Budget vs. Premium Blended Scotch Whiskies

Описание: You can skip ahead, but you’ll miss a lot of great information along the way!
Shortcuts/Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
4:30 – Fior Nosing
6:02 – Fior Tasting
7:22 – J. Blue Nosing
7:44 – J. Blue Tasting
9:11 – Isle 12 Nosing
10:08 – Isle 12 Tasting
12:57 – Isle 25 Nosing
14:15 – Isle 25 Tasting
16:33 – Dewars 27 Nosing
18:55 – Dewars 27 Tasting

Today we’re going to see how some solid “everyday drinkers” compare to some high-end whiskies in the Blended Scotch category. While this will be a fun exercise, it’s not really meant to determine a “winner” - as I think each of these has its place in any bar. Let’s introduce the whiskies and find out more about them!

On the budget friendly side:

$30-$40 Fior Blended Scotch is 86 proof and a veteran owned business by Eric Dominijanni “EdD” - a retired USMC Major. According to Fior’s website, his story goes, “After having proudly served in the military for over 20 years, I can now enjoy my time in retirement, and that includes raising a glass of this spectacular Scotch. I started out as an amateur Scotch collector until, one day, I had finally amassed a collection of great Scotches. I started to decant the dregs of particularly good Scotches into what would become my “Infinity Bottle.” Eventually, the blend became so good that I didn’t want to change it. When the Infinity Bottle started to run low, I realized that once it was gone, I would have to start all over. I contacted a longtime friend who works in the liquor industry to see if he could help me. He was able to help me recreate the taste, aroma, and smoothness of that original infinity blend. It was spot on. After investing so much of myself into the creation of this Scotch, I am proud to be a part of this historic brand.”

$40 Isle of Skye “Limited Batch Release” is an 80 proof 12-year-old blend from the Isle of Skye and Speyside malts. Created by Ian Macleod Distillers, Skye is the largest and northern most island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Ian Macleod Distillers is a prominent and independent family-owned Scotch whisky distillery and spirits company based in Scotland. Established in 1933, the company has a rich heritage and a diverse portfolio of whisky brands, including Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Smokehead, and Isle of Skye, among others.

On the high-end side:

$180 Isle of Skye 25 Year is also an 80 proof blend is from the same Ian Macleod Distillers. The blend also consists of Isle of Skye and Speyside malts. The only big difference is the additional 13+ years of maturation that develop a deeper flavor experience.

$200 Johnnie Walker Blue Label (from the 1990’s) is also an 80 proof blend that IS the biggest name in the Blended Scotch Arena. The first Blue Label was released under the “Oldest” name in 1987. This blend can contain up to 40 different malt and grain whiskies aged up to 60 years old. I used my 90’s bottle as a direct comparison to the much younger Fior bottle.

$200 (375ml) Dewar’s “Double Double” 27 Year is a 92 proof blend created using a 4-stage aging process that includes being finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks. This unique 4-stage aging process was invented by the current master blender Stephanie Macleod. The first step involves single malts and single grains which have been aged separately at least 27 years. Next, the single malts are blended together and rested in exhausted casks. This process is also done for the single grains. Then, the blended single malts and blended single grains are blended together and again rested in exhausted casks. Finally, the blended scotch finishes its maturation in ex-Palo Cortado sherry casks.

As of February 2025, my current bottle count is over 3,000. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for three decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, I’m super proud to announce that my “Saints Alley “Nobleman” Rye Whiskey was named “Best American Rye” at the 2024 World Whisky Awards (Batch 4 arrived in Total Wines the last week of November)! But don’t forget that our other Bourbons have also won multiple big awards and are on Total Wine shelves now! Our Flagship Port & Cognac received a Double Platinum at Fred Minnick's 2024 Ascot Awards, and "The Herald” - our Armagnac finished Bourbon - took Double Gold at the Whiskies of the World competition! Given my decades of consumer/reviewer experience, you know I’m working hard to continue bringing you great whiskeys that I'm proud of as a collector, reviewer & blender! Thank you for watching & please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!