Though the current global trend is for a preference for single malts, when it comes to sales, blends are still king. Though most are readily available in Scotland, there are still some blends that don't sell here or probably aren't that well known even though they sell cases by the million annually.
So, we decided to take a look at some of the best selling Scotch blend brands that you (probably) haven't heard of:
Picture: William Lawson's
Despite being relatively new to the whisky market, Lawsons has continued to rise in popularity and shows no signs of stopping.
Made using a high malt content, the blend is based on William Lawson's original from 1849. Using Macduff Glen Deveron as the core malt and carrying the smart, modern 'No Rules' marketing campaign (see the video below), Bacardi's rising star will more than likely continue to see a rise in sales that has seen it become the sixth best selling Scotch brand in the world.
2. William Peel
Picture: William Peel
Another relative unknown in the UK, William Peel has become a bit of a rising star for French drinks group Belvédère.
Made using 18 different malts and grain, William Peel's popularity in France - one of the world's leading markets for Scotch whisky - has seen it gain a 21.9 per cent increase in market share in the country.
3. Label 5
Picture: Label 5
Founded in 1934, independent French company La Martiniquaise is the second-largest spirits group in France and with Label 5 they have a scotch blend with huge potential. Making its debut in the top 10 selling Scotch brands globally in 2014 - a success being credited to its use of social media - Label 5 made a 3 per cent rise in sales last year to move it to 9th best selling Scotch brand in the world with 2.6m cases sold annually.
The blend itself contains a large potion of speyside malt giving it a smooth, fruity flavour.
4. Hanky Bannister
Picture: Hanky Bannister
Produced by Inver House Distillers, Hanky Bannisters is gaining a growing reputation within the cocktail community, and is named after its founders Beaumont Hankey (possibly the best name in whisky industry history) and Hugh Bannister.
Containing malts from Old Pultneney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn and Balmenach, the blend was said to be a favourite of Winston Churchill and was given a Royal Warrant under George V.
5. Buchanan's
Picture: Buchanan's
Diageo's blend has been selling well in both South and North America. Based on James Buchanan's original blend, created in 1884, Buchanan's Blended Scotch Whisky is designed to appeal to the taste and values of the Latin community.
The blend sells around 2m cases annually and its most popular blends include the Black & White, Special Reserve 18 and Red Seal.
