Black & White is one of those bottles that's been sitting on back bars for so long most people have stopped noticing it. That's a mistake. This is a blended Scotch with genuine heritage — the brand dates back to 1884, created by James Buchanan, and it was once one of the bestselling whiskies in the world. The iconic black and white Scottish terriers on the label are more recognisable than half the craft brands fighting for shelf space today. At £22.25, it sits in that interesting territory where you're paying barely more than supermarket own-label, but getting something with actual pedigree behind it.
I'll be honest: I came to this bottle with low expectations. Blended Scotch at 40% ABV with no age statement doesn't exactly set the pulse racing. But Black & White has a quiet confidence about it. This is a whisky that knows what it is — a smooth, approachable blend designed for easy drinking — and it executes that brief without apology. There's a lightness here that works in its favour. It's not trying to be a sherried monster or a peat bomb. It's trying to be the reliable dram you reach for on a Tuesday evening, and it succeeds.
Tasting Notes
I don't have detailed tasting notes to share on this one, but stylistically, Black & White sits firmly in the lighter, grain-forward camp of blended Scotch. Expect a gentle, clean profile — the kind of whisky that's been carefully assembled to avoid sharp edges. At 40% ABV and NAS, this is built for accessibility rather than complexity. That's not a criticism. There's craft in making something this consistent and this drinkable at this price point. The blending here is doing its job quietly and competently.
The Verdict
Here's the thing about Black & White: it's absurdly good value. At £22.25, you're in the territory where most competitors are cutting corners, yet this blend manages to feel composed and intentional. Is it going to change your life? No. Is it going to embarrass you if someone spots it on your shelf? Absolutely not. Having spent years watching Diageo and others push premium blends north of £40, there's something refreshing about a bottle that just gets on with it at a sensible price.
For anyone building a home bar, this is the blended Scotch I'd recommend as a workhorse. It mixes beautifully, it sips cleanly, and it won't make you wince when someone pours a generous measure. A 7.5 out of 10 feels right — this is a solid, dependable blend that over-delivers for the money. It's not spectacular, but spectacular was never the point. Consistency and value were, and Black & White nails both.
Best Served
This is a natural highball whisky. Pour 50ml over plenty of ice in a tall glass, top with good soda water, and add a strip of lemon peel. The lightness of the blend works perfectly with carbonation — it opens up rather than getting drowned out. Equally at home in a simple Scotch and ginger ale if that's your preference. On a cold Edinburgh evening, I've also enjoyed it neat with just a few drops of water. Keep it simple — Black & White rewards straightforward drinking.
