The first whisky I ever tried was a Chivas Regal 12 year old blend, but as my world expanded, I transitioned to single malts. For a long time, I only drank single malts, but a bottle of Ballantine’s Finest reignited my love for blended whisky.
The right blend can deliver character, craftsmanship, and real value. To make things easier, I’ve created a list of five best blended whiskies that punch above their price point. Each offering a distinctive twist, from Japanese harmony to interesting cask selections. Every bottle below is readily available online (including Amazon and ideal for your home bar.)
1. Chivas Regal 13 year old Extra Tequila Cask Whisky
Origin: Scotland | ABV 40%
What makes it unique: This blend is finished in tequila barrels. It doesn’t result in a tequila-flavoured whisky; instead, it intensifies the smooth notes of vanilla, pineapple and grapefruit.
Taste: Light and fruity, with crème brûlée, vanilla with grapefruit, and pineapple.
Best served: Neat or over a single cube of ice.
The packaging is festive and unique. If you’re after great flavour without breaking the bank, this bottle delivers serious value. It’s smooth, versatile, and perfect for sipping.
Buy Chivas 13 yo Tequila Cask on Amazon
2. Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey
Origin: Ireland | ABV 40%
What makes it unique: Jameson uses double-charred barrels and a higher proportion of pot still whiskey as well as small-batch grain for depth and richness.
Taste: Vanilla fudge, caramel toffee, toasted oak and nuts.
Best served: Try it in an Old Fashioned cocktail – the extra char and sweetness make it perfect for that.
Add a cocktail shaker set and a bottle of Angostura Bitters to make a perfect gift for the cocktail aficionado. You can get it all on Amazon.
Buy Jameson Black Barrel on Amazon
3. The Famous Grouse Smoky Black
Origin: Scotland | ABV 40%
What makes it unique: A peated twist on the iconic Famous Grouse blend, featuring Islay malts for subtle smoke and earthy spice.
Taste: Smoky toffee, soft peat, and roasted coffee. Approachable and distinct.
Best served: Brilliant with ginger ale & lime for an easy highball.
Add a touch of smoke to your home bar. This is an easy-drinking whisky that won’t break the bank. Add some fancy highball glasses to your order for the ideal gift.
Buy Famous Grouse Smoky Black on Amazon
4. Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Origin: Japan | ABV 43%
What makes it unique: A luxurious blend from Suntory that uses malt whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and grain whisky from Chita matured in five types of casks, including American white oak casks, sherry casks and Mizunara oak casks.
Taste: Delicate floral notes, honey, candied orange blossom, caramelised dates, sandalwood and white chocolate.
Best served: Neat in a crystal tumbler.
If you’re ready to treat yourself, this bottle is slightly more expensive but worth every sip. It’s refined, complex, and beautifully crafted, the kind of whisky that elevates any collection.
5. The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky
Origin: Scotland | ABV 46%
What makes it unique: Launched by actor Sam Heughan (of Outlander fame), this award-winning blend has become a cult favourite.
Taste: Honey, vanilla, orange zest and spiced raisins with caramel and cinnamon and a smooth finish.
Best served: Neat or over ice in a weighted rocks glass.
This is a celebrity blend with substance – discover The Sassenach while watching the latest season of Outlander on Blu-ray in the comfort of your couch.
Any of the blends on this list is a winner. They also make the perfect gift for the whisky lover in your life.
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