These Blended Scotch Whiskies Are Winning Big, And Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf

Think blended scotch can’t compete with single malts? Think again. These five whiskies are winning top awards at global competitions, and commanding attention from whisky enthusiasts.

From smoky, modern blends to sherried luxury and ultra-rare bottlings, we break down what makes each of them special: how they’re made, what they taste like, and who they’re for. Whether you’re into peat, sweetness, or just looking for something unexpected, there’s a blended scotch whisky here worth discovering.

Grant’s Triple Wood (Gold – IWSC 2024)

A classic blend elevated by triple cask aging

Grant’s Triple Wood might sit at the affordable end of the shelf, but it’s far from ordinary. Its name refers to the three distinct types of casks used in maturation—Virgin Oak for spice, American Oak for smooth sweetness, and Refill Bourbon barrels for depth and balance. The result is a blend that punches well above its price point, bottled at an easy-drinking 40% ABV.

On the nose, expect ripe pear and delicate floral notes. The palate delivers vanilla, malt, and gentle spice, finishing with a subtle whiff of smoke. IWSC judges described it as “a harmonious blend of sweet pear[…] with a persistent length,” awarding it a gold medal and an impressive 98 points.

This is an ideal whisky for everyday drinkers who want something versatile—perfect neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a Highball. approachable and satisfying, it’s a reminder that great whisky doesn’t need to be complicated.

Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old (Multiple Awards)

A masterclass in multi-stage maturation

I have written about Dewar’s many times on The Whiskey Wash, and for good reason. Master Blender and whisky icon Stephanie Macleod’s ‘Double Double’ process has produced some amazing drams, including this 21 Year Old. 

Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old is made by first aging malt and grain whiskies separately, then blending and ageing them again before finishing the result in Oloroso sherry casks. There is no cutting corners, and a lot of patience is involved. Luckily for Dewar’s and for blended scotch whisky fans, that patience pays off in spades.

Bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky delivers a rich, dessert-like profile. Judges at the World Whiskies Awards praised its “[v]anilla and marzipan aromas,” and noted that the palate is “alive with coca and fresh tobacco”. 

Polished and indulgent, it’s a showcase of how refined a blend can be when given the care and cask treatment usually reserved for the top shelf.

Johnnie Walker Blonde (Gold – ISC 2024)

Johnnie Walker’s gateway whisky for a new generation

Johnnie Walker Blonde is a deliberate departure from the brand’s darker, smokier whiskies such as the Johnnie Walker Black Label. Created with mixability in mind, it’s a lighter, more playful take on blended scotch, designed to appeal to new whisky drinkers. The blend leans on wheat whiskies and is matured in first-fill American oak, bringing a sweet, creamy smoothness to the whisky that is bound to delight bourbon lovers looking to explore scotch. 

Tasting notes are bright and inviting: orchard fruits, vanilla cream, and a buttery hint of caramel popcorn. It’s been described by the brand as “sunshine-bright”. At the 2024 International Spirits Challenge, it earned a Gold medal for its easy-going charm and balance.

Ideal for cocktails, long serves, or sipping over ice on a warm afternoon, this is the scotch you offer to someone who says they don’t like whisky—before they change their mind.

The Perfect Fifth Òran Blend No.1 (Double Gold – SFWSC 2024)

A connoisseur’s blend with old-school elegance

Òran Blend No.1 is a meticulously constructed, ultra-limited release from The Perfect Fifth, with only 465 bottles ever produced. Crafted by whisky writer-turned-blender Jim Murray, the blend marries 50% single grain (aged 21–34 years) with 50% single malt (aged 12–24 years), all matured in ex-Bourbon casks and bottled at a generous 50% ABV.

The result is a whisky that unfolds slowly. Poached pear, vanilla, and soft sponge cake give way to richer notes of honeyed cereal and a faint trace of smoke. The balance is delicate, yet assured.

Awarded a coveted Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it received praise from the judges. For serious collectors or single malt devotees curious about the true potential of a well-built blend, Òran No.1 is a masterclass in depth and old-world sophistication.

Turntable Spirits Smokin’ Riff (Master – Scotch Whisky Masters 2024)

A smoky remix for the modern drinker

Turntable Spirits has a special place in my heart at the moment. A new indie blender shaking up the category with transparency, creativity, and attitude, Turntable is not one to adhere to the rules. This is evident in the brand’s whiskies, including Smokin’ Riff. 

This no-age-statement blend is built on a malt and grain foundation, featuring smoky Caol Ila, fruity Teaninich, sweet Knockdhu, and North British grain whisky. The blend previously included whisky from Craigellachie and red wine barrel-matured Caol Ila. However, Turntable’s website now displays a different composition for the current batch. 

The cask program combines PX sherry puncheons and virgin oak barrels for a smoky-yet-sweet profile that feels both familiar and fresh. Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s full of character: expect campfire smoke, raisins, toffee, orange peel, and a warming twist of cinnamon.

Smokin’ Riff was awarded a prestigious Master medal at the 2024 Scotch Whisky Masters—the top accolade available—highlighting its expert balance of boldness and finesse. Perfect for peat fans who want something a little different, or anyone curious to see what happens when a new blender riffs on old traditions.