whisky review 608 - Johnnie Walker Black Label re-reviewed 2016

[@neilcullen8055]

Wow! Your introductory monologue on the dangers and widespread abuse of alcohol was so prudent. You rationalize the argument for the legalization of marijuana so eloquently and in an understated and genuine manner. Well said Ralfy, well said!

[@drifterman319]

Me as a US Marine Corps veteran would far rather drink whiskey and beer with veterans than smoke pot with hippies. I've seen the occasional scuffle in bars and E-clubs in my life. But most of the friends and drinkers I knew were good time Charlie's and very peaceful men. Just as a drunkard is a very disgusting thing to look at a person too high on marijuana with red bloodshot eyes half closed is equally as disgusting. I can drink a six pack in an evening and get up for work the next morning. Back when I was hitting the marijuana a little too much, I found myself sleeping till noon and feeling very lazy. This was 1986. Great beer goes with great food. Marijuana cigarette with steak and bake potato and lobster tail? I don't think so. Give me some pabst blue ribbon and some beef jerky and nuts. I'm good. Or Sam Adams and a nice herring dip. The list goes on. Smoke a little too much pot? Get me to McDonald's as fast as you can.

[@filozota]

One of the best Ralfy's reviews ever. So complex and rounded, reaching various issues: from alcoholism to all those who blindly idolize brands. There is a comparative analysis of one whisky brand and an informative message to all spirits lovers. Cheers.

[@Robhalifax]

Complex and rounded - unlike the whisky.

[@forecaster182]

I love how you are emphasizing the dangers of alcohol abuse as well. It's very important to make the distinction between having a positive experience with your spirit of choice or just getting shit-faced and hurting your health and personal life in general.

[@stuhasic]

The twist of bringing back out the old bottle was a lovely surprise. Black Label is my go-to affordable dram and I've noticed the difference over the years. I agree it hasn't improved, but my loyalty remains.

[@groberti]

try Teachers if you like the smoky part of Black Label. Cheaper and much better imho

[@stuhasic]

@@groberti Well, you'll be pleased to know that I took you up on your suggestion and bought a bottle of Teachers Highland Cream. My first surprise was the price! At AU$35 on sale, I was very skeptical because it put it in the same bucket as JW Red which I loathe. But I took it home and gave it a spin. First taste was neat and I was very impressed. Then I added a few drops of water and wow. There is so much to this! Such an enjoyable blend. I've now got three bottles and am slowly going through them as a new regular! Many thanks for the tip.

[@groberti]

@@stuhasic Nice to hear you are enjoying it! Glad I could help :)

[@drifterman319]

Unfortunately in the mid-80s I would do shots of Johnny Walker Black and Chivas Regal. Stupid young kid. Bought my first bottle of Johnnie Walker Black in I don't know how many years. Very many. I'm enjoying it immensely. Though I have nothing to compare it to since I shot it down like lemonade back then. I'm loving the campfireesque finish in the end with a touch of water added. Creamy pipe tobacco too. The bit of water totally changes its characteristics not for the better just different. At my recent 60th birthday I will not cheat myself out of very good scotch any longer. Glad to have you back, Johnnie Walker Black. Looks like a

[@moltomezzopiano]

Came here for just another review and was surprised by your thoughts on the matter of drugs and alcohol. My respect for you - which was already substantial - has doubled, Ralfy.

[@dougdavey9782]

Same here. I’ve probably watched 50 of his reviews. Has always been one of my favorites (even though I’m more of a bourbon fan) and now I respect him even more.

[@travisguide4516]

We really see ralfy is a smart guy honest and true to his feelings

[@jaisuryabanerjee]

Lots of love to you from India, Ralfy. You're educating an entire generation, globally, on the fine nuances of how to truly enjoy a dram! Cheers.

[@PanayiotisM77]

the way youre able to pick out so many distinctive flavours from a small taste is remarkable, the way you explain it so clearly is also great

[@Rickky007]

Switch from beer to Whisky for two months To my surprise I went from size 37 to 34 on the waist size plus no Hangover

[@thebestever333]

same here, mostly just having Black label and Chivas 12

[@tobelieve627]

Be sure to drink lot of water on whisky. Lol

[@Rickky007]

@@tobelieve627 drinking glenlivet 15 year old single malt, I’m size 30 now .

[@markpozsar5785]

@@Rickky007 you can gain weight on whiskey as well. Depends how much you drink.

