Hey Mark!!! Good to see you again! Interesting discussion. I've not had much experience w/anything Johnny Walker beyond the standard red label. While I don't consider myself a malt snob------I DO TEND to purchase single malts much more often than a blended scotch. Speaking of blended scotch, I am sipping on a dram of a special seven layer malt blend I created in a continuous living bottle about a month ago. I will never let the bottle go empty and shall continue to add different single malts to it as time goes by. Of the seven malts in my solera bottle at present----the regions include Highland, West Highland, Speyside, and Islay. The ONE CONSTANT characteristic I insist upon remaining in this ongoing ever-changing malt flavor profile bottle----is the noticeable presence of PEAT SMOKE. Don't get me wrong----there are MANY non-peated scotch malts & blends that I enjoy-----but this malt project I've got going must stay smoky. That said, two of the seven malts I currently have in my solera bottle come from Ardbeg and Laphroaig......No problem in keeping the smoke around as these two (I'm sure you know) tend to be heavily peated....... Sorry for the lengthy chatter!!!! Nice review as always and catch you again soon!! CHEERS!!!!!
Mark, this is a nice comparative review of the J.W. Black vs the J.W. Double Black. When my whisky journey began over 30 years ago with Scotch blends, J.W. Black was one of my regular drams so it will always have a special place in my heart. Since I am now a peat fan, I do prefer the Double Black version over the Black version. Cheers !
Duane First of all, a big thanks for getting the first comment in via your Patreon Patron Priority Pass. What an interesting ‘origin story’! I am sure Red Label or Black was my first Scotch bottle purchase. My first Scotch would’ve been Talisker Laphroaig Ardbeg and Lagavulin. The bar served it in a big rocks glass, and I remember one shot neat looked so minimal so thereafter I would get doubles. I didn’t try Johnnie Walker again until sharing some Blue with my brother in law in 2011/12 winter. My palate wasn’t ready for it. Then after I started the channel I would have had Black Label on a plane to or from Chicago. I was surprised how much I liked it. The Double Black was purchased in Jeju Island I think. Did you get over there? It disappeared very quickly. It took some willpower not to drink or share it all. I doubt I’ll get another Double Black here in Winnipeg as it’s 75 bucks plus tax! 20 more than Black Label. I’ve got some left in the archives which will await a future comparison! An epic post deserves an epic reply, right? Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 Mark
WhiskyWhistle Hi Mark, here in Indiana, I can get the J.W. Black for $ 28 and the J.W. Double Black for $ 40.00 so I always keep a bottle of each on my bar to enjoy periodically. While living in the Philippines in the mid-1990's, I visited South Korea about 10 times but it was always to Seoul. I oversaw the start-up of a local sales office in Seoul during that time. I initially hired and trained a local sales manager. Once the office was up and running, I would visit quarterly to review operations. Cheers ! 👍🥃
It was about $40 In Korea as well, with Double being just 4 dollars more( Asia and NAS don’t jive generally so NAS seem cheaper there) the price for Double in Manitoba is 75CAD plus tax so 84 all in. Not gonna do it! Lucky Duane!! Some states seem nearly as pricey as Canada.
I personally find the Black to be a bit too thin, but for the price it's a good value. I definitely prefer the DB, better mouth feel, sweeter and more peat, all things I love, but as stated in other replies, for the same price or a few dollars more I can get a Talisker 10, Laphroaig 10, or a Quarter Cask or a HP12 for five dollars less! Also, each of the whiskies I mentioned is very memorable, they stand out in their own right. And thats where the JW lets down. They taste like generic scotch (*not the Green). It doesn't make them bad, they're very easy to drink but also forgettable. So for the money, I'll take that Talisker please. On an other note, great review! So Canadian. Cheers from Montreal!
