Black & White Choice Old Scotch Whisky (1980s Bottling)

Brand: Black & White (James Buchanan & Co.)
Release Name: Choice Old Scotch Whisky
Style/Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: No Age Statement
Volume: 750ml
ABV (%): 37.5%
Country: Scotland
Region: Blend (Highland influenced)
Cask Type: Traditional Oak
Limited Edition: No
Award Winner: No
Cask Strength: No

Black & White is one of the most storied names in Scotch history, originally created by James Buchanan in the late 19th century under the name Buchanan's Blend. The brand earned its iconic moniker and distinctive look after Buchanan noticed customers consistently asking for the "black bottle with the white label," leading to a formal name change and the introduction of the famous Scottish Terrier and West Highland White Terrier mascots. By focusing on a light, accessible, and consistently smooth flavour profile, Buchanan transformed the brand into a global phenomenon that eventually secured a Royal Warrant to supply the British Royal Household. Throughout the 20th century, Black & White became a cultural staple and a symbol of British blending expertise, maintaining its reputation for quality by utilising core malts from renowned distilleries like Dalwhinnie and Clynelish.

Adding this to your collection provides a historical look at the blending prowess of James Buchanan & Co. during the 1980s. While not as rare as a single malt from the same era, the Choice Old represents a specific period of Scotch history when blended whiskies were the industry’s crown jewels. It is an affordable vintage piece that offers a nostalgic tasting experience, showcasing the high-quality grain whiskies and specific Highland malts used before modern consolidation changed many blend recipes.