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20 Smooth and Complex Blended Whiskies to Try This Year

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Blended whisky often gets overshadowed by single malts, but don’t be fooled—some of the best bottles on the market come from masterful blending. A great blend balances smoothness, depth, and complexity, offering layers of flavor that evolve with each sip.

Whether you enjoy rich, smoky profiles or silky, honeyed drams, there’s a blend out there for you. From timeless classics to innovative new releases, these 20 blended whiskies are worth adding to your collection this year.

1. Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Boxes of Johnnie Walker Blue Label
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A true luxury whisky, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle of smoothness. With notes of honey, dried fruits, and subtle smoke, it offers a velvety texture that glides across the palate.

Each sip reveals layers of caramel, dark chocolate, and a whisper of peat. It’s an expertly crafted blend of some of Scotland’s rarest whiskies, making it a go-to for special occasions.

2. Chivas Regal 18 Year Old

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MARCH 25, 2018: Blended from whiskies matured for at least 18 years, Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature is a blended Scotch whisky produced by Chivas Brothers in Keith, Scotland. — Photo by zeferli@gmail.com
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

This award-winning blend is rich and elegant, boasting flavors of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and butterscotch. Aged for nearly two decades, it delivers a luxurious mouthfeel with a lingering, slightly smoky finish.

The complexity comes from its carefully selected malt and grain whiskies, resulting in a sip that evolves beautifully with time.

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3. Monkey Shoulder

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 27, 2021 Closeup on the blended malt scotch whisky Monkey Shoulder, The brand with characteristic three monkeys
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A playful yet refined whisky, Monkey Shoulder is an all-malt blend designed for versatility.

With its smooth caramel and vanilla notes, it’s fantastic neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. The lack of grain whisky gives it a creamy richness, while hints of spice and oak add depth to the experience.

4. Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Perfect Harmony III | Hibiki Harmony - one of Suntory's fine… | Flickr
Image Credit: Flickr by The_Kevster

Hailing from Japan, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a delicate yet deeply layered whisky. It showcases floral aromas, honeyed sweetness, and subtle Mizunara oak spice.

The balance of light fruitiness and rich umami notes makes it a favorite among whisky enthusiasts seeking elegance and complexity.

5. Compass Box The Spice Tree

Whisky with ice — Stock Photo, Image
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

For those who love a bold whisky with spice and warmth, The Spice Tree delivers. Crafted using French oak aging, it brings forward flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, balanced with vanilla and toffee.

It’s an excellent sipping whisky that holds its own in a lineup of complex blends.

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6. Dewar’s 15 Year Old

KYIV, UKRAINE - AUGUST 17, 2019: Dewar's True Scotch The Ancestor aged 12 years blended Scotch Whisky label closeup. Dewar's whiskies have won more than 400 awards and medals in over 20 countries. — Photo by panama7
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

Silky smooth with a honeyed character, Dewar’s 15 is an easy-drinking blend with layers of caramel, floral notes, and toasted almonds. The aging process in oak casks brings a gentle warmth that lingers, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned whisky lovers.

7. The Famous Grouse Smoky Black

Alcohol Drink Whisky Whiskey Bourbon Ice Cubes Dark Wood Table — Stock Photo, Image
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

If you enjoy a touch of peat but don’t want overwhelming smoke, Smoky Black is a perfect middle ground. The blend includes peated whiskies, giving it a subtle smokiness that complements its caramel and dried fruit notes.

It’s a fantastic option for those looking to explore the smoky side of blended whisky.

8. Buchanan’s 18 Year Old Special Reserve

POZNAN, POL - NOV 21, 2019: Bottle of Black and White, a blended Scotch whisky, manufactured by Diageo, originally produced by James Buchanan in London — Photo by monticello
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

Rich, full-bodied, and smooth, Buchanan’s 18 offers a sophisticated drinking experience. It has a deep honeyed sweetness with flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of spice.

The long, velvety finish makes it a standout in the world of premium blended whiskies.

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9. Black Bottle 10 Year Old

Scotch whiskey glass and old wooden barrel
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A blend with serious character, Black Bottle 10 combines Islay’s signature smoky, maritime notes with a touch of Highland sweetness. The result is a whisky with depth—smoky, spicy, and slightly fruity—perfect for those who enjoy complexity in every sip.

