A non-age-statement release from Johnnie Walker, Double Black is a smokier, more robust evolution of Black Label, launched in 2011. Featuring peated Islay and West Coast malts and matured in heavily charred oak casks, it delivers bold, smoky, and slightly peaty flavors. While divisive, it’s crafted for those who enjoy daring, smoky drams. Double Black can arguably been seen in a similar light to a distiller’s edition of a single malt, specifically those offered by fellow Diageo whiskies Lagavulin and Talisker. The central malt and grain components are generally the same as Black Label, as one would expect with the identity of the two whiskies intentionally intertwined. The key differences come into play with the dialing up of the smokier malts in the blend as well as in the use of sherry casks with a deep char which combine to yield a more rich and intense finish in the end product than standard Black Label.