A great bunch of comments within an epic reply. I agree many less expensive single malts can exceed these blends in certain respects. For me, I can see the allure in subtler Scotches like JW12, and I can see the draw in robust malts, too. Lucky me! It means I have to spend a little extra up front to have both around, but the whisky will last a bit longer! Awesome to hear. This land was made for you and me, brother! Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃 Mark
Was surprised at the end when you gave a slight nod to JWB over the JWDB. I'm new to Scotch in the last year, tried JW first, liked it a lot, then of course said "why not" and went for the DB. For me, DB has everything JWB does, but just a bit more of it, especially the peat, which is much more distinct but far from overpowering. It's also a bit sweeter, and the "mouthfeel", or what I call "chewiness", is far superior to JWB. Where I live, the price difference is only $2, so for that reason I always go for DB. When I don't want to spend quite that much, I grab a bottle of "Black Bottle", which is pretty close to JW but $10 cheaper. Johnnie Walker definitely know what they are doing with that small price disparity. For people like me who aren't "peatheads" but enjoy it up to a point, they kind of "throw us a bone" with the DB to keep us "in house", so to speak. There really are no decent peaty single malts within $15 dollars of the DB, so they pretty much have the "novice" sippers like me locked down. I finally got around to trying "JWR" a few weeks, ago, and don't really see the point of every having it again, for me it was fairly unpleasant.
What it’s missing is balance and aged casks. I know what you’re saying, but I’m not hugely into sweet whiskies! But they did go a great job with it. Black bottle is solid. Try Isle of Skye blend for more peat! Cutty Sark Prohibition is a nice strong blend. Cheers Jay🥃🥃🥃🥃
Great review Mark. My favourite JW is the Standard Black, the smell reminds me of Grandfather Charlie, but the peat isn't quite the same as I remember from those 80's bottles compered to now.
I should’ve bought one of those in Seoul - lots of old Scotch as I may have told you. I’ll grab one next time I am there. I hear good things - and now your comments - I’ll make it a priority. Cheers my friend🥃🥃🥃🥃 Mark
Johhnie walker is my favourite whiskey but never tried the DB, might have to try some time. Love black label though, got a nice taste to it where you need a 2nd glass lol. Nice review worthy of my sub.
Thanks Hateious. Try the double black at a pub or friends place first! Some prefer it, but I think most go back to Black. For me the Black Label is an easy purchase and always a nice dram. Cheers & thanks for subbing🥃🥃🥃
I did a search for a comparison of these because I thought Black was "better" (i.e., I liked it better) than DB. Interesting to see that WhiskyWhistle agrees.
I was watching the video,, and realize u actually said Sokcho.. I was like whaaa?? Did i hear it correctly? Was stunned for like a minute. U have great pronunciation! And thank u for the video :)
black is a good ol reliable lol. It beats a lot of single malts in its price bracket. In Canada it runs about 55 or so while most 12yr single malts are 70+ so you have to take that into account. Too many single malt snobs out there missing out on quality blends.
Excellent analysis. I think Double Black is a little too pricey. About 10 dollars more in Bevmo than Black Label. It should be listed below the classic Black or some adjustments should be made. I enjoyed a bottle of the Double Black though.
