Blends that punch above their weight

[arqueturus]

In my quest to understand Whisky (in general) I feel like I've been neglecting Blended Whisky.

I recently cracked open a bottle of JW Green Label and was shocked by how delicious it was, more rounded and interesting that some single malts I've tired recently.

So, with that in mind, what blends to people think are a cut above the norm?

Blends I've tried so far:

JW Red
JW The Spice Road
JW Green
Monkey Shoulder
Chivas Regal 10

[Quaich1]

Johnnie Walker Double Black
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[unblended]

crawfords five star if you can find one at a good price



richard

[arqueturus]

[William]

There are many outstanding blends, it just depends on how much you are willing to spend on a blend and of course your personal taste.

Have you tried any of the Ballantine's whisky range, the entry level Ballantine's Finest is good the Ballantine's 17 year old is excellent and it just keeps getting better as it gets older. Others that I think are good:

Bailie Nicol Jarvie
Hankey Banister Heritage Blend
Antiquary 12 year old
Cutty Sark 12 year old
The Tweeddale Blend consistently turn out excellent small batch blends

Amongst the premium blends there are some stunning whiskies such as:

Chivas Regal 25 year old
Ballantine's 30 year old
Royal Salute 21 year old
William Grants 25 year old
Antiquary 21

There are also many excellent Irish blended whiskies to explore.
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There's no bad whisky. Just good whisky and better whisky.

[rainbow79]

Chivas Regal 18 is an incredible value for money in my humble opinion.

[Innes]

I have had a few of the Tweeddale Blends, all have been very good, Bailie Nicol Jarvie from the Glenmorangie company is also worth a try.

[TheWM]

Tweedale seconded as is CR 18 as mentioned above.

Green label is an awesome whisky and one of my fave whiskies that I can't get enough of.

Others to consider - Naked grouse which if I recall is a blend of Macallan and Highland Park mainly. I picked one up on sale for 15 quid and couldn't believe how good it was.

Black bottle is a good Islay blend.

Nikka from the barrel - Japanese number which is well worth £30 odd.

Anything from Compass Box - spice tree is a good entry level.

Cambletown Loch 21

Loch Fyne living casks

The premium 21+ are all pretty good but pricey. Ballantines 21 would be my preference but JW Blue Label is a superb blend.

[jwbassman]

Another vote for BNJ from me, had a few cracking bottles of it but seems much harder to come by these days. I also had a Nikka from the Barrel a couple of weeks ago and it was great I'll add Jameson Black Barrel here too.

[James T]

[lincoln imp]

I have been on a blend adventure for about 18 months now trying to find an alternative over prices sub standard malts.
I have focussed on 1950`s to mid 80`s but nothing is off the table. I
So far I would recommend

Match 8 year 80 proof all malt, Branca Brothers
Match 5 year Blend 40%
Avonside 100 proof
Crawfords 5 star 1950`s but the later ones are also very good
J&B 20 year 40% Decanter
Glencoe 100 proof
Buchanan`s 12 year Reserve for Portugal 43.28%
White Heather Nas
White Heather 8 year
Spey Cast 12 year James Gordon & Company
Morton's 70 proof
Scotia Royal 12 year 70 proof

The Johnnie Walker Range Red to Blue are really dipping in quality of late, especially the Blue, KG5 is still the best of the premium JW
Stone of Destiny is rubbish for the money
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Pour me a glass please.