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Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky Review

Can a budget blend named after a famous tea clipper hold its own? We taste Cutty Sark's 40% Scotch and see how it stacks up against its Prohibition sibling.

OVERALL RATING

6
$18
  • Jeff, a UK-based whisky reviewer with a lighthearted approach.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Cutty Sark is a blended Scotch whisky bottled at 40% ABV, which takes its name from the famous 19th-century tea clipper that is now docked in Greenwich, London

Built from a mix of single malt and grain whiskies and matured mainly in American oak, with some first-fill sherry casks.
Appearance:
A pale gold colour and quite thin when swirled around the glass.
Nose:
A light, approachable, and soft nose with some green citrus and orchard fruits. The grain sweetness is prevalent, providing a mix of white chocolate and metallic notes like tin cans in the sun.
Palate:
A thin and smooth texture, it brings lots of orchard sweetness, such as ripe pears and sweet green apples. It is quite cereal-driven, watery porridge with some extra honey.

There is also a slightly floral and mineral note which adds some interest. It does taste a little unbalanced at times, falling on the slightly harsher side, but you can really see the resemblance to the higher ABV and widely loved Prohibition release.
Finish:
Once the mild alcohol heat leaves the tongue, there is a short, clean finish with a slight citrus zest.
Comments:
I have sung the praises of how great value the 50% ABV release of Cutty Sark Prohibition was from early in my journey, and I still feel that it is worth the marginal price increase. However, this has overall impressed and surprised me.

A very accessible and quite interesting blend which has more depth than some other bottles in a similar price range. However, I feel some other “bottom shelf” blends can prove greater bang for your buck.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

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Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky Review

October 30, 2026

Can a budget blend named after a famous tea clipper hold its own? We taste Cutty Sark’s 40% Scotch and see how it stacks up against its Prohibition sibling.

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