THREE Great Blended Scotch Whiskies for 2024

[@Rickky007]

Nothing better then to be next to the fireplace with a glass of fine whisky admiring the 🎄 , decorations ect.

[@adrianhughes5831]

Ralph, thank you another brilliant and informative review. You mention that "...anything that goes into scotch whisky must be from Scotland, apart from the cask influence...", but quite a lot of the malted barley actually comes from south of the border, not least from here in Northumberland, even the Golden Promise variety of barley.

[@alexk3088]

So much for SWA being sentries of Scotch integrity and reputation, eh? 😏

[@DileepB]

Thanks for clearly stating the difference between blended malt and plain old blended scotch.

[@barryhamilton7845]

Blended whisky is for people who rate and drink Johnnie Walker,Chivas Regal and Royal salute,and think its the fanciest and rarest Scottish whisky.What do you drink??

[@DileepB]

@@barryhamilton7845 It is a matter of taste, experience and budget. I stopped drinking blended whiskies a long time ago. Looks like the 2 whiskies Ralfy mentioned have a smaller percentage of grain than most others.

[@markcameron2353]

Downing another Ralfy review at x2 on the KZbin playback speed. Great on the nose, and faster on the finish. I reckon I could take him at x3 but the Tube has no option.

[@pc3776]

I have just picked up my dormant whisky hobby and started binge watching your videos again. Bought a shed load of whisky recently. Stumbled across your videos on levels of chill filtration and independent bottlers. Have you ever tried blackadder whisky? They have a statement that their whisky contains sediment. Are there any other bottlers like them? Thanks for all the informative content!

[@mcw2553]

Blackadder's floaters are a (expensive) gimmick - they actively take the sediment and distribute it over the bottles. That's all great until you have one of those charcoal bits stuck in your throat. Signatory Vintage is always a safe bet when it comes to integrity bottlings, so is Whiskybroker in the UK. But also guys like James Eadie, Cadenhead's, etc..

[@jtf2dan]

Thank you so much for providing 3 good blends....it is nice knowing who the diamond in the roughs are! Wil keep an eye out for these bottles!

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Thanks dear Ralfy but here in Italy 🇮🇹 on special offer, we can get Bunnahabhain 12 or Deanston 12 at the same price as these blends. I will stick with my trusted friends, they never let me down . Kindest regards, S.

[@Ballahooligan1]

We can get them in the UK for nearly that as well. The Campeltown Loch and the TBBSW are just as good and I would say the Thompson Bros. is the best of the lot. And I love Bunna 12 and Deanston.

[@dutchpagans]

I just opend the cambeltown loch. Got it on sale for 35 euro’s - And it's life affirmingly good.

[@davet7185]

3 beauties there Ralfy and all very much on my radar thanks to the latest OSWAs and of course your own reviews. Quality wins out and pleasure is certainly guaranteed for those willing and able to make informed choices. Slainte 🙂👍.

[@Mylatestdram]

I really had to try the Campbeltown Loch Blended Malt. I've heard good things about it. I had older bottlings of the brand, but these were blended Scotch. I just have a 21yo. Blended in my collection to wait for the right moment.

[@hardindr]

Still have that Campbeltown Loch 21 yo in my cabinet. About a decade ago, I got my boss the 30 yo, wish I had gotten a bottle for myself…

[@dale2867]

Have bought Macleans Nose and Campbeltown Loch, and what a couple of cracking whisky’s they are. Can’t wait to get my hands on the Thompson Brothers creation, cheers Ralfy 👍

[@alexk3088]

IMHO price hiking is not ripping anyone off. Price is the greatest tool for availability. Where I live there's a state monopoly on spirits, so there's no gouging... and no availability. During my recent travels through other states I've seen some bourbon and rye bottles on shelves that I haven't seen since the current bourbon craze began. Roughly 10x the retail price. Granted, I'll never pay that, but I don't feel ripped off. I don't have to buy. And if I wanted to try them or get for my collection, at least I could. Even the necessities, like fuel during a hurricane, are better available when free markets are allowed to work. All the anti-gouging laws make it harder to get fuel, water, generators, etc. during emergencies. If some entity could perfectly ration AND deliver the needed things, fine, that would be better. But it's not possible in reality. I might laugh in the face of a whisky seller who demands unreasonable prices, but I'll never begrudge him the right. Or those who choose to pay those prices (even though they only have themselves to blame). The only cure for high prices has always been and always will be high prices. They motivate competition and production of alternatives. Socialism is not even an ideology, it's just an immature childish tantrum, a knee-jeek demand that life be "fair".

