Let be absolutely clear on one thing, I like blended scotch. I also like Johnnie Walker blends, admittedly the more expensive Gold and Blue labels, but there is no question of negative bias against this dram. I want to like this whisky, I really do, if no other reason than the Gold and Blue labels are expensive whiskies to like and a lower cost alternative would be welcome.
It has a rich color and a warming nose with malt, oak and a slight smokiness. Not a subtle whisky, the flavors are strong and dialed up... pepper, oak, smoke and a distinct peatiness in the finish. Softens a little with water and mouth feel improves for me, becoming softer and creamy, and a little hint of apple, but it seems to lack the delicate touch and nuances that I love about whisky. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am whisky. Would work well with ice or soda or other mixers where its power would stand up to something like cola or ginger beer (my personal favorite to mix with whisky and squeeze of fresh lime for a long cool summer drink) and perhaps that why it sells so well globally? Black Label definitely has a place in the whisky pantheon, just not in my collection.
Interesting side note: I recently learned that the scotch whisky used in the comparative tasting at the end of the Jameson tours in Middleton and Dublin is Black Label. That is a very canny selection by Jameson, as that really contrasts with the sweet smooth and non-smoky Jameson blend. See my notes on Jameson / Middleton Distillery.
