Johnnie Walker Black Label is a popular blended Scotch whisky that contains notes of vanilla, raisin, spice and smoke. It is enjoyed neat, on the rocks, and in cocktails around the world. Many whiskey drinkers want to know – how many calories are in a shot of Johnnie Walker Black? Let’s take a closer look.
Calories in Alcohol
Before determining the calories in Johnnie Walker Black specifically, it helps to understand how calories are calculated in alcoholic beverages in general.
Most alcoholic beverages provide calories from the alcohol content, as well as from any carbohydrates, proteins or fats they may contain.
The calories from alcohol come from ethanol. Pure ethanol contains about 7 calories per gram. An average shot of 40% alcohol distilled spirit contains around 97 calories from ethanol alone.
The calorie content will be higher if a beverage contains additional ingredients like fruit juices, sodas or added sweeteners that provide extra carbohydrates and sugars.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Nutrition Facts
Now let’s look at the nutrition facts specific to Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky.
According to Diageo, the producer of Johnnie Walker, a 1.5 ounce (44ml) serving of Johnnie Walker Black contains:
- 97 calories
- 0g fat
- 0g carbohydrates
- 0g protein
As you can see, a standard shot of Johnnie Walker Black contains 97 calories, all of which come from the alcohol content. There are no additional calories from fat, carbohydrates or protein.
Calories per Serving Size
The standard serving size for a shot of liquor is 1.5 ounces (44ml). If you pour a larger or smaller serving, the calorie count will change accordingly.
Here are the calories for different serving sizes of Johnnie Walker Black:
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 ounce | 65 calories |
| 1.5 ounces (standard shot) | 97 calories |
| 2 ounces | 130 calories |
| 3 ounces | 195 calories |
As you can see, the calorie count scales up linearly based on the serving size. A 1 ounce pour contains about 65 calories, while a 3 ounce pour would have about 195 calories.
Calories Compared to Other Whiskies
Compared to other popular whisky brands, Johnnie Walker Black Label is moderate in calories.
Here’s how it compares per 1.5 ounce serving:
- Johnnie Walker Black: 97 calories
- Johnnie Walker Red: 96 calories
- Jack Daniel’s: 96 calories
- Dewar’s White Label: 105 calories
- Maker’s Mark: 123 calories
- Glenlivet 12 Year: 124 calories
As you can see, Johnnie Walker Black contains slightly more calories than Johnnie Walker Red Label or Jack Daniel’s, but fewer calories than premium single malt scotches like Glenlivet 12 Year.
Tips for Consuming Johnnie Walker Black
Here are some tips for enjoying Johnnie Walker Black Label while keeping calories in check:
- Stick to the standard 1.5 ounce shot size.
- Be aware of calories if consuming multiple servings.
- Enjoy neat or on the rocks rather than with sugary mixers.
- Sip slowly to make one serving last.
- Drink a glass of water between each shot.
- Eat before and while drinking to help slow absorption.
Moderation is key – limiting yourself to 1-2 servings will help you keep calories in check.
Should You Be Concerned About Whisky Calories?
Many whiskey enthusiasts don’t pay much attention to calories when enjoying an occasional dram. However, for those watching their calorie intake, the calories in alcohol can add up quickly, especially if consuming multiple drinks.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intake to:
- Men: No more than 2 drinks per day
- Women: No more than 1 drink per day
One standard shot of Johnnie Walker Black (1.5 ounces at 97 calories) counts as one drink. Consuming more than the recommended amounts can lead to excess calorie intake.
For example, having three shots of Johnnie Walker Black in one sitting would tally up to around 300 calories, which is a significant calorie addition for many people.
That said, an occasional single serving can likely be incorporated into most calorie goals. As with any alcohol, it comes down to drinking in moderation.
Low Calorie Mixers
While Johnnie Walker Black is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it can also be used in cocktails. If you’re mixing your Scotch, consider low calorie mixers to limit calories:
- Sparkling water
- Diet soda
- Unsweetened tea
- Seltzer water
- Sugar-free tonic
Avoid high calorie sodas, juices, sweetened teas and tonic water as mixers if watching your calorie intake.
Burning Off Whisky Calories
Keeping physically active can help counteract the extra calories consumed from alcohol. Here’s how long it would take to walk off the calories in Johnnie Walker Black at a moderate pace:
- 1 shot (97 calories): 25 minutes
- 2 shots (194 calories): 50 minutes
- 3 shots (291 calories): 1 hour 15 minutes
As you can see, just a single shot requires about 25 minutes of brisk walking. It’s important to balance whisky enjoyment with regular exercise.
The Bottom Line
A standard 1.5 ounce shot of Johnnie Walker Black Label contains 97 calories, coming purely from the alcohol content. Compared to other popular whiskies, it’s moderately low in calories. While occasional moderate drinking can likely fit into calorie goals, it’s best to be mindful of intake, follow public health recommendations, and balance with diet and exercise. Savor your dram of Johnnie Walker Black, but enjoy in moderation if calories are a concern.