[@DavidUKesb]

Campbeltown Loch is very good. Virtually all from Springbank and Glengyle.

[@Boxer1250RT]

Campbelltown Loch for $60 USD is a hell of a bottle comparing to a $110 Springbank 10 in my area. I like the SB10 but not for $110. Or, I'd rather get the Glen Scotia 15 for $75.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I recently saw Campbeltown Loch for $75, and Spingbank 10 for $170. Sucker prices, but the shops sold them.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I'd rather get Craigellechie 13 for $46 😉

[@xiamengbaby]

​@MrChristopherMolloy you're a lucky ducky to get that price! Craig 13 is on sale for $55 by me right now, but It normally goes for $65.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@xiamengbaby $55 is a lot, and $65 is a joke. That's not to say it's not as good or better than many or most $65 malts, because it is.

[@gerhardschote8000]

Good Choice

[@rkostyantyn]

Sounds intriguing, but, unfortunately, none of these three are available yet in the country where I live) I will monitor the situation next year...) But what we have here is an interesting and very affordable blended malt called Caisteal Chamuis. Which seems to contain Torabhaig whisky.

[@JayJay-v5m]

The excuse over here in Massachusetts is "allocation", its everywhere from Ardbeg to Eagle Rare bourbon. Its bullshit because all of these are available. Something tells me the problem is in the middle somewhere because that's all the shop owners say....."its allocation". How can that be true if there are 50 bottles available right down the damn road, i told one shopkeeper. Social media has damaged whiskey for us poorer people IMO. People rave about a whiskey and the price shoots up over night and then the distillery's are forced to mass produce and use spent casks. Am I close to the mark? I don't know anymore😢

[@kellyj5389]

I’ll be honest. Johnny Walker green is imho thier best bottleing. I like it. Very close to blue label to me in taste.

[@skeletonmakesgood]

Agreed. Green Label is great. It is also a blended malt, like Campbeltown Loch. In fact, I think Green Label is clearly a better whisky.

[@lgalv]

The bottle of Campbeltown loch I picked up was great. Reminded me of Victoriana but with the flavors turned up.

[@neilmattos2756]

😁 enjoying the blended loch. Defo can pick up the campbeltown funk.

[@juliussempio8220]

Got a bottle of an Angus Dundee blended malt here, costing around 12 pounds for a 1L bottle. It's got a screwcap, its ugly label sports a large eagle that screams freedom - and, as a blended malt, it still has more flavor than a JW Black. So at that price point, I've got no complaints.

[@johnvanderborght6800]

Three great blends. I just found a bottle of Maclean’s Nose in New Jersey. It was priced lower than I paid in Scotland. I wish the TB/BSW was available as it was my daily drinker when I was over there. Campbeltown Loch is also excellent.

[@dane5896]

Where did you find them in New Jersey? I’ve been looking for the CL blended malt for years.

[@johnvanderborght6800]

@@dane5896the CL is at Bottle Republic in Somerset for $75 (website shows it as in stock). The MN is at the Wine Rack on Allen Road in Basking Ridge for $34.

[@dane5896]

Thanks 👍

[@xiamengbaby]

How much is the Macleans in NJ? I just noticed it's now available in the Chicago area for $35.

[@iangriffiths1234]

Mcleans nose beautiful stuff...bargain !

[@gareth630]

Glad you gave the T/B 8yr a wide berth ;-)

[@chrisgwhisky]

Wow what a lineup! All bangers!

[@flintandball6093]

Affordable is a relative term unfortunately Ralphy. I had a look at Campbelltown Loch in Australia and its around $200-250.

[@ElijsDima]

The sheer disgust Ralfy's face shows when saying "orange juice" is hilarious :) On the note of blends.. I recently got D.Laing's Epicurean - it is very cheap here - and was very nicely surprised. It's a nice whiskey take on a white wine. Better than a whole bunch of single malts at the price imo.

[@Kinshasa9200]

Douglas Laing's blends are really underrated!

[@barryhamilton7845]

Gauldrons their Campbeltown blended malt is quite a nice whisky aswell.

[@marclambert8596]

Blends are not yet much on my radar but these are must try now!

[@jellemaartenlof3260]

Would have liked to know more about the third one, the blended malt. Could you maybe talk about that in a separate post? Maybe a tasting even?