Thanks Rutilo Romero! I still haven’t purchased a replacement double black! I think there is a mini in a 50ml Johnnie Walker collection. So a re review is coming!! Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Good review Mark! I have a few of these (a piece) on my bar and there most definitely is a difference and they both have their place! Love the out-takes there in the end! ;-)
Mark Enjoyed the detailed review as I ate Dinner. I will also check out the Red Label review. On another note, The World Field Lacrosse Championship game will be played between the U.S. and Canada on 7/21/18 in Israel. It is airing at 3AM EDT here in the US. I do not have cable so I will watch it on Lacrosse Nation on TH-cam. In the opening round game the US Won 11-10. It will be a good game. SLÁINTE Mike
Not really a sports fan but Rabid about those I do like! Last Thursday stopped at a Bar, ENID'S in Williamsburg Brooklyn, one that I have wanted to stop in for a long time and had a detailed discussion with a New Zealander about Lacrosse and he complimented and thanked me for the depth of my knowledge. Mike
That is perhaps true 😉 though most have a lot to say about Black Label - try comparing it side by side with Chivas 12, that might help you figure out the nuances of each! Cheers🥃🥃🥃 Mark
For me the maturity of the standard Black is hard to beat, but Double Black is nice for its extra peat. If I could only pick one, it’d be the standard! What about you? Cheers🥃🥃🥃
I agree a little extra cash pays big rewards for Black over Red, but I tried Red in a blind tasting and was pleasantly surprised. I love Cognac too - which ones are your favourites? I have reviews of: Tesseron Lot 29 Hennessy XO Remy Martin XO DeLuze VSOP Feel free to recommend anything else! Courvoisier VSOP coming soon! Hennessy VSOP too. Cheers🥃🥃🥃 Mark
Me? Zero. That’s not my thing. I was maybe a little tired as this was shot in the middle of the night while I was in the middle of a vacation with my wife, three kids, brother & sister in law and niece...equals not a vacation!!
Sorry, I don’t get drunk! I keep my drams to a minimum. 24 minutes for 2 bottles - About the sweet spot for me. 12 minutes per bottle is about the fastest I can do it! Don’t forget you can toggle to save time. Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃 Check out my latest videos! There’s a Glass review you should watch😁
Hey Mark!!! Good to see you again! Interesting discussion. I've not had much experience w/anything Johnny Walker beyond the standard red label. While I don't consider myself a malt snob------I DO TEND to purchase single malts much more often than a blended scotch.
Speaking of blended scotch, I am sipping on a dram of a special seven layer malt blend I created in a continuous living bottle about a month ago. I will never let the bottle go empty and shall continue to add different single malts to it as time goes by. Of the seven malts in my solera bottle at present----the regions include Highland, West Highland, Speyside, and Islay. The ONE CONSTANT characteristic I insist upon remaining in this ongoing ever-changing malt flavor profile bottle----is the noticeable presence of PEAT SMOKE. Don't get me wrong----there are MANY non-peated scotch malts & blends that I enjoy-----but this malt project I've got going must stay smoky. That said, two of the seven malts I currently have in my solera bottle come from Ardbeg and Laphroaig......No problem in keeping the smoke around as these two (I'm sure you know) tend to be heavily peated.......
Sorry for the lengthy chatter!!!! Nice review as always and catch you again soon!! CHEERS!!!!!
I love the lengthy chatter! Sounds like a kickass infinity bottle! Thanks for the comment
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Mark, this is a nice comparative review of the J.W. Black vs the J.W. Double Black. When my whisky journey began over 30 years ago with Scotch blends, J.W. Black was one of my regular drams so it will always have a special place in my heart. Since I am now a peat fan, I do prefer the Double Black version over the Black version. Cheers !
Duane First of all, a big thanks for getting the first comment in via your Patreon Patron Priority Pass. What an interesting ‘origin story’! I am sure Red Label or Black was my first Scotch bottle purchase. My first Scotch would’ve been Talisker Laphroaig Ardbeg and Lagavulin. The bar served it in a big rocks glass, and I remember one shot neat looked so minimal so thereafter I would get doubles.
I didn’t try Johnnie Walker again until sharing some Blue with my brother in law in 2011/12 winter. My palate wasn’t ready for it. Then after I started the channel I would have had Black Label on a plane to or from Chicago. I was surprised how much I liked it. The Double Black was purchased in Jeju Island I think. Did you get over there? It disappeared very quickly. It took some willpower not to drink or share it all. I doubt I’ll get another Double Black here in Winnipeg as it’s 75 bucks plus tax! 20 more than Black Label. I’ve got some left in the archives which will await a future comparison!
An epic post deserves an epic reply, right?
