Whiskeyscotch-whisky
Blended Scotch Whisky
Blended Scotch outsells single malt roughly 9 to 1 globally. The blending tradition emerged in the mid-19th century when Aeneas Coffey's column still (1831) enabled production of light grain whisky, which blenders combined with characterful pot still malts. Johnnie Walker's ancestors (born 1805) built the most successful Scotch brand in history.
Flavor Profile
More consistent and approachable than most single malts. Less intensely flavored but more versatile. Character varies by brand: Johnnie Walker Black (12-year, balanced) is the benchmark. Compass Box produces artisanal, transparent blends that challenge the 'inferior' perception.
Key Producers
Well
Johnnie Walker Red Label
$20-30Well
Johnnie Walker Black Label
$35-50Well
Dewar's White Label
$20-30Chivas Regal 12
$30-45Premium
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
$55-75Premium
Compass Box The Spaniard
$55-70blended malt — all single malt
Johnnie Walker Green Label
no grain) (premium$55-70blended malt
Compass Box Peat Monster
smoky without assault) (premium$55-70pure grain whisky
Compass Box Hedonism
dessert-like) (premium$75-100Top Shelf
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
$175-225Blend of one or more Scotch Single Malt whiskies with one or more Scotch Single Grain whiskies. One of five legal Scotch categories under the 2009 Scotch Whisky Regulations.