Cheap Scotch Blends

There are two types of Scotch whisky: Malt (derived from 100% barley) and Grain (from corn, wheat, rye, oats, etc.). When you combine the two you get Blended Scotch, and there are many blends available for around twenty-five dollars. These budget spirits have low ABV (alcohol by volume), with 40% being the minimum to qualify as Scotch.

The Edrington Group markets high-end whiskies such as The Macallan, Glenrothes and Highland Park, but their top selling brand in Scotland for the last 40 years has been The Famous Grouse. At 40% ABV, its character is rather anonymous, giving up only the mildest baking spices on the nose and palate. If you go to the website looking for details about the source spirits, you’ll only find generic fluff about Superior taste and Unique quality. I question the Unquestionable expertise behind the product when they miss bolding the final letter.

Highland Queen bears the slogan “A true legend since 1561” only because it takes its inspiration from Mary, Queen of Scots. The actual brand only dates back to 1893.

It is also bottled at 40% ABV, but twelve years of aging give the dram more personality. I found leather and grilled pineapple on the nose; the rounded palate had a sweet arrival and peppery finish. Adding a few drops of water brought out a lingering cinnamon and gingerbread finish.




The next Blended Scotch falls under the umbrella of Distell Group, owners of the Deanston, Tobermory and Bunnahabhain distilleries. At a slightly higher 43% ABV, Black Bottle gives off an aroma of rum cake and wood smoke. The sweet and smoky notes carry over into the palate with a suggestion of marshmallows charred over a campfire. The bold packaging and striking flavors leave anonymity far behind.

Blended Malt

For thirty-five dollars you can step up to a Blended Malt, meaning all Malt whisky, no Grain.

Jane Walker is a limited release in the Johnnie Walker family. The first edition was just a rebranding of Johnnie Walker Black Label, and the marketing approach “Because some women can find whisky intimidating” was a huge misfire. Master blender Emma Walker retooled the concept for the second edition by featuring malt from the Cardhu Distillery, which flourished under the guidance of Helen and Elizabeth Cumming.

Jane Walker 2.0 is a blend of malts aged for at least ten years and bottled at a curious 41.9% ABV. Rubbing the liquid released an aroma of spiced fruits, suggesting at least partial maturation in sherry casks. The disappointing palate was just a tannic, peppery ethanol. I tried the website’s suggested recipe for a Cool Jane: one part JW with two parts tonic water and four drops of vanilla extract. The result was an alarming concoction of vanilla grapefruit. A mixture of JW and cola leaned towards wintergreen. I had high hopes for this Blended Malt, but we didn’t click. So long, Jane.

The term Monkey Shoulder refers to the muscles of the shovelers who turn the barley on the malting floor. This whisky is a blend of malts from Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie, all owned by William Grant & Sons. I interpret the pewter appliqué of three monkeys on the bottle as a nod to the source distilleries.





The nose is divisive: to some it comes across as banana, to others it smells like a Band-Aid. On the tongue I found conflicting bittersweet notes of banana and radish. Bottled at 43% ABV, Monkey Shoulder is designed specifically for mixed drinks; the website offers multiple cocktail recipes. I tried it with cream soda for a pleasing cinnamon banana cream flavor. Mixing MS with cola earned a quick spit in the sink.

Famous Grouse, Highland Queen, Black Bottle, Jane Walker, Monkey Shoulder

To my eye, Highland Queen had the lightest color in the glass. This was surprising, given 12 years of barrel aging. Perhaps they were quiet, old, multi-filled casks. None of the labels say “natural color”, so it is safe to assume that some caramel E150 was added to the blends. The Black Bottle liquor was the darkest, no surprise at all.

My parting experiment was to blend all five together over ice. I was stunned to find this meta blend better than the sum of its part. The combination was sweet and spicy, tamping down the individual flaws I encountered. It was smoother than most Bourbons I have tried, and it could prove to be an ideal porch sipper for the coming summer.

Cheers!