Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Buchanan’s Whiskey has been around since the late 1800s. This blended whiskey is produced in Scotland and aged 12 years in matured European and American ex-bourbon oak casks.
The brand is owned by British conglomerate Diageo and is the third-largest premium scotch in the entire world, selling over 1.5 9-liter cases annually.
Here, we give you an honest review, including the Buchanan price list.
Table of Contents
ToggleBuchanan’s Whisky: An Overview
James Buchanan has roots in Canada. The Scottish returned to the United Kingdom shortly after he was born in Canada, and this is where he spent most of his life. Canada may have just lost a brilliant whiskey blender.
He worked in London as an agent for a company in the whiskey trade in 1879. His entrepreneurial mind noticed the limited availability of whiskey spirits in the English region and, wanting to fill in the gap, set out to produce his line.
He experimented with different Scotch whiskies and formulated his unique blend, which he called Buchanan’s Blend.
When James launched the James Buchanan & Co. brand in 1884, he wasn’t concerned about making a blended whiskey with complex flavors. He wanted a blended whiskey that could be well-enjoyed by the public, whether they were scotch connoisseurs or complete newbies.
He was also one of the first to utilize mobile marketing in the world. He used a cart and horse delivery system, with the brand name plastered all over the cart.
His brand was picked up by the public… just like he intended.
A year after Buchanan’s Whiskey was launched, in 1885, it received the seal to become the official scotch supplier to the House of Commons in the British Parliament.
In 1926, Buchanan released the Finest Old Liqueur. All bottles are shaped after soldiers’ canteen bottles to symbolize their friendship during World War One.
How It’s Made
Every bottle of Buchanan’s is the result of 130 years of experience. It is distilled and aged in Scotland. It is a blended whiskey, meaning it’s a combination of many different types, strengths, and ages of whiskies, to create a truly robust, one-of-a-kind final product.
How To Drink Buchanan’s
Like all other whiskies, Buchanan’s products are best enjoyed slowly. Once you open a bottle, pay close attention to its aroma. Make sure that you’re also using the proper glassware [1], like a rocks glass, so the aroma opens up more.
Take a small sip and let the liquor dance on your palate. Buchanan’s Whiskey is sweet and smooth, with subtle notes of chocolates and apricots. It has quite a vibrant flavor profile. Buchanan’s finish is fairly long and malty.
Of course, if you want to combine your whiskey with mixers, you’re free to do so as well. Mixing options include cranberry juice, lemon juice, and Coke.
Read: Blackened Whiskey Review & Guide
Popular Varieties
Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch
The Buchanan’s Master Blended masterfully blends an assortment of imported Scottish malts. Keith Law, Buchanan’s Master Blender, crafted this full-bodied scotch with rich flavor notes.
The bottle won plenty of awards, including Double Gold in the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and has affordable prices for its quality.
Buchanan’s Deluxe Aged 12 Years
James Buchanan personally supervised, consulted, and approved the creation of Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 Years. It is delicate and fruity, with hints of chocolates, oranges, and honey.
It is matured for 12 years and is considered the brand’s most iconic blend, with a wide following in Latin America and the United States.
Other brands with similar price points include Duncan Taylor and Glen Kirk.
Also Read: Calories in Scotch Whiskey
Buchanan’s Red Seal 21 Year
It is rumored that Buchanan’s Red Seal 21 Year contains extremely rare blends from Dalwhinnie Whiskey, a Speyside scotch — hence its more expensive price tag.
This liquor matures in two different casks: first in refill casks, then in charred casks, before being poured into bottles. This amber-colored liquor is medium-bodied with fresh fruit notes.
Chocolate and ginger are also present upon review of the flavor profile.
The Red Seal brands are said to be a recreation of the original 1901 blend specially created to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII.
Read: Buchanan Two Souls Scotch Whisky
Buchanan’s 18 Special Reserve
Buchanan’s 18 Special Reserve spent 18 years in ex-sherry oak barrels and bottled at 86 proof (or 43 percent ABV).
It uses a special blend of grain whiskies and single malts for a more full-bodied experience.
Each bottle is silky and delicate, with the flavors of citrus, nuts, honey, and oak.
Common Buchanan’s Whisky Brands Prices
Type | Sizes | Proof | Average Prices |
Buchanan’s 12 Years Old | 750ml | 80 | $29.99 – $39.99 |
Buchanan’s 18 Years Old | 750ml | 80 | $86.99 – $89.99 |
Buchanan’s DeLuxe Aged 12 Years | 750ml | 80 | Around $38.49 |
Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch | 750ml | 80 | $44.99 – $49.99 |
Buchanan’s Red Seal 21 Yr Scotch | 750ml | 80 | $169.99 – $199.99 |
Buchanan’s Select 15 Years Old | 750ml | 80 | Around $56.99 |
Buchanan’s Special Reserve Aged 18 Years | 750ml | 80 | Around $84.99 |
Popular Buchanan’s Whisky Cocktail Recipes
Although we strongly recommend Buchanan’s Whiskey on its own, here are a few options if you insist on mixing this spirit to your drinks.
