From elegant royal tributes to sweet sips crafted in distilleries no longer in existence — some of the world’s most celebrated whiskies are unique fusion numbers from Scotland. Of these, only a few big brand names are available in India — often occupying the top shelves of stores and costing the earth. If you’re in the market for the best-blended scotch whisky in the world — here are a few award-winning numbers available in India that fit the bill.
India’s long been outdrinking the world when it comes to scotch whisky — with the country’s discerning drinkers turning to various expressions of the same for their daily dram. And while single malts often come out on top in recommendations, it’s the blended numbers that are hailed for their balanced character. Best understood as a fusion — of casks, expressions, grain types, production techniques, and even age statements — these are also more versatile and accessible.
That said, of all the options available in India and around the world, only a few blended scotch whiskies have made an impression in the minds and palates of experts — bagging awards at top competitions and competing with several quality counterparts for the honour of being the world’s best. Most are big brand numbers — paying homage to an era or the signature style of the distillery — at luxurious prices, making them quite coveted. Here’s a look at a few that are worth the investment.
Top tipples: Best award-winning blended scotch whiskies in India
John Walker & Sons King George V Blended Scotch
Starting out strong is a unique blended scotch from one of the world’s best, most popular brands, Johnnie Walker. This particular expression pays homage to King George V — featuring a fusion of exquisite whiskies from distilleries that only existed during his reign, including Port Ellen. Rich and luxuriously smooth — every sip sings with notes of fruits, chocolate, roasted nuts, and spice. A touch of smokiness rounds out the experience.
The delicious number bagged a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015 and Whisky of the Year and Best Blended Whisky at the 2015 International Whisky Competition, amongst others.
Price: INR 50,000 approx.
Ballantine’s 30 Years
Home to some of the world’s best-selling scotch whiskies — Ballantine’s makes for a quality investment. Especially, its 30-year-old expression, a smooth and sweet fusion of rare whiskies from distilleries that are no longer in existence. Rich and luxurious, every sip of this gold libation sings with notes of pear, peach, honey, and vanilla. The finish is elegant and long.
It bagged Gold at the 2018 and 2020 International Spirits Challenge, Silver at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition, and Silver at The Scotch Whisky Masters in 2018, amongst others.
Price: INR 40,000 approx.
Dewar’s The Signature 25 Years
A top name in the world of all things blended scotch — Dewar’s is highly coveted. Especially its 25-year-old expression that’s marked by six months of ageing in oak casks after initial blending and maturation. Every sip is refined and elegant — singing with notes of honey, vanilla, and nuts. The finish is long and velvety.
The smooth sip earned a Gold in the Scotch Whisky Blended as well as Best Blended Scotch Over 21 Years Old categories in the 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition as well as a Gold in the Scotch Whisky: Blended – Ultra Premium category at the 2019 The Luxury Masters, amongst others.
Price: INR 30,000 approx.
Chivas Regal 25 Years
Known as the world’s first luxury whisky — Chivas Regal makes for an elegant addition to any bar. Especially the 25-year-old expression, which dates back to the early 1900s — featuring a delicious blend of the rarest 25-year-old malts. This, combined with hand-selected casks and meticulous nosing produces a rich, luxurious sip that’s reminiscent of chocolate and fondant. The finish, meanwhile, is long.
This rare sip bagged a Double Gold in the Blended Scotch category in the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition as well as a Silver in the Scotch Whisky – Deluxe Blend category of the 2017 International Wine & Spirit Competition. Whisky critic Jim Murray named this one the Scottish Blend of the Year (in the 18 and above age category) in 2010.
Price: INR 30,000 approx.
Royal Salute 21 Years
A regal, connoisseur-favourite brand — Royal Salute has bagged many awards over the years. Including the 21-year-old number that was created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. A sapphire glaze on the bottle is a nod to the gems on the Imperial State Crown. Every sip is complex — whiffs of orange, vanilla, sherry, smoke, autumn flowers, and sweet pears giving way to notes of spices, marmalade and hazelnut on the palate. The finish, meanwhile, is luxurious.
This whisky won a Gold in the Best Blended Scotch Over 21 Years Old category at the 2020 International Spirits Challenge, Silver in the Scotch Whisky – Blended category in the 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition, and a Gold at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, amongst others.
Price: INR 25,000 approx.
D’YAVOL INCEPTION
Rounding out this list is a pure malt blended number that’s closer to home — led by entrepreneur Aryan Khan — with distilleries in Scotland. A delicious marriage of eight smooth single malts from across whisky regions in the country — Lowland to Island — it’s non-chill filtered and aged for 12 years before being further matured in rare Madeira and first-fill tawny port casks. On the nose are whiffs of cherries, ripe pears, and creamy toffee. The finish, meanwhile, is medium-long with a touch of smoke.
Most recently, this whisky made headlines for bagging Gold at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge.
Price: INR 8,000 approx.
Cheers!
Hero and Featured Images: Courtesy New Africa/Shutterstock
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Written by
Eshita Srinivas
Senior Digital Writer - Entertainment and Food & Drinks
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
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