Black & White Whisky: A Blend Steeped in History & Prices

Black & White is a name synonymous with blended Scotch whisky, boasting a rich heritage dating back to 1879. Its iconic black and white label, featuring Scottish Terrier mascots, is instantly recognizable, and its smooth, approachable flavor has garnered fans worldwide. This article delves into the world of Black & White, exploring its history, production process, and offerings available in India.

Black & White Whisky Introduction

• What it is: Black & White Whisky is a blended Scotch whisky, meaning it combines malt and grain whiskies from various Scottish distilleries to create a unique flavor profile.
• Reputation: Renowned for its smoothness and versatility, Black & White is a popular choice for both neat sipping and cocktails.
• Unique factor: It stands out for its high proportion of quality grain whisky in the blend, contributing to its distinct character.

Black & White Whisky Historical Background

• Founder: James Buchanan established the brand in 1879 under the name “Buchanan’s Blend.”
• Nicknames: Later known as “House of Commons” due to its popularity among British parliamentarians, the nickname “Black & White Whisky” eventually became official.
• Iconic mascots: The black and white Scottish Terriers on the label, introduced in the 1890s, add to the brand’s visual identity and heritage.
• Celebrity fans: Dean Martin and Ludwig Erhard, the second Chancellor of West Germany, were known aficionados of Black & White.

Where it’s Made

• Current producer: Diageo, a global beverage giant, owns the brand today.
• Production location: While specific distillery sources remain undisclosed, the whiskies blended are likely sourced from across Scotland.
• Maturation: The precise details of maturation are not publicly available, but the typical age of the whiskies used is likely around 3 years.

Black & White Whisky Production Process

• Grain and malt whiskies: Black & White Whisky uses both malt whisky, made from malted barley, and grain whisky, made from other grains like corn or wheat.
• Sourcing: Individual whiskies are sourced from various Scottish distilleries, offering a diverse flavor profile.
• Blending: The art of the blender lies in selecting and combining these whiskies to create a consistent and harmonious final product.
• Maturation: Each component whisky is likely matured separately in oak casks before blending.
• Bottling: Finally, the blended whisky is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Black & White Whisky Varieties & Variants

• Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky: The flagship expression, known for its smoothness and notes of fruit, vanilla, and oak.
• Black & White 12 Year Old: This premium offering boasts a richer and more complex flavor profile due to its longer maturation.
• Black & White Rare Blended Scotch Whisky: A limited-edition blend featuring select aged whiskies, offering a deeper and more nuanced experience.
• Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky Travel Exclusive: Available in duty-free stores, this exclusive bottling offers a slightly different flavor profile.

Black & White Whisky Price in India 2024

• Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky: Prices range from approximately ₹1,600 to ₹2,000 for a 750ml bottle.
• Black & White 12 Year Old: This expression retails for around ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 for a 750ml bottle.
• Black & White Rare Blended Scotch Whisky: Limited availability and premium nature make it pricier, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 for a 750ml bottle.

Black and white whiksy price in Delhi

Black and white whisky price in Karnataka

Black and white whisky price in Kolkata

Black and white whisky price in UP

Conclusion

Black & White whisky offers a blend of history, quality, and accessibility, making it a popular choice for whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With its smooth character and versatility, it’s a worthy addition to any home bar or celebration.