The Scotsman
The Scotsman is a classic scotch drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whiskey
- ⅓ ounce Aperol
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces pink grapefruit juice
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Basil leaf
- Fresh ice
Directions:
Pour all of the ingredients into an iced cocktail shaker and combine everything. Strain and pour into a lowball glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a basil leaf.
The Manhattan
The Manhattan is a slightly bitter cocktail drink with quite a few herbal tones.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch Whiskey
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Lemon peel
- Maraschino cherry
Directions:
Pour all ingredients in a tall glass filled with ice and stir well with a bar spoon. Strain and pour the cold liquid into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a thin lemon peel and a cherry.
Whisky Highball
The Whiskey Highball is probably the easiest — yet most satisfying — cocktail drink anyone can make.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whiskey
- 4 to 6 ounces ginger ale or club soda
- Fresh ice
Directions:
Pour the whiskey into a glass filled with a large ice cube and top with either ginger ale or club soda, whichever you prefer. Give it a quick stir and enjoy.
Buchanita
The Buchanita cocktail will take your tongue on a tropical vacation.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Buchanans 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whiskey
- 5 ounce pineapple juice
- Orange slice
- Pineapple slice
- Fresh ice
Directions:
Combine the liquor and pineapple juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain and pour into a tall glass with ice (or a hollowed-out pineapple, if you have one). Garnish with the fruit slices.
Buchanan’s Negra
Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic whiskey and coke.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Buchanan’s 12 Year Old Deluxe Blended Whiskey
- 1 ounce coke
- Fresh ice
Directions:
Combine the whiskey and coke in a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir gently and serve.
FAQs
What does the engraving on the back of Buchanan’s bottle mean?
If you’ve taken a good look at the back of every Buchanan’s bottle, you will have noticed the following words: Hinc Clarior Spiritus.
It is a Latin phrase that translates to “hence the brighter spirit,” which has links to the founder’s personal goal: generosity and charitable donations.
What goes well with Buchanan’s whiskey?
Buchanan’s Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water and a few ice cubes. You can also mix in coke and some fruit juices like lemon juice.
What does Buchanan’s whiskey taste like?
There are a few Buchanan’s Whiskey variants, but they all share a commonality of tasting like chocolates and fruits, specifically oranges and apricots.
Is Buchanan a good whisky?
The perception of Buchanan’s as a good whisky is subjective and varies among individuals. Many whisky enthusiasts appreciate its smooth and balanced flavor profile.
What type of whiskey is Buchanan?
Buchanan’s is a Scotch whisky, specifically a blended Scotch whisky. It is known for its careful selection and blending of malt and grain whiskies.
Is Buchanan’s expensive?
Buchanan’s pricing falls within the mid to high range, depending on the specific variant. It is considered a premium Scotch whisky
Is Buchanan’s whiskey Mexican?
No, Buchanan’s is not Mexican; it is a Scotch whisky originating from Scotland.
Is Buchanan a Scotch or whiskey?
Buchanan’s is a Scotch whisky. All Scotch whisky is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskey is Scotch.
How do people drink Buchanan’s?
Buchanan’s is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks to savor its flavors. Some may also use it in cocktails, but many prefer to appreciate its complexity without mixers
Is Buchanan’s good with Coke?
Purists may prefer to enjoy Buchanan’s neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate its flavors. Mixing it with Coke is less common, as it may overpower the subtle notes of the whisky.
Is Buchanan whiskey sweet?
Buchanan’s flavor profile can include some sweet notes, along with a balance of maltiness, peat, and smokiness, depending on the specific variant.
How much alcohol is Buchanan?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of Buchanan’s whisky varies by variant but is typically around 40%, which is standard for many whiskies.
How to properly drink whiskey?
Whiskey is often enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks. The choice depends on personal preference. It’s recommended to savor the flavors slowly and appreciate the complexity of the spirit.
How long does Buchanan’s last?
The shelf life of an unopened bottle of Buchanan’s whisky is indefinite if stored in proper conditions. Once opened, the whisky may gradually change over time due to exposure to air, but it remains safe to consume for an extended period. Using a vacuum-sealed stopper can help preserve the whisky’s quality after opening.
Key Takeaways
With 130 years in the business, you can expect each Buchanan’s Whiskey bottle to have stellar quality. It’s also won plenty of awards and is highly rated in many spirit competitions, and it sells for a fairly affordable price.
Reference:
- https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/the-11-best-whiskey-glasses-a-buyers-guide/