[@gamblestyle7337]

Recently got into whiskey because I wanted to "drink less, drink the best." Have been watching Ralfy for a couple of weeks and was interested to hear what he had to say on JW Black, as I have never had it before and it happens to be on sale at my local LQ. I was surprised by Ralfy's well thought out and articulate views on drinking culture and cannabis. I live in the state of Colorado in the U.S. and we were one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis and it has had nothing but a POSITIVE effect on the culture. All new respect for you Ralfy. Please keep doing what you are doing, good sir! You meticulous maestro of magnificent Malts!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to share !

[@HuubHeesakkers]

That's great!

[@theden0minat0r]

I bow before the master. Your best review yet. And I've seen them all. Great job, Ralfy. Thank you for the great content. I don't even drink Whisky.

[@fxvsdx35]

In Los Angeles, California Black Label sells for around US $30, while Glenlivet 12/ Glenfiddich 12 sells for US $ 24-29. Knowledge is power.

[@cardboardboxification]

Jay John i picked up a bottle of lagavulin 16 on sale at costco, $58

[@fxvsdx35]

I got Lagavulin 16 at Costco too few months ago on sale, but I cannot enjoy the peaty taste. I amy dilute it with vodka.

[@cardboardboxification]

Jay John I like the chard smoke taste.. it's the first bottle I ever got of it... I want to try some high score blend next.. all I ever had was jack, I want to try different ones now

[@LesWaller]

enjoy the journey! :-)

[@BM4gic2010]

completely different products, black label is smokey those other two are not.

[@Louisspareysupersafe]

Good honest opinion about cannabis ! I am a medicinal user and i applaud and thank you for speaking about the subject !

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . people need to know that many prescription medicines are more dangerous to health than marajuana.

[@Louisspareysupersafe]

They most certainly are good sir

[@TheLondonCyclist]

ralfystuff I agree 100%. They won't legalise weed because that would effect there medicinal sales. More tablets sold equals more profit.

[@Solocat1]

@@TheLondonCyclist Legal in Canada now

[@jungleinc]

Can you review Glenlivet Founders Reserve? Not sure why this is priced more than 12 yr

[@davidbroughall3782]

Watching in late 2020 and my dram seems far better than what you're describing.

[@Scotsmaninspain]

My go to bar whisky, after a hard week I always spend my weekend with Johnnie 😊

[@pajamasflannel]

Actually - my fellow maize mavens - the last box of Corn Flakes I dug into had a less impressive 'toasted' aroma and taste than did the previous one. Also, perhaps due to its sitting on the market shelf for an extended period of time, accompanying the cereal was a spider which, as my corn flake connoisseur cohorts already know, just adds protein to the meal! Bon appetite, you selective cereal insatiables!

[@toddstevens6608]

pajamasflannel ab-so-lute-ly hilarious good sir this had me in stitches

[@theden0minat0r]

pajamasflannel Your cornflake review had me laughing so hard I doubled over while sitting at my desk at work. Needless to say it was quite a sight to my co-workers. Great post.

[@LesWaller]

+pajamasflannel do you eat your Corn Flakes neat, or do you add sugar. If you add sugar is it white, brown, or organic?

[@pajamasflannel]

Les Waller - Corn Flakes with sugar? That's another cereal entirely; it's called Frosted Flakes. Consider yourself looked down the nose at. If you think that's ironic, well...so do I! 😜

[@crimsonkes3309]

Erik Wait With?! You mean, on!

[@boryskalinin]

I do not need a television since there is Ralfy's channel out there.

[@BirdArvid]

Thank you dear Ralfy for another fine review, but above all I want to laud your fairly un-European view on weed; you're so right!!!

[@KPX-nl4nt]

I love when Ralfy performs a side by side comparison of a new and older version of the same whisky.

[@arnoldandujar4893]

I must say, Ralphy ; you’re definitely a very intelligent and intelectual individual with a futuristic view about not just whisky and spirits, but cannabis as well. Well said!

[@WhiskyWhistle]

Thank you Ralfy, this was very informative. It's interesting you're not interested in the new Green 15. I also found the former green more flavoursome and the new one truncated and peat/wood smoke -forward. Are they upping the peated Malt content to jump on the peat wagon? I recently found an old Gold Label 18 and nearly flipped my lid it was so good. I will look for the Antiquary. Thanks for recommending it. Mark in Seoul

[@cobblewright]

Green Label is a blend of 4 single malts and is quite good.

