Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

Review #41 - Whisk(e)y #27 Tasted as part of a complimentary sample offer at Budapest airport, so I cannot provide a detailed aroma description as I normally would. Nose: Sweet, vanilla, honey, rounded, fruity, ripe red fruit. The influence is much more apparent than in the black label, with the flavors being less prominent but integrated more seamlessly. Palate: The nose's profile is replicated on the palate: sweet, soft, vanilla, ripe red fruit, honey, some oak, rounded. It's a bit more refined than the black label, perhaps with some dried fruit notes as well. Finish: Medium-short, well-rounded, sweet, fruity, with a touch of alcoholic spice, but also some dried fruit in the aftertaste. More refined and significantly better than the Gold Label, but I'm uncertain if it justifies double the price of the Black Label. Rating System: 5.0 - Perfect 4.5 - Exceptional 4.0 - Very Good 3.5 - Good 3.0 - Decent 2.5 - Average 2.0 - Below Average 1.5 - Barely Drinkable 1.0 - Undrinkable 0.5 - JB

Nose: Distinct red fruit aromas (raspberry, blackberry) with sweet spice and a faint smokiness, not overpowering. Light and balanced. Palate: Red fruits are prominent, similar to the nose. Caramel, cinnamon, burnt oak, and a slight smoky note linger at the back of the palate. Full-bodied. Smooth and sweet. The only hint of the 40% alcohol is at the end of the short finish. Finish: A short, warm, sweet, and slightly smoky conclusion. Overall Thoughts: A Scotch with red fruit and light smoke character. Could be a nice summer sipper with ice, but I prefer it at room temperature. 78/100

I found this quite enjoyable. On the nose, I detected fig, plum, black cherry, a bit of red currant, raspberry, and even a trace of gooseberry and mango. The texture on the palate is velvety and smooth, with the characteristic Johnny Walker smoky notes emerging very late and subtly. The finish is of moderate to extended length, featuring lingering notes of sherry, raisin, berry, and a pleasant salty sea pebble coastal essence. It sits well alongside my preferred Green Label, and for just a bit more than Black 12, it offers excellent value at ¥3,518 / $22 / £17...

I must say... It has a potent kick, but it's a "whiskey kick" that I find hard to define. I'm detecting a slight medicinal flavor, which I don't typically enjoy. Yet, strangely, I like this one (even though I usually dislike medicinal notes).

I appreciate the fruity notes and the robust flavor

Fruity, with notes of stone fruit, quite sweet, and no peat detected.