The results of The Scotch Whisky Masters 2025 are out, and the super premium blended scotch category has delivered some impressive winners. One whisky claimed the top Master medal, while four more took home Gold.
These expressions show the full spectrum of modern blending. Some lean on long traditions and sherry-seasoned oak. Others experiment with Cognac casks or American bourbon barrels. There are even small-batch blends from independent producers.
What they all have in common is quality. Each winner reflects how scotch blenders continue to balance heritage with new ideas. Here are the whiskies that stood out to judges in 2025.
Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Year Old
Award: Master
Tasting Notes: Preserved sweet orange, black cherry, nuts, honey, a hint of wood smoke
BUY NOW: $79
Buchanan’s has been part of scotch whisky history since the late 1800s. Founded by James Buchanan, the brand is now owned by Diageo, which oversees its global reach. The 18 Year Old Special Reserve sits at the top of the range and has long been known for refinement.
This blend combines well-aged malt and grain whiskies. Every component is matured for at least 18 years, much of it in ex-sherry casks. The result is a whisky shaped by long aging and the richness of fortified wine casks.
The flavor is layered and balanced. Expect citrus, honey, roasted nuts, and oak. There is also a gentle touch of smoke that lingers on the finish. Judges awarded it the only Master medal in its category.
Timorous Beastie Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, malted barley, meringue, honey, citrus
BUY NOW: $36
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Timorous Beastie is produced by Douglas Laing & Co., an independent bottler based in Glasgow. The company is known for small batch releases that highlight Scotland’s regional styles. This blend focuses on the Highlands and brings together single malts from distilleries such as Dalmore, Glen Garioch, and Glengoyne.
As a blended malt, it contains no grain whisky. The recipe relies on whiskies matured mainly in ex-bourbon casks, with some sherry cask influence adding extra depth. The approach delivers a whisky that is both sweet and robust.
It is a bold whisky despite its shy-sounding name, and its Gold medal shows just how effective regional blending can be.
GreatDrams Founders’ Choice
Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: Subtle smoke, grilled pineapple, savoury depth
BUY NOW: $60
GreatDrams is a family-run independent bottler founded by Greg and Kirsty Dillon. Based in Cheshire, the company has built a reputation for small batch releases and cask sharing projects. Founders’ Choice was created to mark the firm’s tenth anniversary and was blended from casks that held special meaning to the founders.
The whisky combines both single malt and grain components. The exact recipe is kept under wraps, but the cask mix brings together tropical sweetness and a touch of smoke. The balance reflects years of cask selection and the creative freedom smaller bottlers can bring.
The flavor profile is distinctive. Drinkers can expect notes of grilled pineapple, soft smoke, and a savoury richness that gives weight to the finish. It is smooth and versatile, enjoyable neat, over ice, or in a highball. Judges rewarded it with Gold, a nod to the growing influence of independent producers.
Chivas Regal XV
Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: Stewed red apples, orange marmalade, honey, cinnamon, sultanas, poached pears, butterscotch, caramel toffees, vanilla
BUY NOW: $46
Chivas Regal has long been one of the best-known names in scotch whisky. Produced by Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard, the brand is rooted in Speyside and famous for smooth, luxurious blends. Chivas Regal XV builds on that heritage while introducing a bold finishing twist.
The whisky is a blend of malt and grain components, each aged for at least 15 years. A portion of the spirit is then finished in Grande Champagne Cognac casks. This adds an extra layer of fruit and sweetness to the blend while keeping the Chivas house style intact.
It is a Gold-winning example of how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand.
Ballantine’s American Barrel 7 Year Old
Award: Gold
Tasting Notes: Red toffee apples, honey, vanilla, floral notes, pear, creamy caramel
BUY NOW: $47
Ballantine’s is one of the biggest names in scotch and part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio. Known for its approachable style, the brand has found global success while still experimenting with new ideas. The 7 Year Old American Barrel was created as a bridge for bourbon drinkers who want to explore Scotch.
The blend is built from malt and grain whiskies aged for at least seven years. After this maturation, the whisky is finished in first-fill American oak bourbon barrels. This process amplifies sweet vanilla and caramel flavors while adding extra smoothness.
The Gold medal shows that even younger blends can shine when matched with smart cask finishing.
