Johnnie Walker Double Black: Black Label with the Peat Dial Turned Up

Item: Johnnie Walker Double Black: Black Label with the Peat Dial Turned Up
Rating: 8.4
Author: Joe Whitfield

Joe Whitfield April 10, 2026 2 views

8.4 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Diageo
Type: Scotch
Age: NAS
ABV: 40% ABV
Price: £38

Tasting Notes

Nose

Big bonfire smoke up front, then dried fruit, charred oak, brown sugar, vanilla and a touch of seaweed and brine.

Palate

Rich and intense — peat smoke, raisins, dark toffee, espresso, charred barrel notes and Talisker's signature pepper.

Finish

Long and smoky, with sweet oak, ash and lingering spice.

First Impressions

Double Black takes everything the standard Black Label does and turns the peat dial way up.

Distillery & Heritage

Released in 2011, initially as a travel retail exclusive before going wide, Double Black was the brainchild of master blender Jim Beveridge. The blend leans heavily on Caol Ila for Islay smoke and Talisker for maritime pepper.

Tasting Notes in Detail

The nose is immediately smokier than Black 12 — bonfire, charred wood, sea spray. The palate is rich and oily, with raisin and toffee sweetness wrestling with peat reek and pepper.

Verdict

If you love Black Label but wish it were peatier, Double Black is exactly what you want.

Where to Buy

Master of Malt
£36.90

Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange
£38.50

Buy Now

As an affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Joe Whitfield

Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...