[@thenomadrhodes]

I've been watching you since you were in Canada. And like a fine single malt, you just get better with Age Mr Ralfy, bless you. never stop being awesome.

[@anthonyp1262]

Great review Ralfy. I am curious what changed regarding adding water to JWB from your Review #14 to now. In that review you said adding water un-balances it. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[@StudioMod]

Ralfy, I gotta say: I watch you religiously when it comes to whisky. I trust your senses greater than I trust my own, haha. But man, when you defended weed I got so excited. I've been using medically for my anxiety and IBS for many years. Honestly? I couldn't stomach whisky without it sometimes in my bad months, so here's to you for being awesome! Cheers!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . the weed is very real medecine for the canibanoids content, thta's why it's 'illegal' Big-Pharma hate it

[@SauliJP]

These new vs. old bottling comparisons are always interesting, thanks! Please review Ledaig 18yo.

[@paullywallee]

Ralfy, how much of the flavour difference in the bigger JW is due to the reason that it is a bigger bottle, that is older and had more oxidization time on the shelf? Would this make a big enough difference for you to tell so distinctly?

[@ericgilbert8114]

Smoking marijuana creates aggressive behavior towards Hostess cakes.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . munchies for the munchies !

[@ericgilbert8114]

I live in Ontario and legalization of marijuana happened a few years. Most cities have at least one store now. Where I live, the store is next to a excellent homemade Jamaican beef pattie shop. Someone had some foresight or a genius. There is also a vinyl shop just south of it.

[@shuboy05]

Those Hostess cakes had it coming.....

[@Cypeq]

I'll take your word for it.

[@theintrovertedcalifornian5047]

ralfy i have never been much of a whisky drinker because when i was younger i hung out with people who just drank to get hammered so i never knew how to prepare whiskey and enjoy it so thanks for these reviews and keep up the good work and god bless you!

[@kevinblume7576]

Love your channel Ralphy. Been subscribed for a few months now and can’t get enough of these reviews. Your knowledge and insight into alcohol and other alternative medicines is very helpful! Keep up the lords work

[@specialforces101]

My 70cl bottle cost £20 in December 2021 which I think is actually a very fair price for a whisky scoring 85 with Ralfy. The 100cl bottle has a more elegant label. What is its strength?

[@glytch5]

I haven't had a bottle in at least 8 or 10 years. This was always a consistent favorite of mine when it came to buying a blend but man, you are so right about the peppermint nippy citrus finish. The nose is still alright in my opinion, but the taste just disintegrates. I am not a fan of pepermint at all, or citrusy whisky. Disappointing. Have you had any recently?

[@Malt454]

It's a good review and very accurate - sherry taint as opposed to sherry finish. I find that JW BL has become more grainy/less malty, with the Talisker content, in particular, in decline. As with many prominent single malt and blend brands, the whisky that largely MADE those reputations isn't really to be found in the most price-accessible expressions anymore - the industry is just getting too greedy and the hype machines are starting to bust at the bearings trying to tell people that they're buying high quality that just can't be tasted anymore. The distance between this and Red Label is narrowing in terms of nose/palate, with a finish that's hard to find at all, even as the gap in price is widening. Black Label might be becoming its own worst enemy or, at least, the folks at Diageo might have a solid claim to that title; it's really a shame.

[@jayaramg9411]

Superb writeup, hits the last nail in the coffin of the BL. Have decided to just keep away from it for good! How the mighty have fallen :(

[@Malt454]

Thanks! Yeah, there's just no reason TO buy BL at single malt prices with so many other options out there, particularly when they start playing around with the recipe/malt content; the new pricing is egregious enough. Producers DO have a lot of people fooled that somehow it's the label, not the product content, that counts, but all false marketing gets revealed in the end. Cheers!

[@Tenkai917]

Great review as always. How much do you think the older bottle benefited from its "bottle aging" over the fresher example?

[@dane5896]

Antiquary 21 year-old is amazing! I had Johnnie Walker Black at a retirement party over the summer. It was a new bottling, and I found it to be different and cloyingly sweet like a liquor. Profits over quality?

[@HASECO1]

Thanks so much Ralphy, my older bottles of Johnnie Walker are looking well right now.

[@neilhannahlegge-stevens2366]

I’m really new to whisky, but could you tell me what flavour/scent I am mistaking as leather belt or cork?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . a bit of both, with wood-ash !