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
WhiskyWhistle
Hi Mark, here in Indiana, I can get the J.W. Black for $ 28 and the J.W. Double Black for $ 40.00 so I always keep a bottle of each on my bar to enjoy periodically. While living in the Philippines in the mid-1990's, I visited South Korea about 10 times but it was always to Seoul. I oversaw the start-up of a local sales office in Seoul during that time. I initially hired and trained a local sales manager. Once the office was up and running, I would visit quarterly to review operations. Cheers ! 👍🥃
Duane Large put Jeju Island on your list of places to travel! Cheers brother🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃-Mark
It was about $40 In Korea as well, with Double being just 4 dollars more( Asia and NAS don’t jive generally so NAS seem cheaper there) the price for Double in Manitoba is 75CAD plus tax so 84 all in. Not gonna do it! Lucky Duane!! Some states seem nearly as pricey as Canada.
I personally find the Black to be a bit too thin, but for the price it's a good value. I definitely prefer the DB, better mouth feel, sweeter and more peat, all things I love, but as stated in other replies, for the same price or a few dollars more I can get a Talisker 10, Laphroaig 10, or a Quarter Cask or a HP12 for five dollars less! Also, each of the whiskies I mentioned is very memorable, they stand out in their own right. And thats where the JW lets down. They taste like generic scotch (*not the Green). It doesn't make them bad, they're very easy to drink but also forgettable. So for the money, I'll take that Talisker please.
On an other note, great review! So Canadian. Cheers from Montreal!
A great bunch of comments within an epic reply. I agree many less expensive single malts can exceed these blends in certain respects. For me, I can see the allure in subtler Scotches like JW12, and I can see the draw in robust malts, too. Lucky me! It means I have to spend a little extra up front to have both around, but the whisky will last a bit longer!
Awesome to hear. This land was made for you and me, brother!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
I agree. DB is much more flavorful. BL is a little too light tasting.
Was surprised at the end when you gave a slight nod to JWB over the JWDB. I'm new to Scotch in the last year, tried JW first, liked it a lot, then of course said "why not" and went for
the DB. For me, DB has everything JWB does, but just a bit more of it, especially the peat, which is much more distinct but far from overpowering. It's also a bit sweeter, and the "mouthfeel", or what I call "chewiness", is far superior to JWB. Where I live, the price difference is only $2, so for that reason I always go for DB. When I don't want to spend quite that much, I grab a bottle of "Black Bottle", which is pretty close to JW but $10 cheaper. Johnnie Walker definitely know what they are doing with that small price disparity. For people like me who aren't "peatheads" but enjoy it up to a point, they kind of "throw us a bone" with the DB to keep us "in house", so to speak. There really are no decent peaty single malts within $15 dollars of the DB, so they pretty much have the "novice" sippers like me locked down. I finally got around to trying "JWR" a few weeks, ago, and don't really see the point of every having it again, for me it was fairly unpleasant.
What it’s missing is balance and aged casks. I know what you’re saying, but I’m not hugely into sweet whiskies! But they did go a great job with it.
Black bottle is solid.
Try Isle of Skye blend for more peat! Cutty Sark Prohibition is a nice strong blend.
Cheers Jay🥃🥃🥃🥃
@@WhiskyWhistle Thanks for the reply and the recommendations!
My pleasure! 🥃🥃🥃🥃
I'm here drinking a cup of double black and enjoying your video.
Hey Carlos Uquillas, really appreciate that. It’s a nice smoky one! Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
@@WhiskyWhistle Thank you for the video Mark, yeah is a really good whisky.
Great review Mark. My favourite JW is the Standard Black, the smell reminds me of Grandfather Charlie, but the peat isn't quite the same as I remember from those 80's bottles compered to now.
I should’ve bought one of those in Seoul - lots of old Scotch as I may have told you. I’ll grab one next time I am there. I hear good things - and now your comments - I’ll make it a priority.
Cheers my friend🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Johhnie walker is my favourite whiskey but never tried the DB, might have to try some time. Love black label though, got a nice taste to it where you need a 2nd glass lol. Nice review worthy of my sub.
