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Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Sherry Finish

Good batch or good blend?

7 383

@OdysseusUnboundReview by @OdysseusUnbound

30th Sep 2022

0

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Sherry Finish
  • Nose
    21
  • Taste
    21
  • Finish
    21
  • Balance
    20
  • Overall
    83

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

Inasmuch as it's popular in many online whisky groups to regard blends as "inferior" (especially mass market blends such as JW), my fellow Connosr members tend to be a bit more open minded. After all, good whisky is good whisky. While it may not be a favourite among "insiders", Johnnie Walker Black tends to be my choice for a "can't miss" scotch whisky that pleases just about anyone, especially those new to smokier offerings. The Sherry Cask edition of JW Black caught my eye when I saw it a few months ago and much like Bilbo Baggins, I thought to myself "Why not? Why shouldn't I keep it?".

Tasting Notes

  • Nose (undiluted): very fruity with raisins, dates, some red berries, followed by a touch of smoke, fresh tobacco, and something slightly nutty
  • Palate: easy arrival, light-ish body, sweetness, red fruit, oranges, more nuttiness (pecans? hazelnuts? I can't be sure), with a bit of smoke.
  • Finish: medium length, with some toffee, raisins, and smoke lingering.
  • Thoughts: This is no smoke monster. The fruitiness is definitely the star of this show but it's quite a pleasant dram. There are no off notes and the grain whisky is aged enought that there's no unpleasant acetone aroma, nor is there any bitterness on the finish. Will it become my favourite blended whisky ever? I doubt it, but it's one I won't turn down either. I'd like a bit more smoke, but I knew going in that "Sherry Finish" would lean more towards the fruit than the peat.

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3 comments

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

Nice review, but I wonder when you will get to some of the stunners I gave you samples of…

Can you comment on the ABV? In my experience a lot of whiskies are too thin at 40%.

2 years ago 1Who liked this?

@65glenfarclas
65glenfarclas commented

It's surprisingly good, and at 12 years of age, the grain components start to mellow enough to "blend" in well with the malt whiskies. Although it would probably benefit from a few extra ABV points, I'm not finding it to be too thin at 40%. Not badly priced at $69 (relatively speaking), a definite buy once LCBO managers mark them down 20% to $55.

2 years ago 1Who liked this?

@OdysseusUnbound
OdysseusUnbound commented

@Nozinan I mean, it’s JW Black Label. I enjoy it for what it is and at $65 or so dollars it’s better than a lot of comparably priced whiskies. As to the samples, that requires time…something I’m very short on these days. As well as my “day job” I’m teaching an AQ course (additional qualification, for those not in the education game) on integrating Indigenous perspectives into teaching practices. And my 12 year old has started hockey season….

2 years ago 2Who liked this?