Ask Away: What Are Your Top Blended Malt Whisky Picks?

It’s Friday, and that means it’s time for a new Ask Away. This week’s question: what are your blended malt whisky tips? The responses below are from a few of our editors—but jump into the discussion yourself.

I’m seeing blended malts more and more often. Sometimes it’s a “teaspooned” whisky: a single malt with a literal teaspoon of another brand added, so it can’t carry the distillery name or be labeled as single malt.

Other times it’s a beautifully composed whisky made from several single malts. Compass Box and Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts both have excellent ranges in this space. My favorite blended malts are the very affordable Monkey Shoulder and Campbeltown Loch.

For a while I loved exploring blended malts. But by now, probably thanks to market forces, there are so many releases, indie bottlers, and series that I’ve let it go entirely.

For me, the blends from Compass Box and Douglas Laing are the tastiest and most approachable. Tip: start with one of those two and, when you have the time and curiosity, continue your journey into the world of blended malts.

Back in my student days I first came across Monkey Shoulder. How much did I know about whisky then? Not much. When I later learned it included Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie, I was impressed. I’ve often been asked whether the name Whisky Monkeys has anything to do with Monkey Shoulder. Not really.

But I do take it as a compliment that people make that connection. If I were to recommend something to a beginner today, Monkey Shoulder would definitely spring to mind—along with a few other names. And if someone wants to level up? I’d say go with Douglas Laing—you’ll find something to discover from every Scotch whisky region.

Well-known award-winners include Campbeltown Loch and Mac Clean’s Nose, solid whiskies at very attractive prices. One lesser-known and quite pricey blend is Compass Box Aquamarine, a fantastic blend of various old grain whiskies. It’s fairly expensive, but great fun to sample at a festival.