Black & White

Black & White is a well-established blended Scotch whisky created by James Buchanan in the 1880s and now owned by Diageo. It was designed to be a lighter, smoother alternative to heavier whiskies of the time. Its enduring popularity owes much to its approachable flavour profile, consistent quality, and the memorable branding featuring the black and white terrier dogs. Primarily composed of grain whiskies with selected malts for character, it offers a gentle introduction to Scotch whisky and performs well as a versatile mixer. It's typically a non-age statement (NAS) whisky, focusing on delivering a consistent taste profile rather than a specific age.

The story of Black & White begins with James Buchanan, a whisky entrepreneur who sought to create a reliable and smoother blended Scotch whisky for the London market in the 1880s. Initially called "Buchanan's Blend," its simple yet striking black bottle with a white label made it easily identifiable. Patrons began asking for "that black and white whisky," prompting Buchanan to officially adopt the name. The famous Scottish and West Highland Terriers were added to the label later, inspired by Buchanan's fondness for dogs after visiting a dog show, becoming synonymous with the brand's friendly and dependable image. Black & White quickly gained international acclaim and Royal Warrants, cementing its place as a classic, unpretentious Scotch enjoyed worldwide for over a century.

• Nose: Light and fresh, dominated by sweet grain notes, hints of honey, vanilla, cut grass, and perhaps a touch of citrus peel. Often quite gentle with minimal peat influence.
• Palate: Smooth and accessible. Sweetness continues with honey and caramel, balanced by grainy cereal notes. Some mild oak spice and a faint fruitiness (perhaps pear or apple) might be present. Very light, almost imperceptible peat smoke may appear in some bottlings, but it's not a defining characteristic.

Neat: To appreciate its simple, clean flavours. On the Rocks: A cube or two of ice can slightly mellow the flavours. With a Splash of Water: Helps to open up subtle aromas. Highball: Its light character shines in simple mixes like a Whisky & Soda or Whisky & Ginger Ale. Simple Cocktails: Works well in basic whisky cocktails that don't require a bold or complex base.

• Appetizers: Mild cheeses, crackers, light pâté.
• Main Courses: Simple grilled chicken or fish, light pasta dishes.
• Desserts: Shortbread, vanilla-based desserts, fruit salad.

Black & White is a straightforward, reliable, and historically significant blended Scotch whisky. It excels as an entry-level option or a versatile mixer due to its smooth, light, and sweet grain-forward profile. While it may lack the complexity sought by connoisseurs of single malts or more robust blends, it delivers exactly what it promises: an accessible, easy-drinking Scotch experience with iconic branding and a long history, all at an affordable price point. It's a dependable staple rather than a standout star.