[@theone031]

Just pick up a bottle in 2020 and I dont know if they have changed anything but holy cow it is delicious! Highly recommend for a blend. I would put it up against some single malts. Two thumbs up.

[@el.football1978]

this guy is perfect for liquor reviews.. lol his accent and background.. superb !!!! haha makes u wanna open up a bottle right away

[@loranddeka]

Since you've done a re-review of this and Dewars's 12, I'd be interested in one on Chivas Regal 12 to see how it has changed over the years.

[@apudegeest]

I heard another youtuber say that johnnie walker black from the 70s might contain brora and port Ellen. Do you have any nolige on this Ralfy?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . they probably did !

[@KaranSingh-xt5bz]

Dear Ralfie, What is your opinion about the Johnnie Walker Black as of mid 2020 ??

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . less than it was. Still competent, but rather 'fresh'. Not on my List.

[@Goettel]

Always a good backup option where (and when) there aren't any good shops open. Overpriced, but a reassuring presence.

[@cantbendknee]

Thanks Ralfy, I've been enjoying the Te Bheag and ordered the Benromach 5 just there. Whisky doesn't have to be expensive to be quality. On another note hope you will be reviewing some more Irish soon.

[@ivopires4416]

There's a promotion of this exact same whisky at my local store. Now, I can decide. Thanks for your help Ralpy!

[@WoutBoswinkel]

Thanks for the comparison. The larger bottle depicting better quality, and wondering if that one has 40% as well. I'm loving the Black Label over many years as the best JW for an excellent price. Here in NL I buy the 1 liter bottle for €25 when on offer online. I also noticed the 40% bottling somewhat lacks the beautifully intense pineapple sweetness combined with the smokiness. A unique taste. I was happy to be able to buy a 4.5 liter bargain bottle with 43% alcohol in the swinger rack, going price here €150. For a toffee taste an American one like JD will do.

[@williammacneill956]

This is THE legit whisky channel. I've started using JW Black as a test for the quality of whisky channels and the rest have gotten it so very wrong on JW, perhaps excepting "the whisky friend" who hasn't bothered with it yet. It's amazing how brands can be so blinding.

[@StudioMod]

Also, I drink with you here, and a 2017 bottle of JWB has a lot of charcoal on the end and sharpness, more than I remember for sure. Did enjoy the fruity flavor I got with some teaspoons of water, however. It separated the flavor a bit, but it was still very acetone and harsh as it faded. More water helps but I don't add more than another drop, though I did get some honey with another teaspoon of water. I do taste the signature since JWB is my drink of choice when faced with unfamiliar spirits, but there's so much more static so-to-speak on top of the blend. I can really visualize what you mean by the whole need for more producible mediums filling the gaps in the years.

[@kevinhorwitz6973]

Ralfy, thank you for the review. Based on this and the recent review of Green Label, I am presuming that you feel JW products are declining in quality in recent years. A three point drop in a bottling only a couple years apart is dramatic. Ironic in a way since JW has persevered in part because of their trademark consistency.

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Ralfy, Have yoiu ever spoken about the possible influence of soap and other defoaming agents they put into in the wort? Do you think it does have any flavour influence, at in some that perhaps overdo the soap?

[@VagaBohn]

Very cool to hear you talk about weed positively and how much worse alcohol can be even though your channel focuses on drinking, but drinking sensibly. There’s such an odd culture around the world to getting hammered drunk and pressure into doing so. I don’t drink but if I did it would be in appreciation of the drink like you have rather than what I consider the norm.

[@TomGrello]

I love the paint chip color card name plate !!!

[@JayantaKumarAikat]

Ralfy, have you perchance tried their Blender's Batches of September 2016 (Rum Cask Finish/Wine Cask Blend/Espresso Roast) and September 2017 (Red Rye Finish/Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish/Triple Grain American Oak) ? I am no great purveyor of whisky, but I had occasion too have the Triple Grain American Oak and liked it much better than Red/Black/Gold/Platinum. Ive not had the Platinum or the Blue. Could I suggest that you have a review in which you smell and taste all six of these whiskies and give them blend marks ?

[@ThorinOakenshieldGSD2023]

I find it interesting that Johnnie Walker black uses a screw top, and Green uses a cork top. Much like Makers Mark uses a screw top even though wax dipped, and Maker's 46 uses a cork. Is the screw top automatically an indication that a wiskey, wisky is cheaper, less desirable than if a cork is used?

