Double Black is the smokier sibling of Johnnie Walker Black Label, and I’ve reviewed both — so this review looks at it on its own terms and, where it helps, alongside the Black Label 12 I know well. As with every Dram Verdict review, the notes and score come from drinking it neat, with water, ice and highball serves covered further down. To me, the base feels similar to Black Label, but richer and noticeably smokier — not Islay-malt levels of smoke, but clearly there. Checked in September 2026, it was listed at $41.99 for a 750ml bottle at two US retailers checked, and prices vary by state and store. For more from this category, see our Blended Scotch reviews.
Johnnie Walker Double Black Review
The Verdict
4.2/ 5
Smoky Rich Balanced
Best for
Drinkers who like Johnnie Walker Black Label but want more smoke and body, and anyone looking for an everyday smoky whisky that doesn't cost single malt money. Works neat and especially well as a highball. Less suited to newcomers who aren't used to smoky whisky, who may find its punch strong at first.
Quick Verdict
Johnnie Walker Double Black is richer and clearly smokier than Black Label, yet it isn't heavy: honey and malt sweetness sit alongside smoke, tar and wood on a thick, creamy body, and it all holds together well. It's good neat — with a slight alcohol edge — and excellent as a highball. Newcomers to smoky whisky may find its punch a lot at first.
Where to Buy
United Kingdom
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. This never affects our scores.
Bottle Information
Johnnie Walker Double Black is a no-age-statement Blended Scotch Whisky from Diageo's Johnnie Walker range, bottled at 40% ABV. Diageo positions it as a more intense take on Johnnie Walker Black Label — it "embodies the characteristics of Johnnie Walker Black Label, whilst delivering a new, full-bodied intensity" — and describes it as blended from whiskies matured in heavily charred oak casks and selected whiskies from the West Coast of Scotland with a naturally smoky flavour. In the US it's sold in 750ml and 1-litre bottles; elsewhere the standard bottle is 70cl.
Whisky Specs
- Country
- Scotland
- Brand
- Johnnie Walker
- Category
- Blended Scotch
- ABV
- 40% ABV
- Volume
- US 750ml / 700ml (other markets)
- Value
- Fair
Tasting Review
Tasting Notes
- Nose
- Sweetness and smoke without heaviness — vanilla, chocolate, honey, apple, smoke and citrus.
- Palate
- A thick body with a creamy, well-balanced mouthfeel — honey, cereal, a salty note, smoke, tar, wood and cinnamon.
- Finish
- Malty sweetness and smoke, with a woody, spicy finish that lingers in good measure.
Flavor Profile
- Sweetness 3 / 5
- Fruit 2 / 5
- Spice 3 / 5
- Oak 3 / 5
- Smoke / Peat 3 / 5
- Body 3 / 5
Pros
- Clearly smokier and richer than Black Label, yet balanced — honey and malt sweetness keep the smoke from turning heavy.
- A thick, creamy body with a satisfying woody, spicy finish.
- Versatile across serves, and excellent as a highball.
Cons
- Neat, there's a slight alcohol edge.
Final Verdict
Johnnie Walker Double Black does what the name suggests: it takes a base close to Black Label and pushes it richer and smokier. The smoke is clear and a little tarry, but never heavy or unpleasant, and honey, malt and cereal sweetness keep it balanced on a thick, creamy body with a woody, spicy finish. Neat is where the sweetness, smoke and oak are easiest to read, though there's a slight alcohol edge; as a highball it's excellent, with the smoke lifting away lightly. If you want balance and value, Black Label 12 is still the easier pick; if you want more smoke, Double Black is the one. At around $42 for a 750ml bottle in the US, it's fair value for what's in the glass.
Other Ways to Drink It
Dram Verdict's core Nose, Palate, Finish and Score above are tasted neat. These are Kaz's notes on other ways he's actually tried this bottle.
-
With Water
Twice up, it doesn't thin out too much and the sweetness comes forward, while the smoke lifts and becomes pleasantly lighter.
-
On the Rocks
Over ice, the sweetness is held back and the smoke and acidity stand out. It softens on the palate, which makes it easy to drink.
-
Highball
Probably the most widely appealing way to drink it — balanced, with the smoke lifting away lightly, and very easy to drink.
Where to Buy
United Kingdom
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. This never affects our scores.
Related Comparisons & Guides
Monkey Shoulder vs Johnnie Walker Double Black: Which Should You Buy?
Monkey Shoulder and Johnnie Walker Double Black are both popular, approachable Scotch whiskies, but they aren’t the same kind of Scotch and…
Johnnie Walker Double Black vs Black Label: Which Should You Buy?
Johnnie Walker Double Black and Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 are close relatives: Diageo describes Double Black as embodying the characteristics of…
