Johnnie Walker blue Label vs XR blended whiskyOne of the search terms, according to Google Analytics, that bring many hits to the blog is a query relating to Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label whisky. The exclusive and expensive Blue Label versus the more affordable, standard range Johnnie Walker Black Label.

At first glance, it seems like an unreasonable comparison to do. A luxurious blend of older drams compared with a younger blend that is affordable and widely available. However, perhaps the real question is, is the Johnnie Walker Blue worth the high price, and if I can't afford it, what is a quality alternative?

The Johnnie Walker story started as a blend in a grocery store in Ayrshire, Scotland. John Walker sold made-to-order whiskies, blended to meet specific customer requirements because he did not have any brand of his own. As his blends became successful, he started creating blended drams that he labelled Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky.

His grandson introduced the brand's signature square bottle in 1860. The popularity of the blended releases grew steadily, and today it is one of the world's top-selling brands.

Let's put them side by side and see how they compare.

Also Read:  Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yo with glassJohnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky is a blend of about 40 whiskies from all around Scotland. Smoother and more drinkable than its little brother, Johnnie Walker Red.

This release has a consistent taste profile and an affordable price point. In SA, the Black Label retail for around R 340.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky with glass bJohnnie Walker Blue Label is a blended whisky made from 35 grain and malt whiskies aged for up to 60 years. Master Distiller Jim Beveridge created the Johnnie Walker Blue Label to mirror whiskies' style in the early 19th century.

Only one in ten thousand casks from the extensive Diageo inventory make the grade. It has no age statement, but each bottle has a serial number.  In South Africa, it is seen as the whisky to drink to show that you have arrived. It retails for around R 2 700.

Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky Comparison

Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black label whisky comparison

Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky
Price R 2 700 R 340
ABV
43% 43%
Colour
Light golden amber Polished amber
Nose Peat, smoke with oak and malt. Christmas cake, spice and dried fruit. Adding some water unlocked fresh flowers and florals. Faint smoke, red berries, Christmas pudding with heaps of toffee and hints of winter spice.
Palate Bold with peat and old wood. Water smooths it toward a more floral, sweeter bouquet with notes of oak and toffee. Smooth and creamy with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt.  A toffee sweetness with hints of spice.  Water releases a bit more sweetness.
Finish Medium length with notes of pepper and nutmeg, caramels and oak. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.
Region Blended Whisky Blended Whisky
My Rating Excellent Divine
Rating on Whizzky 4.1 from 1028 ratings 3.3 from 2322 ratings
Pairs well with Roast Beef or tiramisu or a light blue cheese. A cheese platter or roasted pork.

When I look at the ratings on Whizzky, it seems more people like the Johnnie Walker Blue Label than the Black Label whisky. However, I'm afraid I have to disagree. I think the Black Label is far superior to the Blue Label.

It is better balanced, richer and more complex compared to the Blue Label, side by side. Make no mistake. The Blue Label is not at all a mediocre dram. It is smooth and delicious with a lovely palate. But I am not convinced that what you are paying for it is worth it.

Because of the price, I will keep my Blue Label for the occasional celebration dram. The bottle should last me quite a while. I will always have a bottle of Black Label in my collection, but when my bottle of Blue Label is finished one day, I don't think I will replace it. What do you think?

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