Johnnie Walker Double Black is a unique expression within the Johnnie Walker range. Unlike the Black Label, which is aged for a specific 12-year period, Double Black does not carry an age statement. This means that the exact number of years the whisky has been aged is not disclosed by the brand.
However, what sets Double Black apart from the Black Label is not just the duration of aging, but also the additional steps taken during the production process. Double Black is created by taking the Black Label as a base and enhancing its flavor profile by incorporating peatier malts and malts aged in heavily charred oak barrels. These additions result in a smokier and more robust whisky compared to the original Black Label.
The absence of an age statement on the bottle does not necessarily mean that Double Black is a young whisky. It simply means that the focus of this expression is on the unique flavor profile achieved through the use of specific malts and aging techniques, rather than highlighting a specific number of years of aging.
It is important to note that the absence of an age statement is not uncommon in the whisky industry. Some brands choose not to include an age statement on their bottles to allow for more flexibility in blending and to maintain consistency in flavor profiles across different batches. This approach allows the master blenders to create a desired flavor profile by selecting whiskies of varying ages and characteristics.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and evaluate a wide range of whiskies, including Johnnie Walker Double Black. The lack of an age statement does not necessarily diminish the quality or complexity of the whisky. Instead, it allows the blenders to focus on creating a specific flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of whisky enthusiasts.
Johnnie Walker Double Black does not have a specific age statement, but it is a whisky that offers a unique and robust flavor profile through the use of peatier malts and malts aged in heavily charred oak barrels. The absence of an age statement should not be a deterrent for whisky enthusiasts, as it is the overall taste experience that truly matters.