Johnnie Walker Double Black
Black Label, but darker and smokier. With more peated malt from Islay and deeply charred casks, for those who enjoy a robust, smoky whisky while still wanting the smoothness of a blend.
Black Label with the lights off
Johnnie Walker Double Black came onto the market in 2009 as a smokier answer to Black Label. The blend contains more naturally smoky malt whisky, including Caol Ila from Islay, and matures in oak casks that are deeply charred on the inside. That layer of charcoal gives the whisky its dark color, extra vanilla and a warm, smoldering note.
The result is bolder than Black Label, but still a blend: full and rich with vanilla, with apple, pear and orange peel beneath the smoke. The alcohol content remains 40%. Double Black is made to be enjoyed neat or over one large ice cube; the brand recommends adding a little water to open up the layers of spice and smoke.
In brief
Smoldering, full and surprisingly fruity
Smoke and vanilla
Powerful smoke from the Islay malts, followed immediately by creamy vanilla from the charred casks.
Apple, pear and orange peel
Rich and intense. Beneath the smoke are apple, pear and orange peel, with spices that slowly warm up.
Long and smoldering
The smoke lingers, with a sweet vanilla note and a dry, spicy edge. Smokier than any other Johnnie Walker.
Double Black's flavor profile neat. A splash of water brings the fruit and vanilla out from beneath the smoke more clearly.
How to get the most out of Double Black
Double Black deserves a low glass and a little patience. Water and one large ice cube are your tools.
Neat with a splash of water
30 ml Double Black in a tasting glass, followed by a teaspoon of cool water. This follows the brand's advice: the water opens up the layers of spice and smoke.
Tasting glasses →Over a single large ice cube
40 ml over a large, clear ice cube in a heavy tumbler. The smoke softens as the ice melts, without quickly diluting the whisky.
Tumblers →Smoky highball
40 ml Double Black with 120 ml cold soda water in a highball glass filled with ice, garnished with a strip of orange peel. The soda lightens the smoke, while the orange complements the flavor.
Highball recipe →Smoky cocktails with Double Black
Choose strong stirred cocktails with few ingredients. In these, Double Black's smoke holds its own and becomes a distinct layer of flavor.
Smoky Old Fashioned
Whisky, a sugar cube, and bitters over a large ice cube. With Double Black, it becomes a smoky, dark version of the classic.
Rusty Nail
Scotch and Drambuie over ice. The liqueur's honey and Double Black's smoke complement each other beautifully.
Boulevardier
Whisky, Campari, and sweet vermouth, stirred. With smoky Scotch instead of bourbon, it becomes drier and more complex.
Godfather
Scotch with amaretto over ice. Two ingredients, with the smoke making the almond less sweet.The right glass for Johnnie Walker Double Black
A heavy tumbler for the ice cube and stirred cocktails, and a tulip glass for tasting neat with water.
More Johnnie Walker flavors
Johnnie Walker
Where it began. On the brand page, you can read all about Johnnie Walker: its origins, varieties, and classic cocktails.
To Johnnie Walker →
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Spicy with cinnamon, pepper and apple. Made for a highball with ginger ale or cola.
Discover Johnnie Walker Red Label →
Johnnie Walker Green Label
Only single malts aged for at least fifteen years. Grass, pepper and sandalwood; neat with a drop of water.
Discover Johnnie Walker Green Label →
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
Honey, apricot and vanilla with a subtle smokiness. Delicious ice-cold straight from the freezer.
Discover Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve →
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Rare malt and grain whiskies, velvety smooth. Chocolate and honey; taste neat, with ice water beforehand.
Discover Johnnie Walker Blue Label →Everything about whisky: the types, the best-known brands and the cocktails.
Questions about Johnnie Walker Double Black
Can't find your question here? Read more on the Johnnie Walker page or explore our cocktail recipes.
Everything about Johnnie Walker →