Black Label vs Macallan 12

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 01:31 pm

Explore the differences between Johnnie Walker Black Label vs Macallan 12 in my comprehensive review to choose your preferred Whisky!

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label vs Macallan 12: Comparison

• Johnnie Walker Black Label is a well-regarded blended Scotch whisky that offers a complex mix of sweet and smoky flavors. With a nose featuring vanilla, orange zest, and nectarine, it transitions to a palate of smoke, roasted malt, caramel, and vanilla. The finish is long, combining fruity, peppery, and smoky notes. Its versatility and affordability make it a popular choice among Scotch drinkers, especially for those who appreciate a hint of peat without overwhelming intensity.
• Macallan 12 Double Cask, a renowned single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, is celebrated for its rich sherry influence, delivering a complex and refined flavor profile. The nose promises sherry, dried fruit, and nuts, leading to a palate of baking spice, oak, and chocolate, with a finish that emphasizes oak, dried fruit, and spice. Despite its higher price, Macallan 12 is favored for its luxurious sipping experience, offering a depth of flavor that appeals to whisky connoisseurs.

Verdict:

• For a Smoky Blend: Johnnie Walker Black Label stands out as a highly versatile and accessible choice, suitable for both casual sipping and sophisticated cocktails.
• For Sherry Influenced Complexity: Macallan 12 Double Cask wins for those who seek a luxurious taste experience, offering a rich and nuanced profile that justifies its premium.

While both whiskies serve different preferences within the Scotch whisky spectrum, Macallan 12 Double Cask’s emphasis on sherry cask maturation and complexity makes it a preferred option for single malt enthusiasts.

Johnnie Walker Black Label, on the other hand, remains a classic choice for those seeking quality, versatility, and value in a blended Scotch, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Whiskies with a similar taste to Macallan

Johnnie Walker Black Label:

• Nose: Vanilla, orange zest, nectarine.
• Palate: Smoke, roasted malt, caramel, vanilla.
• Finish: Long, with fruity, peppery, and smoky nuances.
• Alcohol Content: 80 proof (40% ABV).
• How to Drink: Versatile, enjoyable on the rocks.
• Price: $40 (Approximately, may vary).

Macallan 12 Double Cask:

• Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, mixed nuts.
• Palate: Baking spice, oak, chocolate.
• Finish: Emphasizing oak, dried fruit, and oak spice.
• Alcohol Content: 86 proof (43% ABV).
• How to Drink: Best with a splash of water to open up its flavors.
• Price: $75 (Approximately, may vary).

Final Note:

Blended Scotch isn’t a type itself, it’s an umbrella! While both Black Label and Macallan are blends, they differ in their ingredients. Black Label mixes single malts with lighter grain whiskies, creating a complex yet versatile flavor. Macallan, as a single malt blend, combines different malts from within the Macallan distillery, offering a deeper, sherry-influenced taste. Think: Black Label – diverse orchestra, Macallan – solo virtuoso!