Blended Scotch Whisky: A Beginner's Guide To Understanding The Spirit
The most commonly available Scotch whisky available in the world today is perhaps blended scotch whisky. And yet, given the varieties of whiskies produced around the world, many beginners find it difficult to pin down the differences between blended, single malt, bourbon and other types of whiskies. For those who want to know more about blended scotch whisky, here’s a beginner’s guide to start with.
According to Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 in the UK, any whisky can be termed as a blended scotch whisky only if it is crafted by the combination of one or more malt whiskies and one or more grain whiskies of different flavours. Also, the blend should have been matured in an oak cask for at least three years to create a balanced and consistent flavoured spirit. This basic definition apart, here’s more beginners need to know.
Origin
Blended scotch whisky can be crafted in any of the six regions of Scotland: Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Campbeltown, Islay and Islands. Blended scotch whisky can be called a “scotch” whisky only if it is matured in Scotland. Each region has some unique features that decide the flavour of the final product.
The Basics: Ingredients, Age, etc.
Blended scotch whisky gets mostly of its flavour from the barrel. The ageing process and duration are much varied. A minimum of 3 years is necessary (as per Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009), with an upper age cap of 8-10 years or even more. The whisky should be matured in an oak cask in 700-litre quantity or smaller and distilled at 94.8% AVP, creating diverse flavours in blended scotch whisky. Normally, the age strength of the whisky is 40-43% AVP, but some are sold at a cask strength of 65% AVP.
Composition
Previously any ratio and number of scotch whisky mix was called blended scotch whisky. In 2009, the Scotch Whisky Regulations made it mandatory to have at least one or more single malt whiskies (15-40%) and one or more single grain scotch whisky (60-85%) to make blended scotch whisky. The whisky body is created by the grains, whereas the flavour comes from the malt. Two categories of blended scotch whisky are there- blended grain scotch whisky (two or more grains from different distilleries) and blended malt scotch whisky (made of two or more single-distillery malt whisky). Normally, 15 to 50 single malt whisky of varying ages are distilled and mixed to create a blended scotch whisky.
Flavour Profile
The flavours of the blended scotch whisky depend on the region from where it belongs. Other factors also decide the flavour, like the shape and size of the still. The taller the still size is, the lighter the blended scotch whisky will be. Maturation age and the oak cask are the other factors deciding the flavour. Blended scotch whisky comes in different flavours, from light and grassy to rich and peaty. For example, Johnnie Walker Gold Label blended scotch whisky has a nut, toffee, spice, vanilla and smoky flavour; Johnnie Walker Blue Label has a smoky, toffee and chocolaty flavour, and Johnnie Walker Black Label, has a wood, smoky, spicy and toffee flavour.
Production: Blending and Distilleries
The exact process of manufacturing blended scotch whisky normally remains secret. A master blender acquires the art of “nosing” art with several years of working. The person’s acute sense of mixing determines which single malt will blend with which grain whisky. First, the blender noses and finds which single malts will blend well to create a blended scotch whisky. After mixing them, the blender decides if the spirit is fresh from still. As the new spirit meets the required standards, the blender will continue to nose them in different steps until the spirit is fully matured and the new product is ready. Next, all the whisky is accumulated and pumped into vats and is put back into casks. In the casks, the whisky matures for at least 3 years and can go up to eight years. This step is known as the “marriage” process, as in this process, the components of whisky mix and harmonise with each other. After the process of marriage, the whisky is prepared for bottling. The blender again noses it, and the required alcohol strength is maintained to keep a consistent alcohol percentage for the brand and then bottled.
Blended Scotch Whisky is a globally recognized alcohol category. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, only 10% of Scotch whisky is exported, whereas blended scotch whisky holds a 68% share of export. Blended grain, single grain, and blended malt whisky fill up the remaining 22% of exports.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
