How to Drink Black Label

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 5, 2021 References Tested

Starting to drink whisky can seem intimidating, but Johnnie Walker Black Label is a great place to start. This whisky, which has been aged for twelve years and contains a blend of 40 different kinds of whiskies, is a classic choice. There is no right way to drink Black Label, so experiment with your favorite options to see how you like it best!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Drinking Black Label Plain

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Pour an ounce of whisky straight from the bottle into your glass. Especially if you are new to drinking whisky, you should consider drinking it plain, or “neat,” which means without water, ice, or mixers.^{[1]
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Research source} Enjoying Black Label directly from the bottle will allow you to fully taste its complex flavors, which include smoky, nutty, and sweet notes.^{[2]
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Drink plain whisky out of a snifter glass for the best smelling experience. There are several types of whisky drinking glasses, and it may come as a surprise that each type creates a different tasting and smelling experience. For drinking blended whiskey (i.e. Black Label) plain, experts recommend using a snifter, whisky tumbler, or Neat glass.^{[3]
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Research source} These glass shapes are well-suited to the appreciation of whisky aromas, a key part of enjoying whisky “neat.”
- A snifter, traditionally used for brandy, is curved with a stem. It is the connoisseur's choice for fully enjoying the aromas of spirits.^{[4]
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- A whisky tumbler is short with a heavy bottom and no stem.This is the classic choice for enjoying whisky “on the rocks” (with ice), but it is not the best choice for neat whiskey because its shape is less suited to “nosing,” or smelling, the spirit.
- The Neat glass is a new type of short whisky glass with an hourglass shape. It is ideal for beginners because its shape negates the harsh smell of ethanol from reaching the nose.
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Try bringing the glass up to your nose to take in its complex aromas. Before taking your first sip, smell your drink. This is called “nosing.” Enjoy Black Label's many flavors like caramel, nutmeg, fruit, and smoke.^{[5]
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Drink slowly to take in the many tastes of the whisky. You may want to rest the whisky on your palate for ten seconds before swallowing.^{[6]
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Research source} Consider keeping a carafe or glass of water nearby to take between sips. This can help you handle the whisky’s intensity without diluting its flavor.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adding Water or Ice

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Add a small amount of ice or water to your whisky to open its flavors. Many people swear by ice or water in their Black Label, which can dilute tastes of smokiness and harsh alcohol. This can be a great choice for beginners who are new to the intensity of whisky.^{[7]
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- When ordering Black Label with ice, always ask for it "on the rocks." A bartender will add the ice first before pouring the whisky on top, so it's on top of "the rocks" of ice.
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Try an old-fashioned whisky tumbler for Black Label "on the rocks." A whisky tumbler is sometimes called a rocks glass. For whisky with a small amount of water, consider either a tumbler or snifter.
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Adjust the flavor and temperature by adding more ice or water. The amount of ice or water you use is totally up to you. Some swear by a small amount of water in their Black Label, but too much water can flatten the complexity of its flavors. How much ice you use also impacts the temperature of the drink, which is a key part of its taste.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Whisky Cocktails

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Enjoy a delicious mix of flavors in a Ginger Whisky Cocktail. This famous cocktail, made with Black Label and ginger ale, is one that every bartender knows. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour 1.7 fluid ounces (50 ml) of Black Label into a glass. "Top up" with up to 5 fluid ounces (150 ml) of ginger ale according to your taste.
- The best glass for a whisky cocktail is a highball glass. Whisky cocktails are often called "highballs," and the Ginger Whisky Cocktail is often simply called a "Whisky Highball."^{[9]
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Make a relaxing Whisky Soda with Black Label and Club Soda. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Add 1.7 fluid ounces (50 ml) of Black Label and up to 6 fluid ounces (180 ml) of Club Soda to the glass. Adjust the amount of club soda to your liking. Lightly stir to mix. For extra style, add a sprig of rosemary to garnish.^{[10]
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Mix an Old Fashioned for a taste of history. Place a sugar cube at the bottom of a short glass. Add a dash of bitters, which is an alcoholic preparation flavored with plants and herbs. Mix the sugar and bitters until dissolved. Fill the glass with ice, then pour in 1.7 fluid ounces (50 ml) of Black Label. Finally, garnish with an orange slice.^{[11]
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- The Old Fashioned has been around since the 19th century, when it was considered a gentleman's drink. Now, there is even an Old Fashioned glass named after the iconic beverage.
- Bitters come in a variety of flavors. For an Old-Fashioned, try an Old-Fashioned, Aromatic, or Orange mix.^{[12]
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