The Best Blended Scotch Whiskies Money Can Buy, According to Experts

Next time someone dismisses blended whisky as somehow inferior to single malt, point them in the direction of House of Hazelwood. Part of the William Grant & Sons portfolio, it's a collection of premium, ultra-aged whiskies, presented in hand-engraved, individually numbered decanters.

Originally laid down for the intention of personal consumption, it turns out there's only so many weddings worth opening a 56-year-old whisky for. So, lucky for us, these hand-selected batches are now available to those outside the family.

If you're going to invest in just one, make it this. First blended back in the 60s, its had over half a century to develop its butterscotch, woody aroma and slightly saline, coconut-flecked finish. A total delight, and one to sip and savour.

70cl, 48% ABV

Crafted using a pioneering four-step ageing process, Dewars’ Double Double finishes its journey in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for exceptional smoothness and balance.

The flavour profile here is as complex as they come, with burnt butterscotch, bold oak and spiced dried fruit all vying for attention. Make no mistake, this is a one-of-a-kind whisky that no self-proclaimed connoisseur should be without.

50cl, 46% ABV

Created by Suntory’s team in Japan for a different take on blended Scotch, Ardray combines whiskies from some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries.

Expect subtly smoky aromas with toffee and hints of cinnamon along with wood bark and peat notes. On the palate, there’s a definite absence of the sweetness associated with Scotch here, offering instead a bonfire-style punch and an intriguing vegetal base note from the peat.

Fiery and warming, these are complex flavours that would work well in an Old Fashioned or a Rusty Nail.

70cl, 46% ABV

Given the whisky producing pedigree, we had high expectations for Michel Couvreur’s flagship blend, and it more than delivered. The mix of Scottish malt spirits is matured in ex-sherry casks for a minimum of 12 years, resulting in a complex profile of dried figs, toasted nuts and butterscotch, plus a rich, rounded mouthfeel. It’s not often you discover a dram quite so memorable at this price point.

Looking for a special occasion sipper? Couvreur’s Special Vatting Peaty Malt Whisky wowed our panel with its long finish and luscious mouthfeel. Simply superb.

70cl, 43%

First bottled in 1930, this blended Scotch whisky is a true reflection of the Ballantine style, with unparalleled smoothness, light oak and creamy vanilla notes. The spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg) mingle seamlessly with the sweeter aromas, creating a dram that tastes like old-school gingerbread in liquid form. Sign us up.

70cl, 40%

This unique blend of five rare malt Scotch whiskies married with Chivas’ signature signal grain is the brainchild of Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop (so you know you’re in safe hands).

It’s as complex on the palate as you’d expect, with butterscotch, barley and spiced fruit cake at the fore. Coupled with a syrupy mouthfeel, this is one hell of an indulgent dram.

70cl, 40%

Combining malts from Islay and Speyside, this blend opens with deep caramel, cedar, and a hint of cinnamon spice, while buttery popcorn dances in the background. Clocking in at 48% ABV, the alcohol heat is present on the palate, so this is best served over ice to avoid the underlying aromas being overshadowed.

70cl, 48%

Part of a music-themed whisky range, this malt-forward blend has very light and fragrant aromas of raw almonds, leading to caramel, with woody, toasted notes. Though the alcohol was notably strong on the palate, the flavours of caramel, vanilla, tobacco and dried fruit were complex enough to add some balance. A great choice for a Whisky Sour.

70cl, 46% ABV

Blue Label is the brand’s rarest release to date and it’s a corker; full of woody cinnamon, cedar, honey and dried fruit sweetness, the dram wraps up with a whiff of Highland-style smoke and tobacco. However you enjoy your whisky, there’s nothing not to like here... but be warned, it does go down almost too easily.

70cl, 40% ABV

Matured exclusively in retired American oak casks, Delos – as part of Compass Box’s ‘Extinct Blends’ collection – aims to celebrate long-forgotten styles of blended Scotch. The higher percentage of malt whiskies ensures a lively aroma of ripe pear, pineapple, orange and vanilla, coupled with a whiff of chai spice to finish.

The ‘Asyla’ sold out quickly, so be quick if you want to get your hands on this limited release.

70cl, 49% ABV

A robust 21-year-old, the Royal Salute doesn’t hold back when it comes to bold aromas, with gingerbread, sweet sherry and orange marmalade helping it stand out from the crowd. On the palate, they’re joined by butter toffee and well-integrated oak which softens the dram without diminishing the flavour.

70cl, 40% ABV