Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 YO is an iconic Scotch blended whisky (a blend of single malt and grain whiskies), carrying a 12-year age statement. It is created exclusively from single malt and grain whiskies that spend at least 12 years in cask. ABV 40%. The set includes a 0.7 l bottle and two glasses.
The brand traces its origins to Kilmarnock in Scotland, where John Walker ran a grocer's shop and began composing his own blends in order to offer customers a consistent, repeatable product. In 1909 the company rebranded its whiskies, introducing the famous Striding Man logo and naming the blends after the colours of their labels. Black Label is built from a broad selection of distillates from various regions of Scotland. It is created from around 40 single malt and grain whiskies matured for a minimum of 12 years, sourced from the four corners of Scotland. It is a blend of single malt and grain whiskies from Speyside, the Highlands, the Lowlands and Islay.
The profile is dominated by a distinctive combination of sweetness and smoke. Deep gold in colour with darker highlights; on the nose sweetness wrapped in smoke with a hint of pepper, on the palate sweet vanilla and creamy toffee, while the finish brings sweet fruit and smoky peat with citrus peel. Expect notes of caramel, dried fruit and subtle smoke, followed by honeyed sweetness, stewed fruit and gentle spice on the palate, with a touch of peat on the finish. A Whisky Advocate review awarded the whisky 88 points. In that publication's assessment there are toffee, swirling caramel, whole almond and crushed banana amid coiling white smoke, while the palate shows a balance and finesse that set the standard for many less accomplished blends.
The whisky works well neat, with a splash of water or over ice, and in classic cocktails. Appreciated by newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike, it is versatile enough to be served neat, on the rocks or in classic cocktails.