Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin
In a world of blended whisky, blended Scotch takes pride in delivering equally delicious and unique drams that might go far beyond our taste expectations.
From a distinctive craft of the finest single malt and grain whiskies, blended Scotch continues to take the spotlight in offering a flavorful and more impeccable whisky.
You don’t have to be troubled finding the best blended Scotch whiskies; here’s the list of bottles you shouldn’t miss.
Top 15 Bang-For-Your-Buck Blended Scotch Whiskies
15. Sheep Dip Malt Whisky
Average Price: Around $43 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Sheep Dip is a handcrafted, premium blend of various single malt whisky.
At 80-proof, you can taste a blended Scotch’s rich, malty, and creamy taste profile.
Its light amber appearance has fruity, balanced citrus with floral notes upfront.
The malty taste follows the fruity notes on the palate and ends with toffee hints and a soft peat smoke finish.
14. Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Average Price: Around $37 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Shackleton blended Scotch is a lighter version of Mackinlay’s Shackleton Rare and is made of highland single malts and other grains.
The blended malts result in a fairly complex flavor with beautiful layers of dried fruit, ginger, cinnamon, and sweet notes of brown sugar, perfect for hot toddies or over-ice cocktails.
13. Duncan Taylor ’The Big Smoke 46’
Average Price: Around $66 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Duncan Taylor is a pale-hued blended Scotch made from various Islay malts.
It is one of the best-peated whisky we have tried, perfectly paired with cigars or tobacco.
At 92-proof, we enjoyed its full peat smoke profile and leather notes, oak, and woody hints by sipping neat or in an Old-Fashioned cocktail.
Duncan Taylor’s smoky-style whisky has a bit of coastal sweetness and a minty palate with a crisp and clean finish with lingering toasty oak and a touch of leather.
12. Buchanan’s Deluxe Blended 12-Year Scotch Whisky
Average Price: Around $40 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Buchanan’s Deluxe is one of the iconic Scotch whisky brands because of its lighter profile packed with tasty notes made from single malt and grain whiskies.
You can expect a blend of vanilla, tropical fruits, and orange notes upfront. Perfect to be served on the rocks or with soda with an orange peel.
11. Black Bottle Blended Scotch Whisky
Average Price: Around $25 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Black Bottle will complete your favorite Hot Toddy cocktail. At 86-proof, this blended Scotch has tasteful notes of sweet, spicy fruits, canned pears, and honey.
It is made from the finest single malts and grain whiskies and is double-aged in oak casks, resulting in a sweet yet balanced whisky with big smoky flavors.
Black Bottle makes a great sipper, but it can also elevate your classic and old-fashioned cocktails.
10. Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky
Average Price: Around $37 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Monkey Shoulder blended Scotch whisky combines three single malts to make an incredible blend of flavors from different distilleries in Speyside [1].
This drink has a cinnamon spice and dried apricots with a smooth oak-tasting profile.
Expect another layer of malt, dried fruit notes, and buttered toast that dominates on the palate.
Monkey Shoulder’s complex yet smooth flavor profile is ideal for sipping but is also great for mixing in cocktails.
9. Dewar’s 25-Year Scotch Whisky
Average Price: Around $252 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This 25-year-old Scotch from Dewar’s delivers a rich, fruity profile. Expect full flavors of heather honey, vanilla, and light citrus.
At 80-proof, Dewar’s 25-year blended Scotch has a creamy mouthfeel that leads to an incredibly smooth finish, perfect for sipping neat and on the rocks.
8. Dewar’s Double Double Aged Blended Scotch Whisky 21 Year
Average Price: Around $60 for 375ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Dewar’s ’Double Double’ 21-year blended Scotch is a limited release from Dewar’s, having four unique aging processes and finishes in Oloroso Sherry casks.
Despite its higher proof, this 21-year-old whisky is extremely smooth with rich notes of honey and tropical fruits.
It’s approachable to the palate and doesn’t contain unpleasant notes.
7. Hamilton’s Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Average Price: Around $25 for 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Hamilton’s Islay is a classic peated Scotch whisky [2] with a distinct smoky aroma with hints of citrus and salt water. It builds a peppery profile on the palate and a few medicinal hints.
“…you need to have a good sense of smell… More importantly, you need to be passionate about Scotch whisky.”
– Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender
Hamilton’s Islay’s strong peated flavor and finish are perfect for enjoying straight or with a splash of water in a rocks glass.
6. The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch
Average Price: Around $24 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Produced by master blender Gordon Motion, The Famous Grouse is one of the affordable blended Scotch made from grain and single malt whisky.
These blended whiskies use both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, resulting in creamy notes of vanilla, dried fruits, and soft spice.
5. Compass Box Hedonism
Average Price: Around $120 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Compass Box Hedonism is an ideal sipping whisky made from mostly single-grain whiskies.
It has a rich and alluring vanilla-forward profile making it easier to drink.
At 86-proof, Compass Box Hedonism is not chill-filtered and delivers a nice layer of sweet notes on the nose and more creamy vanilla hints on the palate.
