Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is a 40% ABV blended Scotch whisky added by Diageo to the main Johnnie Walker range in 2025, a more fruity, sweeter interpretation of Black Label finished in red wine casks. It was developed under master blender Emma Walker.

What sets Black Ruby apart from Black Label?

The key difference lies in the maturation: part of the blend is rested in casks seasoned with red wine. This extra step adds dark-stoned fruit, cooked forest fruit and pronounced spice to Black Label's dried-fruit, rich-malt and light-smoke profile. According to one independent review, the cask mix includes PX and Oloroso sherry casks, bourbon casks and first-fill red wine casks; the backbone of the blend is Roseisle in Speyside, joined by Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Cardhu and Caol Ila malts along with Cameronbridge grain whisky.

What does Johnnie Walker Black Ruby taste like?

On the nose, red-fruit jam, cherry, raisin and honeyed vanilla stand out, with roasted oak and a fine peat smoke behind. On the palate, baked apple tart, dried orange peel, black pepper and cinnamon are felt. On the medium-length finish, dried fruit, caramel and citrus peel give way to a lightly smoky oak.

How should it be served, and what food does it pair with?

It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in long drinks made with tonic or soda; its fruity character suits cocktails. Fruit and chocolate desserts, along with mature cheeses, go well alongside it.