Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky
Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky is the original London blend — 750mL at 40% ABV, a blend of single malts and grain whiskies that launched in the 1920s with a lighter taste and lighter color than anything that came before it. Citrus, honey and spice, built for experimenting: the refreshing whisky that became "The Real McCoy" of the speakeasy era. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Blended Scotch whisky
- Profile: light, citrusy, honeyed — a blend made for mixing
- Origin: Scotland — launched from London in the 1920s
- Brand: Cutty Sark (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
The Blend That Broke the Rules
Cutty Sark takes its name from the famous British tea clipper, and it entered the market with a proposition nobody else was making: a Scotch whisky with a lighter touch, made for experimenting with. The bet paid off — during American Prohibition, Captain Bill McCoy's runs of genuine, unadulterated Cutty Sark into US speakeasies made the brand synonymous with the real thing, giving rise to the phrase "The Real McCoy." A century later it remains what it was built to be: a bright, approachable blend that works neat, long, or in cocktails. Browse Cutty Sark, explore the Scotch whisky collection, or compare with the store's whisky shelf.
Tasting Notes
Light and refreshing with citrus fruit, honey and gentle spice at its core. Softer and brighter than the heavy blends of its era — clean on the palate, smooth on the finish, with a fresh, easygoing character that suits a highball.
How to Enjoy
Built for mixing: a Scotch & soda, a Rob Roy, or over ice with a long pour of tonic. Works neat too — its light profile makes it one of the more approachable entry points into Scotch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cutty Sark?
A blended Scotch whisky launched from London in the 1920s — lighter in taste and color than the blends that came before it, bottled at 40% ABV.
Why is it called "The Real McCoy"?
Captain William "Bill" McCoy smuggled genuine, unadulterated Cutty Sark into Prohibition-era America; his reputation for fairness gave rise to the phrase.
Is Cutty Sark good for cocktails?
Yes — its light, citrusy profile was designed for experimenting, and it holds up in highballs, Rob Roys and sours.
The original London blend — order Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.