4. Ballantine’s 30-Year-Old Blended Scotch
Average Price: Around $500 for 700ml
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Ballantine’s 30-year is one of the best blended Scotch whiskies in the market. Although it is quite expensive, you will not be disappointed with its impressive quality.
This top-shelf blended Scotch offers a rare blend of whiskies that come from distilleries that are no longer in existence.
Its rare bottle offers deep, elegant fruity aromas pleasing to the nose.
You can taste the complex balance of fruit and honey flavors followed by sweet spice, toffee, and caramel in your mid-palate, and it ends with elegant sweetness and a soft spice finish.
3. Naked Grouse Blended Malt Scotch
Average Price: Around $33 for 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: This Naked Grouse from Edrington is launched as a blend of single-malt Scotch [3]. It finishes from sherry casks and is chill-filtered before bottling.
Naked Grouse offers a malty, fruity, and buttery toffee scent on the nose. You can expect rich fruit and toffee notes with a soft spice finish.
The Naked Grouse bottle is naked and simple, yet very distinctive, but this grouse engraved bottle is no longer continuing.
Fun Fact: In 2021, Naked Grouse bottles were rebranded as Naked Malt.
2. Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Scotch Whisky
Average Price: Around $87 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Chivas Regal’s 18-year blended Scotch Gold Series is carefully crafted by Chivas Brothers and blended with over 20 single malts and grain whiskies.
Unique and complex, this Chivas Regal has a textured spirit that develops intense flavors showing tasteful notes of sweet spice, burnt citrus, dark chocolate, and mellow smokiness.
With Chivas Regal’s 18-year multilayered flavor profile, blended Scotch whisky lovers will enjoy this 80-proof rich amber-colored whisky by sipping solo with a nice cigar.
1. Johnnie Walker Black 12-Year Blended Scotch
Average Price: Around $40 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Johnnie Walker Black label is a solid option for a 12-year-old quintessential blended Scotch.
It offers a nice sweetness on the palate wrapped in smoky notes.
Made from various malts, this blended Scotch has a creamy texture. Expect scents of sweet dried raisins, glazed nuts, and vanilla notes with lots of charred oak flavor.
Johnnie Walker Black label has its signature smoke finish. It is a good entry-level for those who are into peated whisky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best blended Scotch under $100?
Dewar’s Double Double 21-year and Chivas Regal 18-year are some of the best blended Scotch whiskies under $100. They offer a unique flavor blend of malt whisky and grain whisky.
What’s the best blended Scotch for cocktails?
Monkey Shoulder, Shackleton, and Black Bottle are some of the best blended Scotches for cocktails because of their complex yet smooth flavor profiles.
Are blended Scotch whiskies stronger than single malts?
No, blended Scotch whiskies are not stronger than single malts. They are generally softer on the palate and have a lighter body compared to other single-malt whiskies.
Which scotch is the smoothest?
Determining the smoothest Scotch is subjective, but Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is often praised for its approachable and smooth character, featuring a well-balanced combination of fruitiness, sweetness, and a touch of oak.
What is the most awarded blended Scotch?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label stands out as one of the most awarded blended Scotches, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, diverse flavor profile, and the use of rare whiskies, earning it numerous accolades on the global stage.
What is the best-selling blended Scotch whisky in the world?
Johnny Walker Red Label holds the title of the best-selling blended Scotch whisky globally, recognized for its accessibility, versatility in cocktails, and consistent quality, making it a popular choice among consumers worldwide.
What is the No 1 whisky in Scotland?
Glenfiddich, notably Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, often claims the position as the No. 1 single malt whisky in Scotland, celebrated for its pioneering role in the single malt category and its enduring popularity.
What is considered the best Scotch in the world?
Determining the best Scotch is highly subjective, but Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak frequently garners acclaim for its rich complexity, balance of flavors, and luxurious sherry cask maturation, placing it among the top echelons of the Scotch whisky hierarchy.
Which is better: single malt or blended Scotch?
The choice between single malt and blended Scotch depends on personal preference. Single malts, produced at a single distillery from malted barley, often showcase unique characteristics and terroir. Blended Scotches, combining single malts and grain whiskies, offer a harmonious blend of flavors and can be more approachable for those new to Scotch. Ultimately, the “better” option hinges on individual taste preferences and the desired drinking experience.
Final Verdict: Best Blended Scotch
A good quality blend of single malt Scotches and grain whisky makes the best blended Scotch whiskies.
It holds great tasting value leaving your taste buds wanting for more.
For a smooth drinking experience, try Dewar’s Double Double 21-year or Monkey Shoulder, but if you’re into smoky profile, go for Hamilton’s Islay, Duncan Taylor, or Johnnie Walker.
Whether you’re a novice drinker or an experienced whisky aficionado, the best blended Scotch can offer a unique tasting experience for every palate.
References:
- Speyside
- What, Exactly, Is Peat and How Did it Get in My Whisky?
- Naked Grouse Becomes A Blended Malt
- What Is the Difference Between Single Malt and Blended Whisky?