[@pedrosimoes2515]

Could you point out better blended whiskies for the same price range or lower?

[@arcajour]

I'm glad it wasn't just me. I bought a bottle of JW Black about three weeks ago--it is, or was, my go-to blend--and was taken aback by how thin and watery it tasted, barely if at all distinguishable from JW Red. I thought that maybe I'd bought a bad one-off bottle, but I guess it is a system-wide problem. This is really sad. I always thought of JW Black as solidly reliable. Unfortunately, I've never found another universally available blend that comes so close to the taste of single malt as JW Black used to. Must I turn to Dewars 12-year?

[@TylerJamesPryor]

Do you find that preconceived notions of what a whisky is supposed to taste like influences what you smell and taste? Or does that go away with experience?

[@rkostyantyn]

Ralfy, how do you think, is it possible that in faraway countries there is different content in the bottles of the same whisky brand in comparison with bottles, that selling in the UK and Europe? In Ukraine, for example, VAT69 0,7l costs approximately £4.6. Is that possible?) What chances that I'm getting the same smell and taste experience as whisky drinkers in UK?)

[@jayaramg9411]

Hi Ralfy, am glad you did this re-review. I also have a bottle lying with me for a while, which after a few drams, am just not able to go back to. Thanks for reaffirming my issues with it as well. Undrinkable it has become for me :(

[@WilliamCramptonTheFactory]

That makes JWB cheaper in Australia than it is in the UK, regularly selling for under $40AU at Dan Murphy and others.

[@Krnmustang11]

At first I thought the Black Label was too strong in the charcoal taste, but as time came on I found myself to love the smokey/Caramel taste of this blended whiskey. Definitely worth the price I bought it for, I enjoy it. However 85/100 is an accurate mark for this bottle (85 being extremely fair and worth the buy).

[@First-fill]

Hi Ralfy. Bought a litre bottle JW black label bottled 1995 for the Ryder cup from Scotch whisky auction. Haven't tried it yet , what should I expect ? Thanks Ralfy.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . expect happiness, and buy a current bottle of JWB for 'comparison'.

[@First-fill]

ralfystuff Thank you , malt muncher to the gentry, (a wee malt mention of my own ).lol. 😀

[@pepperco100]

It's good for everyday sipping. I prefer Ballantine's 12 year old in the same price range. I always enjoy Ralfy's reviews!

[@michaelpollard921]

Ralfy - if I click on ads that pop up here do you get more money than if I just close them?

[@miserablerhurensohn]

I make an enhanced blend with Johnnie Walker Black that I call BlacMo Bunn-Ila. The JWB and Glenmorangie 10 are available in 1.75 liter bottles which already makes them cheaper per volume but sometimes they go on sale for around 61 dollars. I take 2 parts each of those and 1 part Caol Ila 12 and 1 part Bunnahabhain 12. It makes a very affordable and tasty every-day type of dram.

[@santoparaiso4129]

Had this last night,wow the smoothest and blend whisky I've ever had(loved it).Also it tasted a bit charcoal,oakwood and toffee sweet.

[@theone031]

Its delicious

[@NArbiza4]

Amazing what you just said i this video. I hope more people think like you Ralfy. I am from Uruguay, i do not know if you know it, we are one of the first countries to legalize marihuana and it is so much better than alchohol in that regard, with moderation obviously... BTW i LOVE enjoying whisky, thanks for the review ;)

[@RocasThePenguin]

86/100 for the old JW Black review I believe, but this was a long time ago.

[@christos990]

Hi ralfy. Any opinion on JW red rye finish?? Any plans to review it?

[@bullfrogger1208]

I always found the heavy charcoal component of Black Label was too much for my taste . I found I like the Red more than the others . Is that just personal taste or is my palate not experienced enough to appreciate what should taste better ?

[@mattcabrices]

I like black label a good bit more. but we all like what we like. Nothing wrong with your palate! Just different tastes!

[@jaxson1948]

A solid 85 Ralfy! A good first scotch!

[@PhilosopherThom]

I remember you saying once that when you where dissatisfied with a bottle you send it back to daigio and got a good costumer service response. Maybe this bottle qualifies for that? Since the difference seems so vast.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

True words with regard to alcohol vs violence there, Ralfy. And this is coming from an Australian!

