Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: A Whisky Duel

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

I revisited two of my all-time favorites, Johnnie Walker’s Black Label and Green Label.

Without hesitation, I fancied Black for those evenings that I call for a reliable, classic experience—a nod to the timeless rituals of whisky enjoyment. The satisfaction is not just in the taste but in the reassurance of excellence that has stood the test of time.

Green, on the other hand, seems tailor-made for moments of curiosity, where my palate seeks not just a drink, but a story—a narrative of flavors that are familiar yet intriguingly different.

It’s as if each glass proposes a subtle challenge, encouraging a deeper exploration into the diverse world of whisky.

Because why not?

And as a result, I couldn’t help but ponder about their differences at that point. 

Let’s find out, shall we?

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: Quick-look Comparison

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: Johnnie Walker Black Label Review

Nose

The aroma of Johnnie Walker Black Label is a complex blend, featuring a subtle smokiness layered with hints of vanilla and a variety of fruits. This combination creates a rich and inviting scent that is both deep and varied, appealing to a wide range of olfactory preferences.

Mouthfeel

Upon tasting, the whisky offers a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. It strikes a balance between being weighty enough to be satisfying yet light enough to not overwhelm, making for an enjoyable sipping experience. 

Flavor/Palate

The palate of the Black Label reveals a depth of flavors, including sweet fruits, creamy vanilla, and a gentle smokiness. This creates a harmonious and enjoyable taste profile that is both consistent and intriguing, offering layers of flavor that evolve with each sip.

This rich yet subtle smoky taste reminds me of Chivas Regal’s 12-Year-Old. 

Finish

The finish of Johnnie Walker’s Black Label is notably long and smooth. It leaves a pleasant warmth with lingering smoky undertones and a hint of spice. This enduring finish ensures a satisfying and memorable conclusion to each sip.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Johnnie Walker Black Label has an ABV of 40% and is perfectly calibrated to support its flavor profile without overpowering it. This balance ensures that the subtleties of its taste can be fully appreciated without the alcohol being too intrusive.

Price

Considering its rich flavor profile and smooth character, the price of $22.00 or £17.70 is a good catch (if you ask me). It exceeds the expectations set by its price point, making it an excellent value for money (especially if you’re looking for a premium experience).

However, if you’re looking for something worthy to put on your shelf, this might not be it. While it excels in flavor and overall experience, it may not stand out as a showcase piece on your shelf. 

This whisky is more about the pleasure of tasting than the prestige of display. In other words, it’s something that you and your closest friends can share with. 

On that note, don’t forget to bring the rocks to accentuate its smoothness and allow the full spectrum of its flavors to emerge more distinctly.

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: Johnnie Walker Green Label Review

Nose

The aroma of Johnnie Walker Green Label is a delightful mix of earthy tones and sweet notes. You’ll notice hints of wood and grass, combined with a touch of fruitiness. This unique blend creates an inviting and intriguing nose that sets the stage for the tasting experience.

Mouthfeel

On the palate, the Green Label offers a robust yet smooth texture. It’s rich enough to coat the mouth pleasantly, providing a satisfying feel that complements its complex flavor profile.

Palate

Tasting the Green Label reveals a sophisticated combination of flavors. There are evident notes of oak and a subtle smokiness, intertwined with a sweetness reminiscent of ripe fruits. This intricate blend provides a layered and fulfilling taste.

Given its complex flavor profile, this character comes close to the Talisker 10-Year-Old. Like the Green Label, it offers a harmonious blend of smoky and sweet notes, though with a distinctive maritime character.

Finish

Johnnie Walker Green Label’s finish is complex and lingering. It offers a harmonious blend of oak, smoke, and a subtle fruitiness that slowly fades, inviting contemplation. This extended finish, rich in layers, provides a sophisticated and thought-provoking end to the tasting experience.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

With an ABV of 43%, the Johnnie Walker Green Label is well-balanced, allowing the whisky’s flavors to shine through without overwhelming the senses. It’s just right to enhance the tasting experience.

Price

At $42.90 or £34.00, the Green Label is double the price of the Black Label, and its value is justified. Although they share similarities, the nuances in the Green Label’s flavor profile offer a different, yet equally rewarding, experience.

That’s why I’m still torn between enjoying the Green Label neat or on the rocks. Neat, it offers an unadulterated taste of its complex flavors, while on the rocks slightly mellows the whisky, making it a more refreshing sip.

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Even with just above base-line prices, you couldn’t deny both of these intriguing personalities.

Now, I’m going to share my experiences during my reconciliation with the Black and Green Labels of Johnnie Walker.

Let me walk you through it:

The Black Label greets your nose with a robust aroma, blending smoky wood with a hint of fruitiness – a classic, traditional whisky scent that sets the stage for a familiar experience. 

In contrast, the Green Label presents a more intricate bouquet. Earthy notes intertwine with subtle sweetness, hinting at a spirit that’s eager for adventure.

On the palate, these differences become more pronounced. The Black Label offers a smooth, velvety mouthfeel – rich but not overpowering, comforting in its familiarity. The Green Label, bold and full-bodied, coats the mouth with a richness that speaks of its complex blend.

