Buchanan’s Whisky Prices Guide (UPDATED 2022)

Introduction of Buchanan’s Whisky

Buchanan’s Whisky can trace its roots back to Canada. No, it is not a Canadian Whisky but James Buchanan was actually born to Scottish parents that had immigrated to Canada. They made their way back to Scotland in the mid-1800s and Canada lost out on what some consider the greatest whisky mind there ever was.

In 1884, James Buchanan began experimenting with Scotch whisky and settled on his own unique blend. From there, things picked up quickly for the Buchanan’s brand as it was selected to be the single whisky supplier to the House of Commons in British Parliament. Many awards were won and the rest is…history.

A good whiskey from a generous heart

James Buchanan was not only known for his good whisky but also for his generosity. His intent was to create an exceptional product that could be shared and enjoyed by all.

*Fun Fact: The selfless act of sharing water canteens during times of conflict between the British soldiers inspired the design for the first Buchanan’s bottle.

The brand was also one of the first to utilize mobile marketing. Buchanan’s featured a horse and cart delivery system with the Buchanan’s branding plastered all over the cart. It became a landmark of sorts throughout London and resulted in much recognition for the Buchanan’s name.

Buchanan’s Whisky Prices

The Buchanan’s whisky family is very tight, with only four offerings. Buchanan’s prides itself on its over 130 years of whisky making experience and does not do much in the way of gimmicks or “special” bottles. As we can see in the chart below, the four offerings vary significantly in price. Let’s have a look at them individually and examine some comparably priced options.

Common Buchanan’s Whisky Prices List

Type	Size	Price	Proof
Buchanan’s 12 Years Old	750ml	$29.99 – $39.99	80
Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch	750ml	$44.99 – $49.99	80
Buchanan’s 18 Years Old	750ml	$86.99 – $89.99	80
Buchanan’s Red Seal 21 Yr Scotch	750ml	$169.99 – $199.99	80

Buchanan’s 12 Deluxe:

Aged for, you guessed it, 12 years. This is as close to the original Buchanan’s blend (then dubbed Buchanan’s Finest Liquor) without going back in time. A consistent whisky award winner and moderately priced.

• Whiskeys in this Price Range – Glenlivet 12 year,  Glen Kirk 12 year, Duncan Taylor 12 year

Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch: 

​This blend has won numerous awards as well, notably the double golds at the 2014 World Spirits competition. This blend is unique in that it guarantees at least one malt is featured from every whisky region in Scotland.

• Whiskeys in this Price Range – Dewar’s 15 year, Shieldaig Speyside 18 year, Johnnie Walker Green Label

Buchanan’s 18 Special Reserve:

Aged for…18 years in barrels that once held sherry, Buchanan’s special reserve provides a unique flavor due to its aging process. Featuring blends from single malts and grain whiskies, the Buchanan’s 18 Special Reserve features some unique flavors like citrus and honey.

• Whiskeys in this Price Range – Chivas Regal 18 year, Grangestone 25 year, Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt

Buchanan’s Red Seal 21 Year: Once again we can take a very educated guess at the aging time these blends spend in their barrels. However, what we do not know is how long in each barrel. Buchanan’s Red Seal 21 year spends time in both charred and un-charred casks, adding to the unique flavor profile. Red Seal is rumored to contain very rare blends of Dalwhinnie Whisky.

• Whiskeys in this Price Range – Bavlenie 17 year (double wood), Oban 18 year, Aberfeldy 21 year

​As we have seen, while Buchanan’s does not offer the wide array of options that some distillers do, they have offerings at a variety of price points.

Common Buchanan’s Whisky Recipes

While whiskies at the higher end of our pricing spectrum are best sipped alone, or at with a touch of ice, we can still enjoy a good whisky cocktail now and then. Here are a few whisky cocktail recipes for you to enjoy.

The Whisky Sour

• Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch Whisky – 5 ounces
• Sugar – ½ teaspoon
• Lemon Juice – 1 teaspoon
• An Orange Slice
• A Maraschino cherry

Directions: Put whisky, lemon juice and sugar into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube in it. Gently place the cherry and orange slice for garnish.

The Manhattan

• Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch – 1 ½ ounces
• Sweet Vermouth – ½ ounce
• Angostura Bitters – 3 dashes
• A Lemon Peel
• A Maraschino Cherry

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a tall glass with ice. Stir and strain into a fancy cocktail glass (preferably a coupe glass if you have one). Garnish with the lemon peel and cherry.

The Old Fashioned

• Buchanan’s Master Blended Scotch – 1 ½ ounces
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon
• Angostura Bitters – 2 dashes
• A Splash of Water
• An Orange Peel Twist

Directions: Muddle the sugar, water, and bitters at the bottom of a rocks glass. Add the whisky and then a large ice cube. Stir until drink is chilled. Add the orange peel twist as garnish.