These exceptional blended scotch whiskies were crowned category winners, with subcategories based on their age statements. Ranging from NAS to 21-years-old, each blend offers something for the discerning scotch drinker. Let’s get into it.
What Is Blended Scotch Whisky?
These are a few types of blended whisky, with ‘blended scotch whisky’ having a very specific definition. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, blended scotch whisky is: “A blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies.”
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This differs from other categories of blended scotch whisky:
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky: A blend of two or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries.
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: A blend of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries, with no grain whisky included.
Essentially, blended scotch whisky must include both malt and grain spirits, whereas the other types involve only one category of whisky (malt or grain) but sourced from multiple distilleries.
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The Borders Distillery WS:02 The Long and Short of It
Category: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: No Age Statement
Tasting Notes: Gooseberry skin, citrus zest, green apple, fig pudding, butterscotch, sultanas
BUY NOW: $45
The Borders Distillery, located in the southeast of Scotland, experimented with fermentation in this blended whisky release. This is the second release in the brand’s Workshop Series, in which distillers play with the traditional boundaries of whisky-making to produce unique expressions.
The process of fermentation is one that is often overlooked in whisky making. Fermentation times can affect the final profile of a whisky, with short fermentation resulting in a sharper, cleaner spirit with malt notes and a light mouthfeel. Longer fermentations can produce fruit and floral notes, additional depth, and a smooth yet full-bodied mouthfeel.
Only 8,400 bottles of The Long and Short of It were produced.
Scottish Leader Original Blended Scotch Whisky
Category: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 Years & Under
Tasting Notes: Honey, citrus, freshly chopped oak, sweetly spiced smoke, ground black peppercorns
BUY NOW: $24
Scottish Leader is a longstanding blended scotch whisky. The original recipe dates back to 19th century Dumbarton, Scotland. However, the brand was not created until 1976. It has become a well-established classic in countries around the world. In 2014, Scottish Leader underwent a rebrand under South African company Distell, with the Original expression now presented in a square bottle with a striking red label. The old deer logo was also replaced with a soaring eagle.
Despite these modern updates, Scottish Leader Original remains a popular and dependable blended scotch whisky, complemented in the core range by expressions such as Supreme, Sherry Cask Finish, Signature, and a 12 Year Old.
White Heather 15 Year Old
Category: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: 13-20 Years Old
Tasting Notes: Heather honey, butterscotch, orange peel, pineapple, mint, a hint of peat, treacle, grapefruit, almonds, mocha, ginger
BUY NOW: $69
White Heather whisky is the brainchild of a scotch whisky industry veteran blender: Billy Walker. Walker has had an illustrious career, working at distilleries such as Tobermory, Bunnahabhain, and Glenglassaugh. He is also revered for reviving BenRiach and Glenallachie.
Notably, Billy Walker also revived the White Heather brand. After enjoying a dram of White Heather in the 1970s, Walker “was zealous in his pursuit of a blend that gives a nod to the nostalgic whisky he once enjoyed whilst elevating the age and quality for the modern whisky drinker.”
White Heather 15 Year Old is a culmination of Walker’s experience, blending single malt whiskies from Speyside, Islay, and the Highlands (47%) with specially selected single grain components (53%). The whisky was blended in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Once blended, it underwent a secondary maturation in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso and American virgin oak casks.
Bottled at 46% ABV, the resulting whisky is full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with notes of heather honey that emulate the brand name.
White Heather is named for a flowering plant that is found in the rural corners of Scotland. Pink and purple heather are common. However, finding white heather is a rarity. According to Scottish folklore, those who find white heather will be blessed with good fortune.
Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old
Category: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: 21 Years & Older
Tasting Notes: Raisins, cinnamon, dried orange peel, cloves, candied sweetness, cinnamon, vine fruits
BUY NOW: $80
Dewar’s is no stranger to awards, having collected a great deal due to its versatile and perfectly sippable range. The company, for which Stephanie Macleod is Master Blender, attributes this to Macleod’s pioneering ‘double aging’ process. Or, in this case, ‘double double’ aging.
First, the malt whiskies are aged to their required maturity, then combined and returned to an oak cask. The same process is followed for the grain whiskies in the blend. Once both types have been prepared, they are blended together and returned to an oak cask for a secondary double maturation. Finally, the blend undergoes finishing in an ex-sherry cask. This particular 21 Year Old was finished in Oloroso sherry casks.
The expression previously won ‘World’s Best Blended’ at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards finals.
The World Whiskies Awards 2025
The winners of the World Whiskies Awards Scotland will progress to compete against top entries from France, Ireland, Canada, Japan, the U.S.A., and the Rest of the World. The ultimate champions, crowned as the 2025 World’s Best Whiskies, will be announced in March. These regional heats provide a platform for brands worldwide to showcase their spirits through rigorous tasting and judging.
As always, we’ll keep you updated on the latest results and standout whiskies on our Best Whiskies page.
