Updated June 2026.
“Blended whiskey” is not one medal class. Blended Scotch is malt plus grain, aged at least three years in Scotland. Blended Irish is a different technical file. US blended whiskey under may include neutral spirits — read “blended whiskey” vs “straight.” Most US grocery blends print 40% ABV, so a 1.5-ounce pour is one NIAAA drink. This is not a 2023 ranking of 15 bottles.
Johnnie Walker Red/Black are 40% on US brand pages. Crown Royal is Canadian whisky. Seagram’s 7 Crown is a US blend. Related: blended Scotch, Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal.
Three labels people collapse
| Label | What it means | Typical US ABV |
|---|---|---|
| Blended Scotch | Malt + grain; 3-year Scotland floor | 40% |
| Blended Irish | Irish technical file; 3-year Ireland floor | 40% on Jameson / Bushmills |
| US blended whiskey | May include neutral spirits (5.143) | Read the neck (often 40%) |
| 1.5 oz at 40% | 1.00 drink | — |
Four 40% pours are four drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. No invented MSRP. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (blended Scotch). 27 CFR 5.143 US blended whiskey.
- johnniewalker.com US 40%; Jameson / Bushmills 40% (prior pages).
- NIAAA December 2025.