I’ve spent the last two decades writing about alcohol with a strong emphasis on whisky. And while I continue to learn about bourbon, rye whiskey, single malt Scotch, and blended Scotch every day, there’s always more to learn. One of the most important things I’ve discovered is price isn’t everything when it comes to versatility, quality, and overall value.
It's especially true in the Scotch world. Single malt gets all the love, and for good reason. Produced at a single distillery and made only from water and malted barley, the category garners big awards and press. Think of names like The Macallan, The Glenlivet, The Balvenie, and Lagavulin.
But if you’re sleeping on blended Scotch whisky, you’re limiting yourself. Blended Scotch is precisely as the name suggests. It’s a mix of one or more single malt Scotch whiskies and one or more single grain whiskies. It's often thought of as a mixing whisky for cocktails. But there are countless nuanced, complex, and balanced expressions perfect for rainy day sipping. Well-known expressions come from brands like Johnnie Walker, Chivas, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, and Compass Box. But there’s one brand in particular that doesn’t get the love it deserves: J & B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky.
The award-winning blended whisky is extremely popular in Europe but remains highly underrated in the US. Officially called Justerini & Brooks, it was initially created in the 1930s for American’s post-Prohibition consumption. With a base of Speyside single malt whiskies, it's made up of forty-two whiskies, single malt and single grain alike.
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J & B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky has a memorable flavor profile that begins with a nose of candied nuts, caramel apples, citrus peels, vanilla beans, baking spices, and oaky wood. The palate is filled with flavors of toasted vanilla beans, crème brûlée, sweet malt, wintry spices, light minerality, and lightly smoky wood. The finish is long, lingering, and warming with a mix of vanilla, oak, and cinnamon candy notes.
One of the reasons I love J & B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky is because of its versatility. If you enjoy Scotch cocktails, you’ll love what J & B brings to the table. Its memorable, multi-layered flavor profile won’t get lost in the shuffle of all the various ingredients in your favorite mixed drink. And while it’s an exceptional mixing whisky, it’s also a great sipping whisky. Drink it neat, with a splash of water to open up the aromas and flavors, or drink it on the rocks. You meet a surprisingly nuanced, flavorful whisky.
Did I mention price? Not only is it a versatile sipping and mixing whisky that’s layered with noteworthy aromas and flavors, it’s also incredibly inexpensive. A 750ml bottle can be yours for under $30, depending on where you live. That’s right. This Swiss Army Knife-like expression can be added to your home bar at the same price as a four-pack of craft beer.
I’ve said all I can say about this award-winning blended Scotch whisky. If you don’t already have a bottle at home, I suggest you go out and buy one (or more). The next time you reach for a bottle to enjoy a rainy day dram or to mix into a cocktail, make it J & B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky.
Related: How to Drink Scotch Whisky: Experts Share Their Best Tips
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