[@chriswitham8736]

Looking forward to the Glenmorangie 18 YO review - it was my Xmas pressie last year. Subtle, honeyed maltyness - but is the price differential to the 10 YO Original worth it? I don't think so. Would also be interested in your opinions on the various special edition Glenmos.

[@fc3sking119]

rally, hello from Colorado Springs just wanted to say love your reviews please keep up the good work, it's hard to find a serious whiskey review without the silliness that comes with drinking, also I want to ask if you have tried any of the American whiskies like bulliet rye or a knob Creek, thank you

[@GeoffBosco]

Have you tried the new Johnnie Walker Select Casks? I found it odd, but really liked it.

[@problemwithauthority]

Ralphy, About 2008 I was gifted a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label, and I put it in the cabinet and forgot about it until just last week. Now perhaps the extra time sitting alone in the dark has had an influence on this bottle of blended Scotch, but I found that adding 2 teaspoons of distilled water (never tap water) has helped with the front end and finish as it plays with my taste buds as it comes on with a smokey caramel to a fruity note and finishes with a nutty flavor. It would be interesting to compare the vintages of Johnnie Walker Black Label to see where the flavor differences are, thus giving more emphasis that the cask itself plays more of a role in flavor than we give it credit for.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . a proper malt-moment there !

[@m.g.i2480]

Just bought a new Black Label 2017 and im still finishing up my 2016 one. The 2017 has like 2-3ppm more than the old one ever had. I like that, but quite a difference.

[@CookingWithCows]

I'm almost afraid to ask, but have you tried LIDL's whisky? It's called Queen Margot.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I have, it was ok for the money, unpretentious.

[@ianmason2296]

Same with the Aldi peated I think. Especially when the bottle has gone down a little.

[@Razsiel]

Didn't expect any great revelations regarding the whisky itself but a great informative introduction! Definitely on the same page regarding the over consumption of alcohol and the legalisation marijuana although it does have its own set of issues regarding over consumption and mental health. Quality before quantity everytime - savour the experience.

[@vimzibaiegh]

Dw we have laws regarding marijuana consumption? What are they Ransziel? Up to now I thought it was a definite "FU" please enlighten.

[@rockdocpalmcoast4189]

I believe 85 is a generous malt mark. You are spot on.

[@onetwoxplore]

Sale: Bruichladdich Islay Barley "Rockside Farm." Claims to be unpeated, but I get peat from the soil. I know this is a terroir "experiment" and wonder if that is why I get peat... Cld u pls clarify for me?

[@klivebretznev2624]

Hello there do you not think the old bottle ws a better shaped n goodlooking one than this semi flat sided type . this new bottle does not have that appeal of the old one.

[@MrReapermike]

Good whisky. I think it's best choice of basic blends

[@Aaron48219]

Ralfy, this is the second video of you Ive watched. Being an American, I was subjected to cheap American, and Canadian, whiskey when younger. Nothing with nose, nothing with complex, layered, flavors. And because of that, I've disliked whiskies. I'm a vodka snob. But my cousin turned me on to Jameson, room temperature, with a splash of distilled water (no tap! Chlorine and fluoride bad!). I was blown away by the tasty it was, when sipped, at room temperature. I hate liquor warm (except top tier vodka, which is like warm water). I bought my first bottle of JW Black tonight. And just finished my sipping from a whiskey glass with 2 ice cubes. Nose was complex and inviting. Palate flavors we're just as inviting. I may make a Rob Roy with this as well. I know I need to obtain an older bottle of Black as well. I think your opinion of newer black is spot in regarding marketing. Why is Black available in small quantities like half pint and pint, while Green and up are not? At least here in the states. Only red and black are available in smaller than 750ml sizes. Years and years of marketing. It may be a slightly overpriced blend, but it's better than any American "dark liquor" I've tried. Granted you can't fairly compare it to American whiskey or bourbon, but I do enjoy sipping it more. You compare the newer bottle to the older...I left a comment about red label on another video of yours. I've determined the bottle of red I've been offered is from 1992-1997. Still not sure if I should buy it.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to help with the evolving mal-moments !

[@RyanKentBarnhart]

21:36 What blend did he recommend? I can't figure out the spelling of the name to find it.

[@scottclarke1350]

Ryan Barnhart antiquary

[@lukesvideogameletsplays4416]

This is my first scotch I just bought it. 80 dollar large bottle. I'm impulsive I almost chose the small bottle that had a smaller bottle tied to it along with a bottle of red label. I went with the bigger bottle so it will last . I needed something for my blue bloods night. I have two glasses every five days with two episodes.

