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It’s a cold autumn night here in Baltimore, and I’m curled up next to my laptop smoking cigarettes and listening to Poe. I’ve nothing to do tonight, so I figure I’ll ponder the stars and the heavens. Nah, just kidding. I’m drinking scotch and listening to some Cash. So let’s get crackin’!

My birthday was on the 26th of October–Yes, thanks. I’m an old man, I know. Ahem… anyway, my birthday was a few days ago and I was lucky enough to be given a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label by my mother and stepfather. They are terrific folks, and I love them dearly. I figure I should honor them by providing you fine folks with my thoughts on what is surely a classic Scotch Whisky.

Black Label is a blended scotch, made from about forty whiskies, each aged at least twelve years. It’s 80 proof and oh-so-delicious. Officially branded in 1909, Johnnie Walker Black has been a staple whisky for decades and will remain so as long as they keep pumping out the good stuff.

The whisky has a vibrant hue of dark gold, translucent like the amber egg from Jurassic Park. When held up to a candle, it beckons to you, calling out as if to say, “Mister, what you are holding is the key to inner sight. Indulge and find yourself.” I can’t help but give in to its advances.

The aroma is earthy, with hints of oak and a bit of spice. It stings the nostrils and says, “Listen junior, don’t mess around. This is not a mixing whisky. Do it right, or not at all.” I heed its warning and have it with one ice cube. The flavor is bold, yet mellow. A touch of sweetness hits the tongue, followed by smoke and earth. While not my favorite flavor (I still prefer the smoke and peat of Laphroiag), it is enjoyable in its own right and certainly deserves its place in the mouths of distinguished gentlemen. Black Label gives a nice warming sensation on the way down, which is a great thing to have on such a cold night.

At about sixty dollars at most liquor stores, Black Label isn’t a cheap whisky, but it certainly is (in my opinion) the best out of the readily available (and affordable) whiskies from the Johnnie Walker line. So go ahead, drink up, and keep on walkin’.