Blended scotch is often seen as lighter and less complex than single malt, best suited for cocktails. We are here to challenge that notion.
Blended scotch and blended malt scotch can be layered, exciting, and great value, often rivaling far pricier bottles.
In 2025, we reviewed some standout options under $150. These six are among the most enjoyable blends you can buy right now.
Compass Box Nectarosity – From $50
Compass Box Nectarosity joined the brand’s core lineup in 2024. Built from 11 whiskies with a high malt content, it was designed as a patisserie-inspired blend.
Reviewer Jeff Whisky praised the whisky’s character, picking out aromas of walnut and banana loaf. On the palate, he found “a real barrage of rich fruit cake packed with juicy pineapple, dried apricots, and plump raisins.”
Jeff concluded that Nectarosity is “an all-round accessible, interesting, and deeply enjoyable release” and scored it 8/10.
Compass Box The Peat Monster – From $56
Compass Box The Peat Monster is one of the most recognisable blends in the Compass Box range. Built from Caol Ila and Laphroaig with a touch of Highland malt, it delivers a smoky but balanced taste.
Reviewer Jeff Whisky highlighted the balance, noting juicy peaches and smoke on the nose. On the palate, he noted “a flood of fruit and peat… ripe mango and juicy pineapple taking centre stage.”
Far from aggressive, The Peat Monster is approachable, complex, and rewarding. Jeff called it “a welcoming, well-balanced peated handshake… easily one of my favourite peated expressions,” scoring it 9/10.
Douglas Laing Rock Island 16 Year Old Blended Malt – From $100
The Douglas Laing Rock Oyster 16 Year Old Sherry Cask brings together malts from Jura, Orkney, Islay, and Arran. Matured in sherry casks, it offers a coastal style with extra richness.
Reviewer Phil Dwyer described the nose as “salt, white chocolate, pistachio nuts, lemon, soft peat smoke, caramelised marshmallows and salted caramel.” On the palate, he noted it was “much saltier and rive, not as much sweetness… a huge texture with some burnt herbs running through the saltiness.”
Phil concluded that it was “a great style of softly peated whisky that has bundles of dessert sweetness to welcome you in. What a wonderful bottle,” awarding it 8/10.
Dewar’s 21 Year Old Double Double Magma Stone Toasted – From $140
From one of the most awarded blending houses in the world, the Dewar’s 21 Year Old Double Aged Stone Toasted Magma is a refined take on a classic blend.
Reviewer Phil Dwyer described the nose as “lots of fresh, buttery pastry, cinnamon and a touch of saltiness.” On the palate, he noted “orange, apricot and cherry,” alongside leather, tobacco, and subtle spice.
Phil concluded, “This is one of the best older blends I’ve tried… a wonderful bottle of old blended whisky to have in the house,” awarding it 8/10.
Compass Box Hedonism 2025 – From $80
The Compass Box Hedonism 2025 release marks 25 years of Compass Box. This year’s edition features artwork by Argentinian artist Sofia Bonati, known for her dreamlike portraits.
As a limited annual release, Hedonism now stands apart as a collectible grain whisky that still offers excellent value under $150. You can also still find previous batches at retail.
Reviewer Phil Dwyer praised the whisky’s sweet character. The palate brought “Madeira sponge cake, custard, butter, shortbread, vanilla cream, tonka bean, milky coffee and brioche.”
Phil concluded that it was “moreish, sweet, creamy and has a finish that goes on for quite a while… a great artistic bottle filled with rather wonderful tasting whisky,” scoring it 8/10.
Little Brown Dog Drookit Dug Batch 2 – From $54
Independent bottler Little Brown Dog has built a reputation for creative, small-batch releases, and Drookit Dug Batch 2 is no exception. Bottled in 2024 at a natural cask strength of 45.3%, this limited edition blended malt was produced in a run of just 606 bottles.
Reviewer Ed Leigh described the nose as “flapjack, rich with butter and honey. Ripe apples and light toffee.” The palate followed with “soft sweetness from honey. Milk chocolate. Apples and redcurrants. A savoury back note.”
He summed it up as “very tasty and extremely drinkable; an ideal mid-week treat,” awarding it 8/10.
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