[@theone031]

Haha I always drink a glass when I watch that show!

[@johnw218]

I love Ralfys reviews. I think he's maybe being a bit harsh on this one though. From a casual whiskey drinkers perspective anyway. In my local shops JW Black is about half to 2/3 the price of most of the better single malts available . I'm not brand led but I am price led. Anyone have any suggestions what would be a better drink ticking similar flavor profile boxes for similar price

[@chefsbest4413]

Black label Best blend ever .. very consistent...........I hope consistency will continue for centuries.....

[@ocan1033]

I highly recommend eating mushrooms and binge-watching Ralfy.

[@LoblollyLights]

I buy Black Label as a cheap Caol Ila. To drink at times when I am not able to slowly enjoy the nose and flavor profile. Now, I would love to not support the monster that is Diageo. Does anybody have a recommendation for an alternative? Any other blends that heavily use Caol Ila? I'm all about that smoke!

[@donb1183]

So much of any whiskey review is confirmation bias since you already know what you are reviewing. I would love to see a blinded review from Ralfy. Give him a JWB and a mid-range single malt and do a blind taste test.

[@seungfu11]

It is over priced here in Canada. But I still think it is one of the better blends. What would you or anyone on here consider a better blend?

[@harryemmott8597]

I like to think that the flavor notes of a whisky are like an improvised jazz piece, and it's the job of the individual to make it interesting.

[@alansmithee4895]

Thank you, Ralf for the cannabis/marijuana statement. It acts as a safety guage for when drinking as well as being a wonderful medicine, by itself.

[@tomsterr1904]

Ralfy. Suggest some good christmas whiskys pls. Aberlour 12 yo what u think?

[@Jostipi]

Yeah I'm looking for some good Holiday whiskys too!

[@conradcoolerfiend]

its good, but the non chil filtered (NCF) if you can. It will say so on the bottle. Or, the aberlour.

[@kbouklas]

i have a bottle of aberlour 12 and its decent...the non chill filtered version is (at least where i am) 30 euros more expensive (40 for the chill filtered 70 for the non chill filtered) and on that price you get way better bottles than the aberlour...

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

Tomsterr aberlour is lovely most of the time but ive had the odd 'hot' bottle where the alcohol was so obvious it was difficult to enjoy. but then ive had some lovely raisin chocolate spicy bottles that have been wonderful. Glen Dronach is a good shout aswell

[@jadebishop3849]

Thanks for the review - just finished my bottle of this bought in Feb 2016. My 'starter whisky' and one I'll pick up when on offer. Never disappoints in my ltd experience. What you say around 3 mins in is so right as far as I'm concerned. I do wonder why 'weed' is still illegal, and for an arthritis sufferer like me I can attest to it's beneficial effects! Beggars belief in this day and age . . . moderation is key as you say :)

[@jadebishop3849]

Many thanks, TS Rooster! ha, I have toyed with the idea of doing a review or two but a) I have no decent camera b) they would be the ramblings of not much more than a novice really (although that could work I suppose?!) and c) I haven't got the balls - yet! ;) I like watching a lot of different on line reviewers but Ralfy is the man for sure!

[@J.Harry.T]

I hate the thought of arguing with with Ralfy, but in 2022 when, at any one time, at least one of the major UK supermarkets will have Johnie Walker Black for £20 I think it deserves more praise. I am also drinking a dram of the product as i write. In my opinion Johnie Walker have done a magnificent job of finding a balance between quality and price. Antiquary is lovely but, cannot be had anywhere for less than £30 - 50% more expensive. The price of everything is on the way up, but Johnie Walker black is a good drop of whisky at (in my opinion) a very reasonable price.

[@rockdocpalmcoast4189]

So true. Whisky changes over time. For example, I recently had the privilege of trying a bottle of Glenlivet 12 yo that my cousin purchased in 1992. Such a wonderful whisky. My recent purchase of the Glenlivet 12 yo doesn't even compare. Still good though.

[@markhanson6914]

modern glenlivet and glenfiddich are watered down. Black label has a lot more flavor than either of them.

[@kimpoulsen6623]

I think the old liter bottle is in fact older than just a year or two. The new bottle design has been around for some time now..

[@winnielai7455]

Thank you for such a detailed analysis