Thanks Hateious. Try the double black at a pub or friends place first! Some prefer it, but I think most go back to Black. For me the Black Label is an easy purchase and always a nice dram. Cheers & thanks for subbing🥃🥃🥃
I did a search for a comparison of these because I thought Black was "better" (i.e., I liked it better) than DB. Interesting to see that WhiskyWhistle agrees.
Hi Bill,
DB is not quite all smoke and mirrors, but....it could be blamed as such.
Thanks for dropping by!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Double black is fantastic! Smoky without the harsh iodine. The best of the two imo.
Thanks for adding your thoughts!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
had drank black,gold,platinum,blue. black 12 always the good price to drink....
It really is hard to beat Black Label for taste to price ratio! Cheers🥃🥃🥃
I was watching the video,, and realize u actually said Sokcho.. I was like whaaa?? Did i hear it correctly? Was stunned for like a minute. U have great pronunciation! And thank u for the video :)
Thanks for the comment - 한국 분이시네요 예 한국어 합니다. Glad you enjoyed the video!
많이 보세요!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Double black for me. I enjoy the smokey after taste.
It is very good! Cheers🥃🥃🥃
black is a good ol reliable lol. It beats a lot of single malts in its price bracket. In Canada it runs about 55 or so while most 12yr single malts are 70+ so you have to take that into account. Too many single malt snobs out there missing out on quality blends.
Hi Mark Merry Xmas!
Absolutely right. I am enjoying Black Label more and more as time passes.
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
double black is great
Definitely a great addition to the line up! Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Good take Mark. Glad you're back in Canada!
Thanks for the review Ive had both and prefered the Black label
Sorry this is late Rocco! I’m with you there. Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Thanks for another great review, even while on vacation. I guess work never ends...Plus, Sokcho is one of my favorite cities in Korea.
Thanks Brother! It’s a gorgeous place.
Hope you’re well!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Excellent analysis. I think Double Black is a little too pricey. About 10 dollars more in Bevmo than Black Label. It should be listed below the classic Black or some adjustments should be made. I enjoyed a bottle of the Double Black though.
Thanks Rutilo Romero! I still haven’t purchased a replacement double black! I think there is a mini in a 50ml Johnnie Walker collection. So a re review is coming!!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Just helped me through my bottle choosing doubts...
Really glad to hear this Amin! Cheers and thanks for checking out @whiskywhistle!
🥃🥃🥃
Fun to watch, and I too like the 12 year old, though I have not had it in a very long time.
Thanks Jon! Weird audio but that was the best I could do!!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
This is going to be a good one I am anticipating this my friend.
Thanks for your excitement!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Good review Mark! I have a few of these (a piece) on my bar and there most definitely is a difference and they both have their place! Love the out-takes there in the end! ;-)
Hi Mark! Sorry for the delay. I blame fatherhood! Cool to hear their importance in your bar. Thanks brother, I do try!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
A little too much whisky at the end lol. Never a bad thing though!
Wait till you get a load of the amalgamated collection! It’s glorious. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
I also preferred the 12 to the double...
Great minds....( I should say discerning palates)
Cheers FQ🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
A great go to scotch anytime and anywhere. Cheers 👍
Thanks Rog! Hope you’re having a good summer, too.
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Mark
Enjoyed the detailed review as I ate Dinner. I will also check out the Red Label review.
On another note, The World Field Lacrosse Championship game will be played between the U.S. and Canada on 7/21/18 in Israel. It is airing at 3AM EDT here in the US. I do not have cable so I will watch it on Lacrosse Nation on TH-cam. In the opening round game the US Won 11-10. It will be a good game.
SLÁINTE
Mike
Gachain thanks Mike! I’ll have to try to watch some lacrosse here soon. You’re a true sport fan!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Not really a sports fan but Rabid about those I do like! Last Thursday stopped at a Bar, ENID'S in Williamsburg Brooklyn, one that I have wanted to stop in for a long time and had a detailed discussion with a New Zealander about Lacrosse and he complimented and thanked me for the depth of my knowledge.
