Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition vs New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited EditionNew York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerNew York Distilling Company
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlendedRye
ABV40%55.6%
Age12 yr3 yr
Price£29.95£39.95
Rating4.38/55.00/5

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition is better value at £30 vs £40.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.95 vs £39.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 3 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£39.95 vs £29.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy New?

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

ToastedVanillaHoney

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 200 Years Limited Edition

SmokeyDried Fruit

Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

TobaccoNew Wood

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