Johnnie Walker Double Black is the smokier, more intense expression of the iconic Black Label, originally launched in 2011 as a travel retail exclusive before going to wide global release. Distilled, blended, and bottled in Scotland by John Walker & Sons, the brand established by Johnnie Walker in 1820 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Double Black builds on the same blending philosophy as the standard Black Label but pushes the smoke and intensity dial higher. Master blender Jim Beveridge created the expression by selecting a higher proportion of heavily peated West Coast and Islay malts, including signature components from Caol Ila and Talisker, then aging the blend in deep charred old oak casks that intensify the smoky character and add deeper notes of toasted wood, dried fruit, and warm spice. Although the standard Black Label carries a 12 year age statement, Double Black is intentionally bottled without one to give the master blender flexibility to layer in younger, more peat forward components. Bottled at 40% ABV and 80 proof in the iconic square bottle with the slanted Striding Man label, this is the blend for Scotch drinkers who want bigger smoke and more complexity than the original Black at a similar price point.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
John Walker & Sons |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Established |
1820, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Type |
Blended Scotch Whisky — Smokier Expression, NAS |
| Key Malts |
West Coast and Islay malts including Caol Ila and Talisker |
| Maturation |
Deep charred old oak casks for intensified smoke and depth |
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Packaging |
Iconic square bottle with black and gold label, presented in dark wood grain gift box |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with rich golden highlights.
Nose: Bold and smoky up front, with rich peat, deep wood char, and a touch of roasted coffee. Layers of dried fruit, vanilla, and dark chocolate sit underneath, with the unmistakable maritime salinity of Islay malts.
Palate: Intense and warming with smoky peat, charred oak, and sweet raisin lead the front. Vanilla cream, leather, and dark fruit build through the mid palate, with a touch of espresso, clove, and hot pepper from the deep charred cask influence.
Finish: Long, lingering, and smoky with sweet wood char, dried fruit, and a final whisper of bonfire smoke. Noticeably more intense and persistent than the standard Black Label.
FAQ
How is Double Black different from regular Black Label?
Both share the Black Label DNA but differ in style and age statement. Black Label carries a 12 year age statement and delivers a balanced, complex, sipping friendly profile. Double Black is bottled without an age statement and uses a higher proportion of heavily peated West Coast and Islay malts, plus deep charred old oak casks, for a noticeably smokier, bolder, more intense expression.
What does Double Black mean?
The "Double" refers to the doubling down on smoke and oak character through two key choices: a higher proportion of peated Highland and Islay malts in the blend, and the use of deep charred old oak casks for maturation. The result is a Scotch that retains the Black Label balance but pushes the smoky, woody side of the profile to the front.
Is Double Black good for sipping or mixing?
Double Black works well in both contexts, but its bigger smoke profile makes it a particularly good sipping pour for fans of peated Scotch who want a blend rather than a single malt. It also makes an excellent Smoky Old Fashioned, a Penicillin, or a Highball with ginger ale and a lemon twist where the peat character can shine through the mixer.
Where can I buy Johnnie Walker Double Black online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
