The World’s Best Blended Scotch Whisky According To The IWSC

The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has announced the top blended Scotch whisky of 2024. The IWSC, the oldest whisky competition in the world, holds one of the largest yearly judging of whisky and is arguably the most prestigious spirits competition worldwide. The winner is a new expression from one of the oldest and most iconic brands of blended Scotch whisky.

Johnnie Walker, High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, is a blended Scotch whisky with a significant component of rye grain in the mash bill. Typically, blended scotch whiskies consist of a mix of single malt scotch and grain whisky made from a mash bill of either corn or wheat.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) does not regulate the proportion of single malt to grain whisky in a blended whisky. The amount of single malt typically varies from as little as 10% to as much as 50%. Likewise, the SWA does not regulate what cereal grains can be used in the mash bill of grain whiskies.

Johnnie Walker’s addition of rye grain to the mash bill of the grain whisky used in the high rye blended whisky represents a hybrid encompassing traditional blended Scotch whisky and rye and bourbon whiskeys.

The Johnnie Walker whisky brand dates to 1820, when a young John Walker began blending whisky in his grocery shop in Kilmarnock, Scotland. Over time, the brand grew significantly due to its innovative blending techniques, strong branding, and global reach. The brand is closely intertwined with the history of the Scotch whisky industry and, in many ways, is a metaphor for it.

The most iconic part of the Johnnie Walker range is its color-coded labels, which signify different levels of quality and flavor profiles. The key components of the range include:

Johnnie Walker Red Label – introduced in 1909, it is a bold, vibrant blend known for its spiciness and smokiness. Red Label is often used in cocktails and mixed drinks.

Johnnie Walker Black Label – introduced in 1909, is a blend aged for at least 12 years. It features a rich, complex profile with notes of dark fruits, vanilla, and smokiness.

Johnnie Walker Green Label – a 15-year-old blend of single malt whiskies from different regions of Scotland, offering a balance of herbal, fruity, and smoky flavors. This expression has undergone several permutations over the last few years.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve – a smooth, luxurious blend with honey, vanilla, and floral notes, designed for celebratory occasions and easily the most accessible, especially for first-time Scotch drinkers, of the whiskies in the range. This expression has also undergone various permutations over the last several decades.

Johnnie Walker 18 YO- a premium blended Scotch whisky, crafted using a carefully selected combination of 18 different whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 18 years. Known for its rich, smooth, and balanced profile, it offers layers of dried fruit, malty sweetness, and hints of vanilla, almonds, and spices, making it a refined and elegant whisky ideal for sipping.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label – a prestigious blend of rare, old whiskies, known for its silky-smooth texture and complex flavors. It features a variety of expressions, including some super-premium whiskies that incorporate spirit from long-closed distilleries.

Johnnie Walker Double Black – a smokier, more intense version of the Black Label, focusing on peated malts.

In addition to these core expressions, Johnnie Walker releases limited-edition bottlings and innovations, such as the Johnnie Walker High Rye.

The Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky is a unique expression in the Johnnie Walker range. It was launched as a blend incorporating a significant portion of rye grain whisky alongside classic malt whiskies. This expression brings together Scottish and American whiskey influences.

The aroma opens with sweet vanilla, rye spice, and subtle hints of orchard fruits like apples and pears on the nose. There are notes of honey, soft oak, and a touch of caramel from the rye influence.

On the palate, this whisky offers a balance of spiciness and sweetness. The rye brings a peppery kick, along with notes of clove and nutmeg, while the malt whiskies provide smoother flavors of toffee, vanilla, and subtle fruit. There’s a hint of citrus zest, adding brightness.

The finish is medium to long, with lingering rye spice, sweet oak, and a smokiness characteristic of Johnnie Walker blends. The finish is warm and slightly dry, with a persistent spice note.

The IWSC Judging Panel described the High Rye Blended Whisky as exhibiting:

Treacle toffee aromas swirled with subtle smoke textures give complexity on the palate with well-integrated characters and an elegant sweetness on the finish gives a delightful all-rounded mouthfeel.

The Johnnie Walker High Rye is an excellent choice for those who enjoy traditional Scotch, bourbon and rye whiskies. It offers a complex and versatile experience that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. At an average price of $36, it’s also an outstanding whisky bargain.