Liquor Laboratory

Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky (2024 Best Edition)

johnnie walker blue vs black

The debate about the best Johnnie Walker label has been on the table for a long time. Especially the Black and the Blue labels, the crowd is torn because both are high-quality blended Scotch whisky bottles with superb taste. To determine which Scotch whisky is superior, we dissected the two superior labels to learn about their values. Let’s learn more about these premium blend whiskies and find out which is better between Johnny Walker Blue vs Black. 

Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Face-Off

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blended Scotch whisky made of the finest and rarest single malts and high-quality grain whiskies.

It is sourced from Speyside and Highland whisky varieties 28 years old or older. 

Johnnie Walker Black Label is made from a blend of over forty malt and grain whisky varieties.

It is made of spirits aged no less than twelve years from distilleries found in the four parts of Scotland. 

Key Differences 

Key Differences 

Age Statement

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a blend of Scotland’s finest, rarest, and most exceptional bottles of whisky. Only one among a thousand casks in their position is chosen to be fit for this label.

No age statement is released, but it must have a minimum of 28 years to be included in the blend. 

Johnnie Walker Black Label is a mix of whisky bottles not younger than 12 years and are rich in peat [1] smoke.

Like the Blue Label, no specific age statement is released, but JW Black is matured for three years after the whiskies are blended. 

Blends

Johnnie Walker Black Label

The blue label bottle consists of a luxurious blend of rare whiskies from two different distilleries, Speyside and Highland. Islay whiskies deliver a good deal of smoke and peat, a part of the blend.

Meanwhile, the black label focuses on a light, smokey and mellow note. The mixture of malt and grain whisky varieties is carefully calculated to achieve the particular flavor they are aiming for. 

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Alcohol Content

JW Black Label and Blue label both contain 40% ABV. Both are bottled 80 proof, the same as Johnnie Walker Red Label, Johnnie Walker Green Label, and Johnnie Walker Gold. 

The Johnnie Walker portfolio contains the same alcohol levels, including the Double Black label. 

Availability

Johnnie Walker Black Mojito

The Blue Label is the rarest among all the variants from this brand because of the special single malt Scotch blended to produce it.

The Black Label is also a special blend. However, it is easier to find in stores and bars. But what’s the most expensive Johnnie Walker whiskey?

Pairings

The Blue Label is best paired with toasted nuts or smoked salmon, best served in an equally meaningful event.

On the other hand, Johnnie Walker Black is great with savory food such as smoked meat. You can also drink it with chilled ginger ale topped with lime juice. But how do you drink Johnnie Walker Blue?

Tasting Notes

Johnnie Walker Blue with box

Palate

The Blue label has smooth and balanced flavors of dark chocolate, hazelnuts, pepper, and spice with just the right amount of smokiness. 

Black label is loved for its burst of balanced flavors of dried fruit, caramel, winter spice, and toffee with a blend of banana and the white smoke that lingers. 

Nose

Johnnie Walker Blue Label has a strong scent of oak, dried fruits, spices, and cereals.

On the contrary, Johnnie Walker Black label has rich vanilla notes with bright citrus hints, dark fruits, and signature smokiness.

Color

Johnnie Walker Black Label has a polished amber hue, while Johnnie Walker Blue Label has a darker shade of gold with a dense amber shade.

Finish

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is made of the highest quality blended grain and malt whiskies, producing a lengthy finish.

Meanwhile, the Black Label is known for its sweet, long, lingering finish with deep peat, peppery and smokey notes. 

Price Point

A 750 ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Scotch whisky costs roughly $200. This isn’t surprising, considering it’s an exquisite blend of the most exceptional and rarest Scotch whiskies.   

On the other hand, Johnnie Walker Black is priced at roughly $35. It is a very reasonable price which most of the bottles bearing the Johnnie Walker brand have. 

Similarities Between Johnnie Walker Black & Blue Label 

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Johnnie Walker Black Label and Blue Label are blended Scotch whiskies with many awards and recognitions. Both are made of matured quality liquors.

