Overall Rating: 90/100 Johnnie Walker Double Black is a bold and distinctive addition to the iconic Johnnie Walker range, crafted to offer a smokier, more intense experience than its sibling, the classic Black Label. Designed to cater to lovers of peaty whiskies, Double Black combines the hallmark smoothness of a blended Scotch with a deeper, smokier edge. While impressive, it leaves room for refinement, especially in its bottling strength and the consistency of its smoky character over time. Appearance Double Black showcases a deep amber hue with glints of copper, reflecting its additional maturation in heavily charred oak casks. The liquid forms long, steady legs, hinting at a rich, slightly oily texture. Nose On first opening, the nose is a powerful burst of smoke—intense and aromatic, with notes of charred wood, burning embers, and smoked meats. As the whisky settles, the smoke softens considerably, allowing underlying aromas of honey, vanilla, and ripe orchard fruits to emerge. Hints of dark chocolate, dried figs, and black pepper provide additional layers of complexity. Palate The palate is rich and flavorful, delivering an immediate wave of smoky peat that transitions into sweet and spicy nuances. Caramelized sugar, toffee, and dried fruits balance the initial smokiness, while subtle spices—clove, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg—add depth. There is a slight bitterness from the charred oak, which complements the overall profile but could have been rounded out more by a higher ABV. At 40%, the whisky occasionally feels restrained, with its flavors lacking the full vibrancy that a stronger proof might have delivered. Finish The finish is medium to long, starting with lingering smoke and charred oak but fading more quickly than expected. Sweet notes of honey and vanilla reappear toward the end, along with a gentle hint of spice, leaving a pleasant but somewhat subdued aftertaste. Observations One of the standout characteristics of Johnnie Walker Double Black is the powerful smokiness upon first opening the bottle. It is striking and bold, immediately setting the whisky apart. However, this intensity diminishes significantly with time and oxidation, which may disappoint those seeking a consistently smoky dram throughout its life. Additionally, while the 40% ABV makes the whisky approachable, it leaves an impression of untapped potential. A bump to 46% ABV would likely amplify its smoky character, enhance its mouthfeel, and bring greater definition to its flavor layers, making it even more compelling. Final Thoughts Johnnie Walker Double Black successfully achieves its goal of delivering a smokier, more robust experience while maintaining the blend's hallmark smoothness. Its complex interplay of smoke, sweetness, and spice makes it a standout in its category, particularly for those looking to explore peatier profiles within a blended Scotch. Despite some areas for improvement - particularly its ABV - it remains an excellent whisky, worthy of a place in any enthusiast's collection.