Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:34 pm
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 the Johnnie Walker Black Label vs the White Walker, also known as the White Label, inspired by the Game of Thrones’ White Walkers.
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 White Label vs Black Label Comparison
Johnnie Walker Black Label: A smoky blend with vanilla and orange zest on the nose, featuring a palate of roasted malt and caramel. Its finish is long, peppery, and smoky. Ideal for enjoying on the rocks.
Johnnie Walker White Walker: Vanilla and caramel dominate, with a smooth, vodka-like taste and a peppery finish. Best served chilled, it’s a collector’s item for Game of Thrones fans, offering more in terms of novelty than complexity.
Verdict: Johnnie Walker Black Label provides a balanced, smoky experience perfect for those seeking depth in their whisky. Johnnie Walker White Walker appeals to fans looking for a unique, thematic addition to their collection, prioritizing novelty over traditional whisky complexity. Both offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Johnnie Walker Selections
Johnnie Walker Black Label: A Balanced Blend with Smoky Charm
- 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: Jack Daniel’s
Aroma: The Black Label opens with inviting notes of vanilla, orange peel, and ripe nectarine, balanced with a subtle hint of alcohol.
Taste: While smooth on the palate, the body reveals a lighter texture. The flavor offers a gentle sweetness balanced by a distinctive peat character, reminiscent of charcoal smoke. Hints of caramel and vanilla emerge towards the finish, which leaves a pleasant smoky aftertaste with subtle notes of black pepper, salt, and lingering warmth.
A Dependable Choice:
Johnnie Walker Black Label strikes a pleasing balance between smoky and sweet notes. It combines peaty and charred oak influences, delivering a smooth taste that finishes with a warming sensation that is anything but harsh.
Perfect for Peat Enthusiasts:
For those who enjoy a Scotch with a smoky touch, the Black Label is a great choice, especially when served chilled. It serves as an excellent introduction to smoky Scotches, offering a more approachable option compared to the bolder peaty expressions from Islay.
Everyday Whisky:
The Black Label stands out as one of the best age-statement blends within its price range, making it a perfect choice for an “everyday whisky.”
Black Label: A Blend with Heritage:
This blend is crafted using 40 different whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 12 years across various regions in Scotland.
The combination includes peaty Islay malts alongside sweet and salty Speyside and Highland malts.
Interestingly, despite being founded by a non-drinker in the early 19th century, Johnnie Walker has become the world’s leading whisky brand, outselling its nearest competitor by a significant margin.
White Walker Game of Thrones: A Collectible with a Familiar Taste
- 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: Chilled
- Similar to: Clynelish Game of Thrones
Aroma: Sweet vanilla leads the way, with subtle hints of caramel and apricot adding a touch of complexity.
Taste: The initial impression is dominated by vanilla, with notes of cinnamon and almond rounding out the flavor profile.
Finish: The finish lingers moderately, leaving a slightly peppery sensation and a touch of caramel sweetness.
Overview: While smooth and easy to drink, the White Walker’s prominent vanilla character leans towards a familiar, vodka-like taste, lacking the depth and complexity often associated with aged whiskies.
A Collector’s Delight:
This limited edition bottle boasts a unique feature – temperature-sensitive ink that reveals the message “winter is here” when chilled. This playful detail makes the White Walker a charming addition for any Game of Thrones enthusiast’s collection.
More than just a Beverage:
Similar to other celebrity-endorsed spirits the White Walker may not be the most complex spirit, but for fans of the show, it serves as a memorable keepsake to display and enjoy on special occasions.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Johnnie Walker Black Label | $33 |
| Johnnie Walker White Walker | $40 |