During a recent trip to our local Wine and Spirits shop for some wine, I found myself wandering towards the Scotch Whiskey section (as I often do). I had a dilemma. I needed scotch but I really didn't want to spend the $70 + for a nice bottle of Glenfiddich or Glenlivet. I asked if there were any smaller bottles that weren't so hard on the wallet. What I ended up with was a small bottle of Johnny Walker Black. I've had Johnny Red and Blue but never Black. I really didn't know what to expect.
I sat down to dinner with a glass. Neat. No rocks. I am a scotch drinker. I have no problem with letting the taste linger or "stomaching" the taste. I have many friends that can't take it. I am the type of guy that will drink harsh whiskey neat with a bottle of Tums at my side. That being said, I was taken back after my first sip. To say that I could feel it going down is an understatement. Initially the taste is tongue-numbing and burnt. After the second taste I realized that I'd need to do something else to enjoy this scotch. I added some ice, waited a minute and then dove back in.
The color of Johnny Walker scotch is difficult to discern because of its blended nature. Since every bottle is made of up many different scotches aged 12 years +, you cant really try and discover the origins by that alone. The same goes for the taste. The many scotches come together to make one strong tasting whiskey with no characteristic or consistent features. All of the tones noticable in Johnny Black seem to come together in one muted taste that left me a little bored.
This is a very average scotch. Many reviews label this scotch as "not bad for the money" and "not great but not bad". I say if you're going to buy a small bottle ($20) for a weekend fix, go for it. If you're going to spend the $70 + on a normal size bottle of Black, keep walking and pick up a bottle of Glenfiddich or Lagavulin (review to come). These are much more enjoyable.
