Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin
From mixing grains and single malts, blended whiskeys take a huge part in the accounts of many worthy whiskey brands you never knew existed.
Blended whiskeys are sometimes viewed as inferior compared with other types of whiskey.
But in reality, it still dominates the whiskey market because of its excellent malt blends.
We’ve compiled the best blended whiskeys that are worth trying. Find out if your favorite whiskey is on the list.
Top 15 Best Blended Whiskeys You Shouldn’t Miss
15. Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Average Price: Around $29 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Peaty and aromatic, the Famous Grouse Smoky Black has intricate yet approachable blends of whiskies using a rare peated malt.
Its 80-proof bottle has rich, delicious, and exceptionally smooth whisky.
On the rocks, the peat-smokey flavor mellows but opens up a vanilla and fruit-forward profile.
The aromas, flavors, and smooth, smokey finish makes a solid dram for its competitive price.
14. Aldi Glen Orrin 12-Year-Old Blended Whisky
Average Price: Around $24 for 700ml
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Aldi Glen Orrin is a blended Scotch whisky created and bottled for a retail chain brand in the UK.
For its price, it’s one of the best supermarket whiskies crafted with single malt.
This whisky is aged for 12 years and has a complex profile with fruit flavors and pleasant rich aromas.
Aldi Glen Orrin has lots of honey and vanilla notes on the nose, and you’ll find sweet ripe fruit notes on the mid-palate.
13. Cutty Sark
Average Price: Around $20 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Cutty Sark has been an iconic Scotch whisky in the market for nearly a century. It is an easy-to-drink whisky with a sweet, vibrant flavor.
It’s a solid option for a cheap, simple, palatable Scotch whisky. Cutty Sark’s full-tasting profile has a medium body and doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds.
Its 80-proof bottle has a clean, balanced flavor of citrus fruit and vanilla sweetness on the palate, excellent for sipping neat or on the rocks.
12. Monkey Shoulder
Average Price: Around $37 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Monkey Shoulder single malt Scotch is made of whiskies sourced from Speyside and uses ex-bourbon oak casks, adding a layer of vanilla notes to its tasting profile.
Monkey Shoulder offers mouthwatering citrus, dried apricots, and a lot of butterscotch flavors.
You can drink it straight, but the richness of the dram is perfect for pairing with cocktails.
11. Keeper’s Heart Irish + American
Average Price: Around $35 for 700ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It: The combination of Irish whiskey with American rye whiskey makes the Keeper’s Heart Irish + American extra special.
This light amber whiskey has a bright floral and baking spices aroma.
Its 86-proof bottle has a lingering spice on the palate, along with citrus notes, hints of ginger spice, and sweetness.
Keeper’s Heart Irish + American develops its herbaceous spice flavor throughout the sip. It is a decent Irish whisky with a long yet pleasant spicy finish.
10. Pendleton Whisky
Average Price: Around $27 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Pendleton is a Canadian whisky bottled in America. It is incredibly light, sweet, and perfect for those new to drinking whisky.
Drinking it straight will give you the full caramel notes up front with vanilla flavor, balanced with a hint of spice that blends through the finish.
Its uncommonly smooth taste is also best enjoyed in an Old-fashioned drink with a dash of bitters and orange peel on top.
9. Chivas Regal 18 Years
Average Price: Around $87 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Chivas Regal is an 18-year-old blended Scotch whisky crafted of premium grain and single malt whisky that delivers unique flavor notes on every sip.
Chivas Regal 18-year has a bright amber hue when poured into a glass. It is one of the best-blended whiskies that showcases an impressive flavor profile when neatly sipped.
“What we’re trying to do with blended whiskey is take many different flavors and make something greater than the sum of its parts…”
– Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender
8. The Classic Cask Rare Scotch Whisky Single Batch 40
Average Price: Around $450 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It: The Classic Cask Rare Scotch whisky 40-year is a one-of-a-kind blended Scotch that is much more expensive than other brands but holds unparalleled quality.
This rare bottle of single-batch blended Scotch whiskies doesn’t use any chill filtering.
It welcomes you with its luxurious aromas of sweet spice and a bit of caramel that is very pleasing on the nose.
