This is an old 1990s version of the classic Black & White blend.

Famous for its iconic distinctive label featuring a white Westie and a black Scottie dog this historically significant blended Scotch whisky originally created by James Buchanan in 1884. The brand’s mascots, a black Scottish Terrier and a white West Highland Terrier, were chosen by James Buchanan after he attended a dog show in the 1890s. Originally called Buchanan’s Blend and later House of Commons (due to its popularity in the British parliament), it became known as Black & White because of its black-and-white label which was officially adopted in 1902. 

The blend is matured in casks that previously held bourbon or sherry which gives it a mild sweetness and a gentle spice note. While not widely marketed in the UK today, it is massive in international markets, particularly in France, Brazil, Venezuela, South Africa, and India. Owned by Diageo it remains a budget-friendly yet highly recognized Scotch blend. Due to its light nature, it is considered a great mixing whisky particularly for highballs with ginger ale or soda.

James Buchanan was born in Ontario, Canada in 1849, eventually moving to Scotland to work for blending agent, Charles Mackinlay & Co. In 1884 he struck out on his own, and the rest is history. Working with W.P. Lowrie, he created the inaugural Buchanan Blend, using Dalwhinnie, Clynelish and Glendullan, which was specifically designed to appeal to the English palate. It was such a success that it became the drink of choice in the House of Commons bar, and Buchanan renamed it after the institution. Better known by its distinctive monochrome packaging however, the affectionately referred to Black & White whisky became the brands official title in 1902. The company merged with John Dewar & Sons in 1915 to become Buchanan-Dewar, which in turn became part of DCL in 1925. It modern iteration, Diageo, still produce its blends today.