Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition

Nose: Mildly fruity, like a cereal snack bar, with butterscotch, toffee, a hint of smoke, and subtle oak notes. Palate: A gentle entry dominated by cereal character, evolving into a warm sweetness and fruity notes – primarily orange and apricot – as well as chocolate, milk coffee, and roasted nuts. The texture is pleasant with a slightly waxy feel and a light smoky flavor is present. Finish: Brief, but smooth and sweet right to the end with a trace of tobacco. This is a special edition of Black Label, which the label claims features sherry maturation. The specifics are somewhat unclear, as the standard JW Black also includes malts that are at least partially sherry matured. So, how does it differ in presentation? For me, the nose was very similar to standard Black Label, but with more fruit and slightly less smoke; it's 95% the same. If I only smelled it, I'd believe it was standard Black Label. However, the palate is where things change considerably. Modern Black Label is very well-balanced but can be a bit "sharp" and angular when neat – that's part of its appeal. The Sherry Edition, conversely, is very smooth and much fruitier, with dried figs and dates, and a velvety caramel toffee replacing the smoke. The finish is also rounder and richer than regular Black Label. In some ways, it reminds me of Black Label from about 20 years ago, but with less peat smoke, and I'm rating it higher than the standard Black Label 12. "Above Average": 81/100 (3 stars)

The aroma presents dried apricots, marmalade, and vanilla. A subtle whisper of smoke, reminiscent of the typical Black Label, might be present but it's very faint. The palate is smooth, with a slightly buttery malt character leading into sweet fruit notes – apricots and orange mingling with vanilla and a hint of oak. Smoke is more apparent on the taste than the smell, though it's less smoky than the regular Black Label. The conclusion is notably smoother than the standard Black Label; the base grain is of significantly higher quality. In certain ways, this is a superior scotch, but it also lacks a bit of excitement. It's more striking on ice, and I'd happily consume it like that if I were at a pub…I suspect it would make an excellent mixer. Therefore, an intriguing new offering, but not groundbreaking. Its rating is comparable to the standard Black Label – three stars or 88.

What a letdown. Black Label is typically outstanding, and I had hoped this would elevate the blend towards a Laphroaig PX style. Instead, it tastes as though they simply added a bit of old sherry to the blend. The smoke is compromised as a result, and there's an unpleasant, wine-like bitterness. Quite a shame all around.

This is a completely different blend than the usual black one. I'm not fond of the other, but this sherry finish transforms the whisky. Similar to the Chivas 13, this offering has subtle notes of fresh red berries, masking the harsh smoke of the standard Black. A great addition to the JW range.

Nose: Faint notes of chocolate, fruit, citrus, and wood. Palate: Flavors of wood, cinnamon, and dark fruits. Finish: Dry, oaky, with dark chocolate, bitterness, a touch of spice, and salt. Overall: A weak showing with very little sherry character.

I enjoyed the Sherry finish. Overall, the whisky has a base of caramel, barley, smoke, and dried fruit, but the addition of mature, jam-like fruit now provides an enhanced touch of sweetness.