The burned gold liquid color has complex, with remarkable smoothness, and rounded flavors of oak, toffee, and hints of allspice perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
7. Teeling Small Batch Whiskey
Average Price: Around $40 for 750ml (Dizly)
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Like It: Teeling small batch is an Irish whiskey blend of malt and grain whisky, aged separately in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in an American rum cask.
This non-chill-filtered Irish whiskey has a vanilla-forward, subtle spice notes on the nose.
It has an approachable palate with present caramel, vanilla, and sweet rum notes.
6. Berry Bros & Rudd Sherry Cask Matured Blended Malt
Average Price: Around $42 for 700ml (Regal Whisky)
Alcohol Content: 44.2%
Why We Like It: Berry Bros and Rudd Sherry Cask Matured is a malt blend from the UK. It is matured in high-quality sherry casks showcasing a luxurious trademark trait of sweet fruit notes.
This bottle of blended Scotch whisky has a balanced taste profile, perfect for those who like an extra layer of sherry [1] and complexity notes on their whisky.
We recommend drinking neat to experience its pleasant, vibrant aroma, full-dried fruit notes, and oak and cinnamon spice on the palate.
5. Milam & Greene Triple Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: $46.99 for 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 47%
Why We Like It: Milam and Greene’s bourbon is known for its meticulous triple-cask bourbon blends.
It has refined light floral and vanilla aromas and a soft texture perfect for neat sipping.
Its 94-proof has the right creaminess making it approachable on the palate, and it has the satisfying spice balance you need in a drink.
4. Barrell Seagrass Whiskey
Average Price: $79.99 for 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 59.2%
Why We Like It: For rye whiskey lovers, this Barrell Seagrass is a perfect option for a bold rye flavor with a twist of fruity expression.
This blended whisky is made of Canadian and American rye [2] grain whiskies that produce a good balance of rye heat with surprising layers of honey and more fruit sweetness on the palate.
3. Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old
Average Price: Around $70 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It: Johnnie Walker Green Label 15-year is only crafted with single malts, resulting in a sophisticated rich, vibrant tasting profile.
It’s one of the single malt whiskies with prominent fruit notes of subtle orange peel and light apple and pear hints on the palate, and it finishes with lingering peat smoke.
We recommend you drink this Scotch whisky neatly to appreciate its intriguing yet approachable oak spice and woody palate.
2. Grant’s Triple Wood Whisky
Average Price: Around $13 for 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It: Grant’s Triple Wood blended whisky is matured not just in two but three types of wood: virgin oak, American oak, and ex-bourbon casks.
Upon sipping, the cinnamon spice builds up in the mid-palate, along with vanilla and light floral notes that balance the whole sipping experience.
Grant’s Triple Wood is one of the solid and cheapest drams with a decent blended profile of smoke and sweetness.
1. Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Average Price: $125 for 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It: Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a limited edition Japanese whisky [3] made by the House of Suntory.
This bottle of Japanese whisky is rich in flavor and craftsmanship.
Its 86-proof bottle is surprisingly rich in vibrant lychee, rose, and rosemary aromas.
You can taste the sweetness of honey in th mid-palate with a finish of Mizunara hint from Japanese oak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you drink blended whiskey straight?
Yes, you can drink blended whiskey straight.
Although it is a popular choice for mixing in cocktails, you can sip it neatly or add a few drops of water to open up its nuanced flavors.
Is blended whiskey smoother than other whiskey types?
Yes, blended whiskey is smoother than other whiskey types.
It’s a mixture of different types of whiskey [4] from different malt whiskey and grain distilleries but is more subtle on the palate.
What is the most popular blended whiskey?
The title of the most popular blended whiskey is subjective and can vary based on regions and individual preferences; however, one consistently well-regarded and widely consumed blended whiskey is Johnnie Walker. The brand’s diverse range, including labels like Johnnie Walker Black Label and Johnnie Walker Red Label, has contributed to its global recognition and popularity.
Is blended whiskey better?
