Some people prefer a single malt whisky, some prefer a blended one. It all depends on personal preferences. With so many choices of whisky, how do you choose the best blended whisky? It can be so hard!
Yes, we hear you. The smooth, flavourful, consistent, smoky, fruity and rich drink is a favourite among many and since there are so many choices available, it may be hard to choose just one. But why stop at just one type? Here is a list of the best blended whisky that your tastebuds will surely love.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label
The Johnnie Walker Gold Label has a distinctive flavour profile that is absolutely outstanding. The core of this whisky is actually built around a single malt whisky from Clynelish and was created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge in celebration of 200 blending years.
Luxurious and smooth, notes of vanilla and dark fruit are a tribute to the partnership of the Speyside and Highland whiskies and the long and lingering finish just takes you all the way to the beautiful moors of Scotland.
Sheep Dip Malt Whisky
Affordable yet delicious, the rich notes of honey, salt, water, toffee and spicy fruits is a powerhouse of blended whisky. If you are looking for the perfect blend to mix cocktails, this bottle may be just what you are looking for.
Produced from 16 different whiskies that have been aged between 8 to 21 years, the Sheep Dip Malt Whisky is one of the best blended whiskies in the market.
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
The Chivas Regal 12 Year Old is an award winning whisky, sealing its place as the best blended whisky. With notes of honey, fruit and dried herbs, the blend gives you a rich and creamy flavour.
There are several factors and thoughts that went into creating this perfect blended whisky from the aged quality of oak used to construct the cask to the climate consistency of the warehouse and position within the distillery where the cask ages. At only RM232, the Chivas Regal 12 is worth the price and gives you more value than you’ve bargained for.
Chivas Regal 25 Year Old
If you can afford it, you can also try the Chivas Regal 25 Year Old. Aged for 25 years, the rich golden glass of whisky was Jim Murray’s Best Blended Scotch Whisky in 2009. There’s a reason why it’s the best blended whisky – the alluring and fruity aromas of oranges and peaches followed by a multitude of delicious notes and a rich, creamy and smooth flavour profile is a favourite of many.
In 2009, the original blend of Chivas Regal captured the attention and taste buds of New York’s high society immediately. This blend has since been recreated into an elegant experience.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
Yet another from the Chivas Regal range, the 18 year old lies between the 12 and 25 year old. However, this best blended whisky stands its ground in terms of flavour profile and overall yummy taste.
First released in 1997, the Chivas Regal 18 Year Old is a blend of 20 grain and malt whiskeys, resulting in flavours of burnt citrus, caramel, peat smoke and spices. Delicious!
The Famous Grouse Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
One of the best and affordable scotch whisky in the world, The Famous Grouse Blended Malt Scotch Whisky has been through an intricate process of blending, marrying and fusion of elements and skills.
A unique flavour, The Famous Grouse’s blend is from a mix of sherry aged in European oak and bourbon aged in American oak. All of which adds to the shades of character that is this popular blended malt scotch.
The Speyside fruitiness with a good and clean finish of this best whisky is a favourite for many and a must have for many bar carts.
Monkey Shoulder Whisky
The Monkey Shoulder Whisky is a blend of 3 Speyside malt whiskies. All three malts, which are Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kinivie, are by William Grant & Sons. The golden yellow colour of the whisky is an indication of the flavour profile that is to come. Smooth, creamy yet supple and very malty, the Monkey Shoulder Whisky is also very versatile and can be used in cocktails.
The Monkey Shoulder Whisky is certainly going places. It tastes so good that we’ve even included it in our best whisky in the world list!
Ballantine’s 30 Year Old Blended Scotch
This is a magnificent whisky and a masterpiece of blending. Proven to be the best blended whisky by the numerous awards it has won, Ballantine’s 30 year old is a combination of hand-selected, top quality malt and grain whiskies that have been aged for at least 30 years. It has won a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, an ISC Trophy and was named as the champion for Blended Scotch Whisky.
Complex, rare and top-shelf, Ballantine’s 30 year old is loaded with flavour. Toffee, honey, sweet brown spices, smoky peat fill the mouth and mid palate it turns creamy with a long finish.
Dewar’s Double Double Aged Blended Scotch Whisky 21 Year Old
The pioneer of the double ageing process, Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old has had all blends undergoing a secondary resting in oak casks so that there’s extra smoothness in this best blended whisky when the flavours are married.
A real unique blend, the whisky has been aged, blended, aged again and then finished in Oloroso sherry casks. This is where the term ‘double double’ comes from. A seriously easy to drink whisky, the smoothness of this blended whisky is indeed one of the bests in the market and the flavour profile of honey, tropical fruits, roasted nuts and smoky wood is delicious!
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Created to celebrate the Royal Warrant that was awarded to Johnnie Walker by George V, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label is made from whisky from distilleries that were operating during the reign of George V.
The most coveted in the line of Johnnie Walker blended whiskies, the Blue Label is equivalent to quality whisky as the brand’s most prestigious whisky. Blue Label whisky producers have said that only one in ten thousand casks has the quality, character and flavour to deliver this best blended whisky’s signature taste.
The dry notes of smokiness and combination of vanilla, honey and rose petals is an amazing surprise awaiting you.
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old
The Johnnie Walker Black is a go-to blended whisky for many. Previously known as the Old Special Highland Whisky, the Black Label is made from whiskies that have been sourced from over 36 distilleries across Scotland. Whiskies that are included in this blend include iconic brands like Lagavulin.
Smooth with vanilla flavours of oak, raisins, glazed nuts and butterscotch, you should not miss out on the Black Label 12 year old.
Black Bottle Blended Scotch
Though the Black Bottle Blended Scotch does not have an age statement, this blended bottle of Scotch is well balanced with smoky flavours, honey, pears and sweet spices.
Also known as a good ole’ ‘hot toddy’, the Black Bottle is a quality blended whisky that has been double aged in oak casks.
Dewar’s White Label
Dewar’s White Label consists of a blend of over 40 single malts and single grains from different distilleries. A pretty subtle whisky, this drink was created by Dewar’s very first Master Blender, A.J. Cameron in 1899.
Sweet and fruity, the Dewar’s White Label is best on the rocks.
Dimple Pinch 15 year old
Named after the unique shape of the bottle, the Dimple Pinch 15 blend was first known as Haig & Haig beginning in 1655. Known for its mildness, it has a great history in Scotland.
In pop culture, it has appeared as the favourite whisky of Felix Leither, James Bond’s best friend and hit TV show Breaking Bad.
The blend is a mix of whisky from Glenkinchie and Linkwood with well balanced and smooth notes.
J&B Rare Blended Scotch
The J stands for Justerini and the B stands for Brooks. Justerini is an Italian who moved to London and eventually became a wine and liquor merchant. Brooks purchased Justerini’s businesses a few generations later.
The J&B Rare Blended Scotch was created in 1933 with a combination of 42 Scotch single malts and grains. A Speyside whisky expression, the J&B blended scotch is a good whisky to use for cocktails. You can expect a balanced whisky with a lot of fruity notes and hints of toffee and malt.
Final Thoughts
The list above gives everyone different tastes for every wallet size. Whether they are entry level brands or premium blends, the best blended whisky for you is the one you love most. If you are just starting out on tasting and testing which one suits you best, take your time and savour each sip. Take heart, you will eventually find the best whisky for yourself.