This aged, stock Scotland whisky is a product of master distillers Johnnie Walker and Alexander Walker, together with John Walker II. It also contains the same ABV. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is smoother, Johnnie Walker Blue or Black?

Comparing the smoothness of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Black Label involves discerning nuances in flavor, texture, and overall drinking experience. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is often regarded as smoother than Black Label due to its premium blend of rare whiskies, which are meticulously selected for their exceptional quality and smoothness.

Blue Label boasts a velvety texture and a complex flavor profile characterized by notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruits, resulting in a luxurious and indulgent drinking experience. In contrast, Johnnie Walker Black Label, while still smooth, may exhibit slightly more pronounced smoky and peaty notes, which contribute to its bold and robust character.

Ultimately, the smoothness of each label is subjective and may vary depending on individual taste preferences.

Is Johnnie Walker Blue better drank neat than Black?

Whether Johnnie Walker Blue Label is better enjoyed neat than Black Label depends on personal preference and the desired drinking experience. Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s refined and nuanced flavor profile makes it ideally suited for sipping neat, allowing the drinker to fully appreciate its complex layers of flavor and aroma.

Neat consumption accentuates the smoothness and depth of Blue Label, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated and contemplative drinking experience. On the other hand, Johnnie Walker Black Label’s bold and robust character lends itself well to various serving options, including neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

While Black Label can certainly be enjoyed neat, its versatility makes it equally enjoyable when mixed with soda or in classic whisky cocktails such as the Highball or Old Fashioned.

Which Johnnie Walker Label Is Considered More Premium: Blue or Black?

In the realm of Johnnie Walker whiskies, Blue Label is generally considered more premium than Black Label due to its rare and exclusive blend of exceptional whiskies sourced from distilleries across Scotland. Blue Label is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, using only the finest and rarest whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years, resulting in a truly luxurious and prestigious expression of the Johnnie Walker brand.

The exquisite packaging and presentation further enhance the perception of Blue Label as a premium offering, making it a sought-after choice among discerning whisky enthusiasts and collectors. In contrast, Black Label is celebrated for its accessible yet refined character, offering a blend of whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years that deliver a rich and complex drinking experience at a more affordable price point.

While both Blue Label and Black Label are esteemed expressions of the Johnnie Walker brand, Blue Label’s rarity, exclusivity, and exceptional quality position it as the pinnacle of luxury within the Johnnie Walker portfolio.

What Flavor Profile Can I Expect from Johnnie Walker Blue Label?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label presents a sophisticated and multifaceted flavor profile that embodies the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship. Expect a harmonious blend of rich and indulgent flavors, characterized by notes of velvety honey, creamy vanilla, and luscious dried fruits.

These elements are complemented by hints of aromatic spices and subtle traces of oak, culminating in a luxurious and indulgent drinking experience.

The texture is smooth and refined, with each sip revealing layers of complexity and nuance that tantalize the palate and leave a lasting impression. Overall, Johnnie Walker Blue Label offers a sublime balance of sweetness, richness, and depth that elevates the whisky-drinking experience to new heights of sophistication and indulgence.

How Does the Flavor Profile of Johnnie Walker Black Label Differ from Blue Label?

Johnnie Walker Black Label offers a more robust and assertive flavor profile compared to Blue Label, featuring notes of peat smoke, oak, caramel, dried fruit, and spice, with a well-rounded and balanced character suitable for both sipping and mixing.

Which Johnnie Walker Label Is Better for Special Occasions or Gifting?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is often chosen for special occasions or gifting due to its premium status, luxurious presentation, and refined flavor profile, making it an impressive and memorable gift choice.

So, Which Do We Prefer?

The much better Johnnie Walker whisky would be the Blue Label. Excellent taste is also expected from quality blended malt Scotch such as the Black label.

However, there is no question about what results in a blend of the premium, hand-crafted, and exclusive single malts and grain whisky bottles. 

The complexity of its flavor is incomparable. The price may be high, but this is the whisky you drink in an equally momentous event.

Hands down, the Blue Label is the superior whisky between the two.

Reference:

  1. Peat
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