Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:56 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Dewar’s 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label in this in-depth comparison and decide which Scotch is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Dewar’s 12 vs Black Label: Comparison
Dewar’s 12: Zesty and refreshing with lime, orange, and apricot on the nose, balanced by caramel and vanilla. Finishes with a touch of oak spice.
Johnnie Walker Black Label: Warm vanilla and orange zest meet smoky roasted malt. Long, smoky, and peppery finish. A gateway to peaty Scotch.
Verdict: Dewar’s 12 and Johnnie Walker Black Label both deliver unique and enjoyable whiskey experiences. Dewar’s 12 shines with its vibrant citrus and sweet flavors, perfect for those who appreciate a lighter, more refreshing dram.Johnnie Walker Black Label offers an accessible introduction to the world of peaty Scotch, with its balanced smoke and sweetness, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Depending on your preference for zest or smoke, each has its appeal, making them both worthy additions to any whiskey collection.
Related: Top Affordable Scotch Whisky List
Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor: A Refreshing Citrusy Blend with a Hint of Smoke
- Nose: Lime, orange, apricot, pear
- Palate: Lime, orange, caramel, vanilla
- Finish: Medium, oak spice, pepper
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Chivas Regal 12
Zesty & Uplifting Aroma: Open a bottle of Dewar’s 12 and be greeted by a burst of citrus! Fresh lime, orange, and apricot mingle with a touch of sweet pear. A subtle hint of smoke adds intrigue to this vibrant aroma.
Balanced & Smooth Palate: The taste is all about balance. Citrus notes dance on your tongue, perfectly complemented by the smooth sweetness of caramel and vanilla. A touch of cinnamon and pepper adds a delightful warmth and complexity without being overpowering.
Satisfying Finish: The finish is short but satisfying, leaving a gentle warmth and lingering hints of oak spice, pepper, and that smoky touch. It’s a refreshing farewell, like a sigh after a walk through a citrus grove.
Easy-Drinking & Refreshing: This isn’t a complex dram, but that’s its charm. Dewar’s 12 is smooth, easy-drinking, and perfect for any occasion.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of enjoyment, add a splash of water. It unlocks a hidden sweetness of caramel, further enriching the flavor profile.
Dewar’s 12 in Short:
- A blend of 40 single malts and grain whiskies aged for at least 12 years.
- Double-aged in ex-bourbon casks for a smooth taste.
- New look with a clear glass bottle.
- A refreshing and balanced Speyside blend, great for everyday enjoyment.
Johnnie Walker Black Label: A Welcoming Introduction to Peaty Scotch
- Nose: Vanilla, orange zest, nectarine
- Palate: Smoke, roasted malt, caramel, vanilla
- Finish: Long, fruity, peppery, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Warm & Inviting Aroma: Johnnie Black Label opens with a pleasant aroma of vanilla and zesty orange. The citrus mingles with a hint of sweet nectarine, followed by a subtle touch of alcohol.
Smooth & Gently Peaty Palate: Despite a light texture, the taste offers a surprising depth. Mild sweetness mingles with a touch of earthy peat smoke, followed by hints of caramel and vanilla for a well-rounded flavor.
Balanced & Satisfying Finish: The finish is where this Scotch shines. A harmonious blend of peat, black pepper, and a touch of salt, warmed by gentle caramel, creates a smooth and satisfying conclusion.
A Gateway to Peaty Scotch: While seasoned peat lovers might find it mild, Johnnie Black Label is a perfect introduction for those curious about peaty Scotch. The smoke is balanced with sweetness, making it easy to sip.
Great for Everyday Enjoyment: This affordable, age-stated blend is a reliable choice for everyday drams.
Pro Tip: Serving it over ice can mellow the smoke and enhance the sweetness, making it even more approachable.
Johnnie Walker Black Label in a Nutshell:
- A blend of 40 whiskies, including peaty, sweet, and malty varieties, aged for at least 12 years.
- Offers a gentle introduction to peaty Scotch with its balanced smoke and sweetness.
- Smooth, affordable, and a great choice for everyday enjoyment.
- The world’s best-selling Scotch brand, perfect for exploring peaty whiskies.
What do they have in common?
- These whiskies are blends composed of 40-grain and malt whiskies sourced from various distilleries across Scotland.
- It’s important to note that these blends differ from Single Malt Scotch, which is exclusively crafted from malted barley at a single distillery.
- While Single Malt is not inherently superior to blends, a prime example of a remarkable blend is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label, which surpasses many single malts in quality.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dewar’s 12 | $24 |
| Black Label | $26 |