were similar but a lot more subdued, adding water did not help the nose. I preferred it neat. 86/100 Taste: Thin and watery but slightly smokey and salty. With water: Tastes even more empty with water. Whatever flavor was there is now erased. No new flavors emerge. 82/100 Finish: Short and sweet. A little bitter in the end and that was disappointing. With water: Even shorter with water, falls off real quick. 78/100 Conclusion: Seems to be a good blend but of course I am basing this on a very few blends that I have had in the past. I would definitely sip it but would also avoid using any ice or water as that would ruin this drink. Best to have it neat. I would definitely consider keeping a bottle in my bar. Overall Score: 82/100