Our Favorite Blended Scotch Whiskies

This is the first in a series of limited edition wood-finished blends from Johnnie Walker. This one blends whiskies that have aged for at least 10 years in first-fill American oak (typically ex-bourbon), which are then finished in charred American oak barrels that previously aged rye whiskey. The whiskey is chill-filtered and bottled at 46% abv.

A blended Scotch whisky made with 50% malt and 50% grain which is quite high for blends. As with all Compass Box whiskies, there is no color added nor is it chillfiltered. Composition is as follows: 50% grain whisky from Cameronbridge matured in first-fill American standard barrel, 5% Glen Elgin single malt aged in refill hogshead, 23% Teaninich single malt aged in first-fill American standard barrel, 22% Linkwood single malt aged in first-fill American standard barrel. Update: As of June 2018, once case depletions occur, there will be no more Asyla for the foreseeable future until the malts used in its creation reach its desired maturity. If mature stocks are acquired, Asyla may return in a limited capacity until the stocks on hand mature.

Now that you’ve learned about the 21 gun salute (see Royal Salute 21 Year), the 62 gun salute is an exclusive honor that occurs from the Tower of London for Royal anniversaries and special occasions such as the birth of the Royal Baby or Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. How 62 was the number chosen for these honors is as follows: the standard 21-gun salute, add 20 more for the salute occurring at the Tower of London, which is a Royal Palace & Fortress; and another 21 for the City of London itself. Though this whisky is not 62 years old, the whiskies selected for this blend are at least 40 years old.

The Signature is created with whiskies with 14-30 years of age that are blended and then aged in oak barrels to marry. At its heart is 27 year old Aberfeldy, a single malt distillery located in the Highlands. The packaging must be noted as the box this bottle comes in is sturdy and coffin like with a gorgeously shaped bottle snuggled inside. Note: This was discontinued in fall 2017 and replaced with Dewar's 25 Year The Signature.

The James Buchanan Whisky Co. was founded in the late 1880s by its namesake in an effort to create Scotch blended from mature, lighter flavored whiskies as an alternative to the dark, heavier-tasting ones dominating the market at the time. Red Seal is their premium blend, inspired by the Royal Household whisky made for the court of King Edward VII in 1901. The blend is a selection of Islay and Highland malts (including a rare expression of Dalwhinnie) as old as 21 years as well as mature grain whiskies. Its ornate, etched amber bottle is presented in a gate-fold box.