J&B Rare is the iconic Speyside leaning blended Scotch whisky from Justerini & Brooks, the centuries old wine and spirits merchant founded in 1749 on St. James's Street, London, with a Royal Warrant supplying every British monarch since the coronation of King George III in 1761. The blend was created in 1932 by then master blender Charlie Julian to launch in the United States the moment Prohibition ended, designed specifically to appeal to the American palate with a lighter, more delicate profile than the heavier blends of the era. Today J&B Rare is built from 42 single malt and grain whiskies, all matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years, with the heart malts coming from four prestigious Speyside distilleries: Knockando, Auchroisk, Strathmill, and Glen Spey. The heart malts are aged longer than the minimum to add fullness and depth, while lighter grain whiskies provide a bright, fresh frame. The result is a naturally pale, subtle, fruity, and exceptionally smooth Scotch in its unmistakable green bottle and yellow label, an icon of mid century American cool culture, famously the preferred drink of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Rat Pack, and a memorable on screen presence in films from Scarface to The Thing. Bottled at 40% ABV and 80 proof in 750ml format.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Naturally pale gold with a light straw cast.

Nose: Fresh, grassy, and nutty up front, with toffee apples, cedar, orange zest, and malt sweetness. Light and welcoming with a clean Speyside character.

Palate: Smooth and well balanced with malt, light spice, fruit salad, vanilla, and sweet grain. Subtle yet complex, with a layer of orchard fruit and toffee that earned the blend its mid century icon status.

Finish: Clean and short with lingering malt, gentle oak, and a faint whisper of fruit. Easy and unfussy, an everyday classic.

FAQ

Why is J&B in a green bottle?
The green bottle and yellow label combination has been the J&B signature since the brand's American launch in the 1930s. The pale color of the whisky inside, intentionally lighter than typical blends, is meant to emphasize J&B Rare's delicate Speyside character, and the bright packaging made it instantly recognizable on shelf and in countless film and TV appearances throughout the 20th century.

Who owns J&B?
J&B is owned by Diageo, the world's largest spirits company. The brand traces its lineage to Justerini & Brooks, founded in London in 1749 by Italian Giacomo Justerini and English investor George Johnson. The firm has held a Royal Warrant continuously since 1761, supplying every British monarch from King George III to the present day.

What is the heart malt of J&B Rare?
The blend is anchored by four Speyside single malts: Knockando, Auchroisk, Strathmill, and Glen Spey. These heart malts are aged longer than the minimum to add depth and complexity, while 38 additional malt and grain whiskies fill out the blend's lighter, more approachable character.

Where can I buy J&B Rare online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.