The superiority of blended whiskey versus single malt or single grain whiskey is a matter of personal taste. Blended whiskey, crafted by expert blenders, combines different malt and grain whiskies to achieve a balanced and harmonious flavor profile, often appealing to a broader audience. Some whiskey enthusiasts appreciate the complexity and nuance found in well-crafted blended expressions, while others may prefer the distinct characteristics of single malts or single grains.
What are examples of blended whiskey?
Several renowned blended whiskey brands showcase the diversity and artistry of this category. Aside from Johnnie Walker, other examples include Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, and Jameson. Each brand offers a unique blend, marrying various malt and grain whiskies to create a well-rounded and flavorful drinking experience.
Is Jack Daniel’s blended whiskey?
No, Jack Daniel’s is not technically classified as blended whiskey. Instead, it falls under the category of Tennessee whiskey. What sets Tennessee whiskey apart is the additional step of charcoal filtering, known as the Lincoln County Process, before aging in barrels. Jack Daniel’s, with its distinct smoothness and charcoal-mellowed character, has garnered global acclaim as a Tennessee whiskey rather than a blended one.
Which whisky has the best taste?
Determining the whisky with the best taste is highly subjective and varies based on individual preferences. Preferences range from the peaty and smoky notes found in Islay Scotch whiskies like Lagavulin or Laphroaig to the rich and mellow flavors of bourbon, such as Pappy Van Winkle or Buffalo Trace. The “best” taste is a personal choice influenced by factors like the drinker’s flavor preferences, the occasion, and the overall experience desired. Exploring different whiskies from various regions can help enthusiasts discover the unique and diverse world of whisky flavors.
Is Johnnie Walker a blended whiskey?
Yes, Johnnie Walker is a renowned blended Scotch whisky brand. The range includes various expressions, each crafted by expert blenders who skillfully combine malt and grain whiskies to achieve a well-balanced and flavorful profile, making Johnnie Walker a prominent name in the world of blended Scotch.
Which is better Scotch or whiskey?
Scotch is a type of whiskey, specifically one that is distilled and matured in Scotland, known for its diverse styles such as Single Malt, Single Grain, and Blended Scotch. The preference for Scotch or other types of whiskey (like Bourbon or Irish whiskey) depends on individual taste. Scotch enthusiasts may appreciate its regional nuances, while others might favor the sweetness of Bourbon or the smoothness of Irish whiskey.
Is Johnnie Walker whisky blended?
Yes, Johnnie Walker produces blended Scotch whiskies. The blending process involves combining different malt and grain whiskies to create a harmonious and complex flavor profile. Johnnie Walker offers a range of expressions, from the smoky and peaty notes of Islay-influenced whiskies to the mellow and balanced characteristics found in their other blends.
Is Chivas Regal a good whisky?
Chivas Regal is widely regarded as a premium and high-quality blended Scotch whisky. Known for its smooth and rich flavor profile, Chivas Regal has earned a positive reputation among whisky enthusiasts. Its consistent quality and well-balanced blend of malt and grain whiskies contribute to its status as a good whisky choice for those seeking a sophisticated and approachable Scotch experience.
Which whiskey is best for beginners?
For beginners exploring the world of whiskey, it’s advisable to start with smoother and less intense options. Bourbon, with its sweeter notes and approachable flavor profile, is often recommended. Brands like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Jim Beam can be good starting points. Additionally, Irish whiskies, such as Jameson, are known for their smoothness and can be a welcoming introduction for beginners exploring the diverse and nuanced world of whiskey. Experimenting with different styles and brands is key to finding the perfect match for individual taste preferences.Top of Form
Final Thoughts
Blended whisky is proof that mixing malt and grain whiskies deliver palatable drams.
It offers different kinds of smoothness and nuanced flavors that will never disappoint your palate.
For whisky drinkers who are into fruit-forward blends, you can try Berry Bros and Rudd Sherry Cask or Johnnie Walker Green Label.
For rye lovers, try Barrell Seagrass or Keeper’s Heart.
These blended whiskeys deserve a spot in your home bar, and our top recommendations above might help you find your next favorite blended whiskey.
References:
- sherry
- rye
- What you need to know about the new definition of Japanese whisky
- 9 Types of Whiskey You Really Need to Know