Flavor-wise, the Black Label is a journey through classic whisky tastes – a pleasant sweetness harmoniously balanced with a gentle smokiness. This balance makes it an excellent choice for traditional whisky aficionados. In addition, the Black Label’s alcohol content supports its flavors without overwhelming them, making it a great introduction for newcomers to the whisky world. 

In contrast, the Green Label’s palate is an adventure in itself. Oak, smoke, and ripe fruits weave together to create a complex, layered experience, perfect for those eager to explore beyond the conventional whisky profile. It may be more profound for new drinkers but is ideal for those looking to expand their palate. But with a 3-point ABV difference? There’s no denying that it’s just as enjoyable as the Black for new taste buds.

Both the Johnnie Walker Black and Green Labels provide unique and enjoyable whisky experiences. The Black Label, with its safe, classic profile, is perfect for those who appreciate traditional whisky flavors. The Green Label, on the other hand, offers a more complex and adventurous taste, appealing to those ready to explore new flavor territories. 

Depending on personal preferences (and how tenured you are to whisky), either of these could be a splendid addition to one’s collection.

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: Food Pairings

To accentuate the flavors and make your evenings more delightful, the right food pairings with Johnnie Walker Black and Green Labels can elevate your whisky experience.

For Starters

With the Johnnie Walker Black Label, consider light appetizers like smoked salmon or a selection of mild cheeses. The smokiness of the salmon complements the subtle smoke in the Black Label, while the cheeses balance its sweet notes. 

For the Green Label, opt for more robust starters like grilled vegetables or a charcuterie board. The earthy and complex notes of the Green Label pair beautifully with the richness of these dishes, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

For Mains

For the main course, the Black Label pairs well with hearty meat dishes like roast beef or lamb. Its balance of sweet and smoky flavors complements the richness of red meats. 

The Green Label, with its bold profile, is a great match for spicy dishes like Indian curries or Thai cuisine. The complexity of the Green Label holds up well against the intensity of spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

For Desserts

When it comes to desserts, the Black Label goes well with chocolate-based desserts like a rich chocolate cake or truffles. The vanilla notes in the whisky enhance the chocolate’s depth. 

For the Green Label, pair it with fruit desserts like apple pie or a fruit tart. The whisky’s fruity undertones will align nicely with the sweetness and tartness of the fruits, offering a delightful end to the meal.

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: Final Thoughts

Comparing Johnnie Walker’s Black and Green Labels has been a real eye-opener and, honestly, quite exhausting. 

Every little detail matters, from their aromas to the way they feel on the palate. I’ve laid out all these intricate differences in a table to help make sense of it all. 

But even with all this information at hand, I find myself torn between the two. Each has its charm and character, making the choice far from easy. 

Let’s dive into this table and see if we can finally decide which one truly stands out.

Best	Johnnie Walker Black	Johnnie Walker Green Label
Colour	6/10	7/10
Aroma/Nose	5/10	6/10
Mouthfeel	6/10	5/10
Taste/Palate	4/10	5/10
Finish	5/10	5.5/10
Total	26	28.5

Johnnie Walker Black vs. Green: Author’s Judgment

Johnnie Walker Black Label has a rich, dark amber color. It looks more intense compared to the lighter shade of the Green Label. This dark color hints at its classic and bold flavor.

But what about the main attributes?

Starting with the Green Label, it’s a clear winner in the nose department. There’s something about its scent that captures your attention right away. It’s a mix of earthy and woodsy aromas, with a little bit of fruit and spice. It’s like walking through a forest after a rain.

There’s so much going on, and it’s all good. 

The Black Label, on the other hand, is simpler. It smells smoky and sweet, like a comfortable, familiar place. It’s nice, but it doesn’t have the same depth or complexity as the Green.

However, the mouthfeel is where the Black Label gets its moment. It’s smoother, thanks in part to its lower alcohol content. It’s easy on the tongue, making it a great option for those who might be new to whisky or prefer something a bit gentler. The Green Label is smooth too but in a more robust way. It’s got a bit more body to it, which is great, but it might not be everyone’s cup of whisky.

The flavor contest goes to the Green Label again. This whisky has a lot going on. There’s a bit of oak, some smoke, and a background of sweetness that reminds you of ripe fruits. It’s like every sip has a new layer to discover, which keeps things interesting. 

The Black Label is more straightforward. It’s got that classic whisky taste—a bit of smoke, a bit of sweetness, and a nice balance between the two.

And in terms of finish, it’s a close call. But I’d give it to the Green Label, just by a hair. It leaves a lasting impression, a mix of all those flavors lingering on your palate. The Black Label is close behind, though. Its finish is nice and long, leaving you with that smoky sweetness for a while. It’s almost a tie, but the Green just edges it out just a bit.

As for the price, they’re both reasonable for what they offer. So, I’ll leave it to you to decide if the differences in taste and experience are worth the cost.

Concluding this candid comparison between Johnnie Walker Black and Green, it’s clear that the Black Label is not just a step below the Green, but rather a different expression altogether. 

It stands proudly with its character.

This journey of comparison was challenging, filled with nuances and personal reflections. For those skeptical or curious, I encourage you to explore these whiskies yourself.