[@archiemacgilp4109]

Really been enjoying Macleans nose and Campbeltown loch but not as yet tried the other. Cheers Ralfy

[@joelweidenfeld471]

November December...but Jan1 new years has to be the BIGGEST

[@debugS4]

Thanks for the invaluable info Ralfy. Just an FYI on local pricing here at the SC/ NC border in US -- picked up a Springbank 10 at my local shop. Cost = $95 + 7% tax. Ouch! A far cry from the £52.00 listed on the Springbank site. It's rare and hard to find here so I suspect the price was jacked a bit but want to experience it based on your reviews. This particular retailer has a better selection than my Frugal shop but based on what is being charged on common stock, e.g. Ardbeg 5 WB $55 at Southern Spirits, $45 at Frugal, I know the margin is maximized. I'm not crying-- hell, I bought it! Just saying...seems to be a common theme. BTW, the Springbank 15, which is what I really wanted, was $155 -- egregious!

[@jamesangus7253]

Alot of rumour about the Thompson brothers 6yo blend mostly involving the words "bone vatting of Macallan"

[@ADSCP]

Hi Ralfy, two questions: would you consider and ever review Cutty Sark Prohibition? Grains used for the blended scotch are mainly corn or not?

[@CarolineMcCabe-ov1xi]

Malt mention: maltilicious moon-pies

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

If the Grain Whisky component is treated with respect, like it is with other column-stilled spirits like say American Straight Whiskies are, and is blended with skill, say the way Compass Box has demonstrated, then Blended Whisky isnt an inferior product, it's just a different product.

[@funkyskypilot]

I’m a seasonal buyer. I usually buy three single malts which ideally last about three months to four months or if possible until Easter. This year I’ve opted for peated malts. This year’s selection is Glen Scotia Victoriana, Kilkerran Heavily Peated and Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (Batch 15), all of which I haven’t tried. Question: would it possible to taste these as a flight in the order listed, or would that ruin the peat experience?

[@samurai10000bc]

What happened to Té Bheag ?

[@Eddogegr3]

Here in the US (WA), I cannot find a single one of these 😢

[@MrMBBM]

I got a bottle of Campbeltown Loch at Total Wine in Vancouver, WA. Very expensive though: $89.99 before taxes.

[@gibsiani]

Absolutely love all 3 Ralfy but your 16 Glenlivet and Glen Ord are better. Tried to catch up with you at GWF but you were too busy with the Adelphi posse, your AD is also very nice

[@Silfverr]

Have you tried "HM The King"?

[@Doddo13]

Hello Ralfy, only the Thompson Bros one is natural colour and UCF. Right? Which of the three do you prefer? Warm greetings.

[@chrislawson5754]

The MN is unchillfiltered and natural colour according to the press releases etc…while not mentioning it on my bottles of Campbeltown Loch, I’d be staggered if Mitchellls are chill filtering or adding colour. Why they don’t put it on the label I don’t know 🤔

[@Doddo13]

@@chrislawson5754 Ralfy taught us to consider the label on the bottle but not anything else.

[@chrislawson5754]

I’m capable of enjoying a dram and realising that it may have natural presentation even if not on the label. I can enjoy such a whisky even if Ralfy tells people that the label is the contract. I’m an adult@@Doddo13

[@Doddo13]

@@chrislawson5754 Of course you are. I respect your right to enjoy the taste and flavour of any spirit. I also have few friends still enjoy JW Red Label and the Goose thing.

[@chrislawson5754]

Your point was only the TB is the only one of the three natural colour and UCF…that’s incorrect. It’s not a difficult concept to get your head around.@@Doddo13

[@Ricardo8388]

Hey Ralfy, why dont you get a nice leather chair for in the bothy! You're not getting any younger! :D

[@Shane4Bass]

Unfortunately, these whisky's are pretty expensive in China. I can buy a Glenlossie 10, a Laddie Classic, or a Deanston 12 for half the price of the Thompson Bros or the Campbelltown Loch.

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Availability is the biggest problem with these good whisky.

[@echoes1451]

Total Wine has Cambeltown Loch listed as "Premium Selection" and $72. They must've watched your video. 😂 None of those are available here in MN, the barren wasteland of whisky.

[@robfut9954]

Sadly the three on the barrel aren’t going to appear near me, must be UK centric.