Mike
Similar. But different. Kinda in a similar way. 🤣🤣🤣
Just jabbing at ya man great review. I know it’s hard to put into words sometimes.
Haha did I say that? I was likely quipping. Make sure you watch till the concluding remarks!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
For me, colour doesn't matter when there is colour added.
Hi D Anton! For me it matters as I get to remind people of the fact and hopefully the producer will smarten up!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Enjoyed the review. If you get a chance, I recommend trying the Johnnie Walker 12 y. o. Sherry Edition. Cheers!
I’ll keep my eyes open! Thanks Daniel.
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Great Job, I never minded JW.
IT grew on me in a big way!
Cheers Daniel🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
I do prefer the Double black with half mineral water
Hi Chabache thanks for the comment! Do you mean equal parts Double Black and mineral water?
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Love your work here Mark, good stuff. I've just really started to get going again. :)
Whiskey Aficionado thank you 🙏🏼 everyone is happy you’ve begun again!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Cheers Mark. Great review.
Thanks Rob!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Im on that whistle baby
Kool and the Gang!
🥃🥃🥃
Mark
I always pick DB and say "SMOKINGGGGGG"
Allllllrighty then!
Good choice
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
I guess the force is strong with you, because I can only smell the barrel and the alcohol. :D
That is perhaps true 😉 though most have a lot to say about Black Label - try comparing it side by side with Chivas 12, that might help you figure out the nuances of each!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
my bell notification was off for your channel. I had to unsubscribe re-subscribe so I can hit the Bell don't understand what happened.
hillbillywine101 and yet you’ve kept up this well! Let’s discuss a video together soon
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Mark
so who is winner???
For me the maturity of the standard Black is hard to beat, but Double Black is nice for its extra peat. If I could only pick one, it’d be the standard! What about you?
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Double black is got the spirit.🍷.
It is very nice! Thanks for the comment.
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Dont waste your time scrolling back the the Johnnie Red...... Stick with Black or go to cognac...
I agree a little extra cash pays big rewards for Black over Red, but I tried Red in a blind tasting and was pleasantly surprised. I love Cognac too - which ones are your favourites? I have reviews of:
Tesseron Lot 29
Hennessy XO
Remy Martin XO
DeLuze VSOP
Feel free to recommend anything else! Courvoisier VSOP coming soon! Hennessy VSOP too.
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Courvoisier Napoleon Fine Champagne
Jeff C Want to buy me a bottle? 🤣 that would be crazy stuff I bet.
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Red is nice but ye the black is got to be the one.
Db is lighter in collor
Thanks for the comment. I respectfully disagree!
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
Tipsy
Me? Zero. That’s not my thing. I was maybe a little tired as this was shot in the middle of the night while I was in the middle of a vacation with my wife, three kids, brother & sister in law and niece...equals not a vacation!!
You could have been a bit more generous !!!
With the size of pour? Or score? I’m confused😬
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark
@@WhiskyWhistle pour.... ofcourse..
Once you are drunk.. who cares about score....
Good review... could have been a lot fast though.
Cheers.
Sorry, I don’t get drunk! I keep my drams to a minimum.
24 minutes for 2 bottles - About the sweet spot for me. 12 minutes per bottle is about the fastest I can do it! Don’t forget you can toggle to save time.
Cheers🥃🥃🥃🥃
Check out my latest videos! There’s a Glass review you should watch😁
Одна херня, дабл блэк немного ярче букет, даже больше похож на ред, но более зрелый!
Я не умею читать по-русски, зови маму, но надеюсь, это хороший гребаный комментарий. Ха-ха, ура, Марк.🥃🥃🥃
🥃🚬
🥃🥃🥃💭
dude! you are drunk! lol
Haha not even close!
Which of these is your favourite?
Cheers🥃🥃🥃
Mark