10. Ballantine’s 17 Year Old

Bottle of Ballantine's Whiskey on dark background — Photo by EvaSV19
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

A masterfully balanced whisky, Ballantine’s 17 is creamy and refined. Expect notes of honey, vanilla, and toasted nuts, with just a whisper of peat smoke.

The long aging process smooths out any harsh edges, leaving a lingering, silky finish.

11. Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition

Glass of scotch whiskey — Stock Photo, Image
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This high-proof whisky pays homage to the Prohibition era with its bold and robust flavor. It delivers notes of black pepper, caramel, and vanilla, finishing with a warm, slightly smoky edge.

A great option for those who like their blends with a bit more punch.

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12. Nikka From the Barrel

Kyiv, Ukraine - October 20, 2022: Japanese Nikka Days blended whisky bottle closeup on white. It is a producer of Japanese whisky and other beverages headquartered in Tokyo.
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

A Japanese blend with incredible depth, Nikka From the Barrel is rich, spicy, and full-bodied. The high ABV amplifies flavors of dried fruit, spice, and toasty oak, making it a favorite among fans of intense yet balanced whiskies.

13. The Sexton

Winneconne, WI - 19 April 2019: A bottle of The Sexton single malt Irish Whiskey distelled in copper pots on an isolated background — Photo by homank76
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

An Irish blended whisky with a smooth, approachable profile, The Sexton boasts flavors of malt, dried fruit, and chocolate.

Its sherry cask aging adds a subtle nuttiness, making it a great introduction to Irish blends with depth.

14. Royal Salute 21 Year Old

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - august 31, 2016, bottle of CHIVAS REGAL ROYAL SALUTE twentyone years old blended scotch whisky — Photo by isvadby@gmail.com
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A true luxury blend, Royal Salute 21 is aged for at least two decades, creating a velvety whisky with notes of ripe pears, nuts, and delicate spice. The finish is exceptionally long and smooth, making it a perfect choice for special moments.

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15. Teeling Small Batch

Bottle of Irish Whiskey Teeling, Irish whiskey on black background. Unique Irish whiskey produced in small batches - illustrative editorial — Photo by Pecold
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An Irish whisky with a modern twist, Teeling Small Batch is finished in rum casks, adding a unique sweetness to its profile. Expect flavors of vanilla, caramel, and tropical fruit, balanced with a hint of spice.

16. Shackleton Blended Malt

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 20, 2021 Bottle of Shackleton, rare old highland malt whisky, based on antique blend of Mackinlay's, made at a Scottish distillery — Photo by Q77photo
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

Inspired by the whisky taken on Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, this blend is smooth and slightly smoky, with notes of honey, dried fruit, and gentle spice. It’s a fantastic balance of history and craftsmanship.

17. Jameson Black Barrel

READING MOLDOVA APRIL 8, 2016. One bottle of Jameson Whiskey Triple Distilled 40% 1 Liter on black background. Blended whiskey is imported from Ireland — Photo by kizer13
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A richer, spicier take on classic Jameson, Black Barrel offers flavors of butterscotch, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. The double-charred barrels give it extra depth and smoothness, making it a fantastic sipping whisky.

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18. GlenDronach 12 Year Old Blended Malt

VENICE, ITALY - MAY 2020. Bottle of Scotch Whisky The GlenDronach 8YO The Hielan' 70cl, 46%Vol. — Photo by gueriero93.gmail.com
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

A sherry-forward blend, GlenDronach 12 offers deep notes of raisins, dark chocolate, and baking spices. It’s perfect for those who love a rich and slightly sweet whisky experience.

19. Macallan Double Cask Gold

Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Box
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

A beautifully balanced blend of sherry and American oak influences, this whisky delivers smooth honey, vanilla, and dried fruit flavors. It’s a great introduction to the world of premium blended Scotch.

20. Green Label by Johnnie Walker

Pruszcz Gdanski, Poland - June 16, 2024: Box of Scotch whisky Johnnie Walker Green Label. — Photo by Robson90
ImageCredit: DepositPhotos

Unlike other Johnnie Walker blends, Green Label is a blended malt, meaning no grain whisky is used. It offers a complex profile of peat smoke, dried fruit, and oak, with a wonderfully long finish.

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