Although single-malt Scotch whisky tends to suck up all the media oxygen, blended Scotch still has a few tricks up its collective sleeve. WWG recently reviewed several high-end blended whiskies (Johnnie Walker Blue, Ardray), each proving that the top shelf can include blends. We can now add two more to that list: Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 and Grand Old Parr 18. I recently received samples of these two well-aged blended Scotch whiskies and wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts about them.

As most of you know, an age statement must represent the youngest whisky in the mix. With single-malt Scotch, the whisky can be a blend of differently-aged whiskies as long as all are made at a single distillery. With blended Scotch, the whisky can combine malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries. In the “middle” are blended malts, comprised solely of malt-based Scotch from multiple distilleries. And, as stated earlier, the bottle’s age listing means “no younger than.”

Grand Old Parr 18

In 1871, brothers James and Samuel Greenlees started a whisky blending operation that became highly successful. “Greenlees Brothers” whiskies were considered the height of blending art, with the brothers striving to create the finest Scotch whisky available at the time. In 1909, they introduced Ancient Old Parr, self-described as “Real Antique and Rare Old” Scotch whisky. They named it after “old” Thomas Parr, allegedly England’s longest-lived man, purportedly living 152 years and 9 months. In 1921, Old Parr began international distribution, primarily to the Caribbean and Latin America, which accounts for most of the brand’s global sales even today.

In 1941, the brand renamed its flagship whisky “Grand Old Parr,” which is still sold today sporting a 12-year age statement. The company added its 18-year-old expression in February 2022, touting Cragganmore as its prime malt backbone. Both expressions are multiple award winners, with each receiving double gold medals in 2022 and 2024 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, they were each rated a 96 at the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, achieving Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation, and Great Value rankings, too.

Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18

Like the Greenlees Brothers, James Buchanan sought to create a quality blended Scotch whiskey in 1884. However, Buchanan wanted his whisky to be of the “everyday drinking” sort, affordable and available to all, not just the wealthy. He succeeded, and Buchanan’s Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky gained international renown early on. The brand’s main expression, the 12-year-old, was initially called “Buchanan’s Finest Liqueur” due to the blend’s “soft and fruity flavor, with orange and chocolate notes.”

Despite James Buchanan’s early desire to produce an “every man’s” whisky, Buchanan’s Deluxe 12 (as it’s currently known) became a top-shelf whisky. Although it’s considered less so in the current market of rare, limited, and high-end single malts, most Scotch drinkers consider Buchanan’s 12 a solid choice for an affordable but high-quality dram. Its pricing and quality align it with such staples as Chivas Regal 12 (my go-to restaurant Scotch), Johnnie Walker Black 12, and Dewar’s 12. Unlike Old Parr, Buchanan’s added several specialty expressions, including Master, Red Seal, and, of course, the 18-year-old.

Tasting Notes

Sipping Grand Old Parr 18 unequivocally evokes the essence of Cragganmore single-malt Scotch: Honey, dried fruit, almonds, barrel spice, and a distant hint of campfires. Swirling my trusty Glencairn nosing glass also releases hints of dark chocolate, Brach’s vanilla caramel chews, tea biscuits, floral shop, and new oak. The mouthfeel is dry but full and quite soft at 40% ABV. Initial notes of fruit and spice lead into a burst of vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, and light molasses. On the swallow, dried orchard fruits and warm oak lie atop hints of black tea, cherry pie filling, and buttery pie crust. The finish is soft, warm, and fruity but dry, and there, at the end, lies a hint of smoke that trails off like a distant mountain campfire. It’s a balanced and understated whiskey that exudes quality and grace. It’s quite a bargain selling at around $75 USD, given its 18-year age statement.

Likewise, Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 is soft and nicely balanced, leaning more into the floral on the nose but with tangible notes of chocolate, orange, cherry, and sherry. On the palate, the whisky presents with a notable round sweetness that dries into the swallow. Roasted nuts, sweet citrus, and barrel spice lead the flavor notes, with red fruits, sherry, winter spice, and cocoa following. Although the flavors are well-balanced, it is not what I’d call “complex.” It is, however, a pleasant dram that offers enough depth to keep it interesting.

Final Thoughts

These two high-quality blended Scotch whiskies offer value-oriented entries into the “library-aged” whisky class. The Buchanan’s 18 is similarly priced to the Grand Old Parr 18, but I’d argue that the Old Parr 18 is the better of the two. Its malt character is better defined, with the grain more prominent in the Buchanan’s. However, both are fine Scotch whiskies that could fit into your home bar. That said, there is a bevy of single-malt Scotch whiskies at or below the price of either, with many arguably better.

Given that I recently picked up bottles of Lagavulin 16 and The Dalmore 12, each for less, I’m not sure I’d race out to get a bottle of either. Still, if you like variety and have the budget, either (or both) might make a nice addition to a well-stocked and varied bar. And, if you’re seeking a gift for someone whose preferences you don’t know, you can’t go wrong with these whiskies (shhhhh- go for the Old Parr!).