The Top 5 Blends under R500

Last week I about the Top 5 single malt whiskies under R500 available in South Africa. This blog post came about after a friend asked for some help in choosing whisky as a gift. This week, I continue with my recommendation and wrote a Top 5 blends under R500 available in South Africa post for this week.

These whiskies are all readily available in South Africa and will not break the bank. Additionally, they are all whiskies that we have personally tasted and rated over the last two years. These are whiskies that I rate Excellent or Divine. I have tried to include a variety to cover a broad range of tastes.

The blended whisky category was both a lot easier but also a lot harder to narrow down compared to the single malt group. There are not too many single malt whiskies available under R500. Most of the single malt whiskies retail for more than R500.

In the blended whisky category, there are too many to choose from. So, to narrow this list down to only our Top 5 blends was a bit more difficult.

Here goes, the Top 5 blends under R500 available in South Africa that you can buy with confidence. Don’t stress about Christmas presents; this list has you covered. And it wouldn’t leave you with an empty wallet.

Also Read: Helden Hickory Wood Spirit

The Top 5 Blends under R500

Ballantine’s Finest Whisky

This Ballantine’s Finest whisky is blended from more than 50 single malts (particularly Miltonduff and Glenburgie), as well as 4 single grain whiskies. I received this as a gift from good friends. It was the first blended whisky that I gave a rating of Divine.

The Ballantine’s Finest Scotch whisky has flavours of Christmas cake, dried fruit and muscovado sugar. In the background, there are hints of peat and smoke. Since tasting this, I have extended our collection of Ballantine’s whiskies with everything I can get my hands on. They are all amazing!

Black Grouse Whisky

This blended Scotch whisky is a peaty version of the regular Famous Grouse. Named after the Black Grouse, a declining bird species in Europe. Jim Murray awarded it 94 points in this Whisky Bible.

I truly enjoyed this whisky and rated it Excellent. Tasting notes include peat smoke, caramel and spice.  Not only peaty and affordable, but it paired remarkably well with Indian food

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

One of the world’s most famous premium blends,Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky. This 12 yo is a mixture of around 40 different whiskies. The iconic square bottle makes it one of the world’s most recognizable Scottish whiskies.

It’s also one of whisky critic Jim Murray’s favourite blends. With tasting notes that include winter spice and treacle, notes of wood smoke and creamy toffee, no wonder this is one of my top picks.

Monkey Shoulder Whisky

Rooted in malt whisky history and inspired by the malt men who still turn the malting barley by hand, Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky made from three of Speyside’s finest single malts. The distilleries include The Balvenie and Glenfiddich.

It has notes of barley, cereals and spices mixed with honey sweetness and vanilla. I gave this blended whisky a rating Excellent. It will also make a great addition to whisky cocktails.

Three Ships Bourbon Cask Whisky

This favourite blend was the first 100% South African blended whisky. The Three Ships Bourbon cask finish whisky has been finished in 1st fill American bourbon casks. The bourbon casks impart an appealing sweetness and spiciness to this great whisky.

It has notes of caramel and marshmallow mixed in between the cereal and barley. I rated this proudly South African whisky as Excellent and it just had to be on my list.

These blended whiskies are available at most major retailers. With Christmas coming up, I notice that most major brands are releasing gift pack versions of their whiskies. So not only do you get a great bottle of whisky, but there are matching gifts and special packaging.  Well worth it!

Also Read: Tomintoul 10 yo Whisky