Bartenders Recommend These 6 Blended Scotches

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend

“This is a blend made entirely from whiskies aged at least 21 years, and that maturity comes through in its depth and texture,” says Trevor Cabal, director of food and beverage at Brass Poppy in Austin. Royal Salute 21 Year is believed to include a strong Speyside foundation, particularly Strathisla, while Highland and possibly Orkney malts lend subtle smoke and structure, he says.

Cabal likes to drink this neat in a tulip glass so it can open up slowly. “What stands out to me is the balance,” he says. “There’s rich fruit, soft spice, a touch of honeyed smoke, and a polished oak character that really lingers. It’s the kind of whisky that rewards a little patience.”

Dewar’s 15 Year

“One of my favorite, all-time, super versatile blended scotches that won’t break the bank is Dewars 15,” says Stephanie O’Neill of The Bar Downstairs at Andaz 5th Avenue in New York City. It’s made up of malt and grain whiskies aged in a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry barrels. She says it gives the scotch notes of honey, toffee, and vanilla, along with some dried fruit and subtle floral tones.

Compass Box Orchard House

If you seek something a little different, O’Neill recommends Compass Box Orchard House. She says it’s a great dram to sip during fall or to serve as a boilermaker alongside a crisp beer. The malts are specifically selected to showcase bright fruit characteristics, and there’s a light oak influence from its maturation in first-fill bourbon barrels. O’Neill describes the whisky to have “a nice maltiness, baking spice, and ginger tones, with apple, citrus, and Earl Grey tea aromas.” 

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Berkey credits Johnnie Walker as a prime example of the skill required to create elegant and balanced blends. More than 40 single malt and grain whiskies — sourced from all over Scotland and aged a minimum of 12 years — go into the brand’s popular Black Label expression. The whisky is easy to find and affordable, and it shows layered flavors of sweet fruit, spice, vanilla, and mild smoke. If you want to try a step up in the Johnnie Walker portfolio, Berkey says the higher-end Blue Label is also an “excellent pour.”

Compass Box the Peat Monster

The Peat Monster is composed primarily of Islay malts from Laphroaig and Caol Ila, and it includes a touch of Highland whisky aged in heavily toasted French oak casks. Berkey recommends it for “more adventurous and bold beverage connoisseurs that enjoy deeper flavors of peat smoke, cocoa, and even a hint of mint.” First try it neat, which Berkey suggests for all whiskies, then add a few drops of water to enhance it and open up the flavor profile.

The Famous Grouse

“This is a budget-friendly blend that delivers more than you’d expect for the price,” says Cabal. He says that The Famous Grouse is built around quality malts like The Macallan and Highland Park, which give it a solid backbone with lots of character.