[@jackthepickledhound]

Are we trying say that a price tag of $250 for a $75 bottle of StaggJr is a ripoff? Its worth at least 99. I agree yhat blends are the future for those that live in reality but anything campbeltown is going to get price jacked here.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Regardless of the quality of the Blended Scotches in mention, or the attempt to differentiate the two, I still think it does the entire category of 100% Blended Malt a disservice to be grouped into a category simply because it includes the term "Blended " in the name of its poorly-assigned category. A "Blended Malt" is 100% malt whisky the same exact way "Single Malt" is 100% malt whisky, and the two should be grouped as one IMHO. Rant over ✌️

[@jackthepickledhound]

Respectfully disagree. Someday I might try a nice aged single grain Scotch but until then malt is malt even if that makes me a snob. If I want to drink from more than one distillery at the same time I can blend it in my own "jam jar". And since the future is anticipated "poverty for all", these less expensive blends will be integral as single malts become unaffordable. So in the spirit of transparency, legally defined words and categories are very important. Quality will always be quality and 46% will always be the key. All the rest is your freedom of choice, how you spend your CBD.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@jackthepickledhound Some interesting points, although I'm unsure where Grain Whisky came into the discussion? So blending malts is that simple; just fool around with whatever, stick it in a jam jar and hope it works? Good to know. Somebody needs to tell this to Master Blenders and the folks at Compass Box. It's an opinion, but I think it's important to let readers know that unless we're discussing single cask bottlings, ALL whisky is blended, and that affording a Blender the flexibility of choosing casks from many distilleries is SUPERIOR to limiting them to the casks from a single one. Getting to know the signature-style of a distillery is only one small aspect of this hobby, and judging a whisky in the glass, from a bottle you paid for, on its individual merits, should be the bottom line goal. Do you like the whisky you just tasted, and was it worth the money you paid for it? As for 46%, more alcohol in the bottle is always preferable for obvious value reasons, but is that to say that 46% is some sort of guarantee or ensures the use of high-quality wood or an unrushed quality-distillation? Does it also mean that bottles like Glengoyne 10, Benromach 10, Glenmorangie Lasanta 12, or an overpriced bottle like Macallan 12 are poor whiskies folks should avoid because they're 43%? I really like all of those whiskies despite the fact that they fail the Ralfy litmus test ✌️

[@jackthepickledhound]

@@MrChristopherMolloy I talked about grain whisky because I read your comment as some confligration of the definition of blends. I just came across a bottle of New Riff single malt. Not sure if $85 is to much for a domestic malt that Mike and Dustin were slightly better than meh. It's a very weird blend.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@jackthepickledhound I've got a bottle of it but I haven't tried it yet, and I think $85 is fair if you're willing to view it as subsidizing their endeavor. And while it's a blend of malts, it's still a single malt.

[@jackthepickledhound]

@@MrChristopherMolloy I paid about $80 for the Barrel Vatted Malt, which I highly recommend. So it's not the sticker price itself it's just that I am at a point in the journey where I want to buy really good whisky. Dustin mentioned the word cereal. I have invested a few hundred dollars on cereal forward American single malts. We have a ways to go to compete. Cask strength really helps. New riff is using Scottish peated barley so it might be very interesting. I'm comparing a $75 Ballechin 10 or a $79 Ardnamurchin CS that I would rather own. Ah..whisky problems

[@swedishburrito5073]

❤👍🥃

[@joelweidenfeld471]

With taxes as insane as they are of course THEY rather sell water than alcohol and to get higher alcohol your paying not ONLY for the alcohol but for the lost profit they make by selling water

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Customers have options and the ability to educate themselves on such matters as ABV, chillfilteration and caramel coloring.

[@barryhamilton7845]

Best thing to do is boycott all things Pernod Ricard and Diageo.These two rip off Multi national companies are the worst for it,plus they're bot Scottish.

[@proseforpoets]

Vatted?

[@user-hb1ve6mc6f]

Chivas Regal 25 year old

[@aleb9342]

First

[@singlemaltwhiskyenthusiast9248]

The Last

[@peatbull3426]

​@@singlemaltwhiskyenthusiast9248the Last will be the First 👍😁🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

[@whompbiscuits8930]

Indeed Ralfy, ripping people off is and has long been considered normal in America. For centuries actually. And that is the problem. But that's what we get for buying into the myth that the business class is better for a society than a functioning government.

[@skeletonmakesgood]

Spoken as a true socialist.

[@heisenbergguy7772]

I envy you Scott’s argh, I don’t get any of the 3 here in Texas, USA! 😭

[@terrortower666]

My heart goes out to you fella. Although I bet you can get some really good bourbons that we can’t here