The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Emma Briones
Rating: B+
Label 5 Black Label Scotch
(Credit: Emma Briones)
Label 5 is the 9th best selling Scotch brand in the world, with 31 million bottles sold globally. It is owned by the French company La Martiniquaise, and has won several major awards in the whisky industry. This blended whisky is made with a selection of malt and grain whiskies, one of them being Glen Moray. Label 5 has increased its sales in the last years, so La Martiniquaise has expanded the Glen Moray Distillery.
The non age statement Label 5 Classic Black is just the start of the range, with some premium expressions available worldwide. Label 5 Classic Black has been bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).
The Scotch
The whisky is pale gold in the glass. On the nose is light and fresh, with sweet toffee notes and hints of cookies. There are also some fruity notes, with pears and apples. Finally, a soft scent of ginger.
Light-bodied, on the palate there are notes of vanilla and butter. It has a slight smoky touch, with notes of apples and pears. Towards the end of the dram there is also a little splash of dried grass, with a subtle touch of oak.
The finish is very short and fresh, leaving a sweet taste of fruits and dried grass.
Label 5 Classic Black is an easy and fresh dram. A well-balanced blend with a nice combination of flavours. It is not a surprise that it is one of the best-selling blends, as it has a great quality for its price. A good choice for a summer day, and a great blend for cocktails.
The Price
Label 5 Classic Black is available worldwide, and you’ll be able to find it in supermarkets and convenience stores. In the UK its priced around £12, with lower prices in the rest of Europe (€9 to €12). In the U. S., it is priced around $15.
I’m amazed at the review and rating, this one is incredibly cheap in my country (around $6 USD, below a third of the price for a Jack Daniel’s). I would have thought it was bad. Might get one bottle soon…
Encouraged by the review I gave it a go only to find it hardly drinkable.
I’ve learned not to judge any whisky by the shelf price but here the price says it all. The bottle was sitting on the lowest shelf and I should not have retrieved it from there.
Nose: alcohol
Taste: alcohol, harsh finish.
And I thought Dewars’ White Label was nothing special! It’s a better choice any time.
The best for it’s price. Recognisable taste, smooth. I don’t like Jack Daniel’s but there is more bad and it is Jim Beam. Actually my favorite is Chivas Regal 7 years or older but compare to the prise Label 5 is number 1 for me
Label 5 Classic Black is fine. A bit lacking in flavour but not harsh. Don’t know what CQ expects.
Label 5 Premium Black is less than twice the price and much better. You can taste the malt and it has a very smooth finish, with just a hit of grain whisky. At this price, you can’t complain. Jack Daniels is much harsher. Jim Beam is raw alcohol with a dash of colour and no taste at all.
I’d rather have Grouse over Classic Black.
I’d rather have Premium Black over Grouse.
We had two bottles of labal 05 classic .it’s amazing taste and Soo fresh.