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Blended whiskey combines single malt and grain whiskies to create a consistent product. Originating in Scotland, it is typically lighter and more accessible than single malt whiskies.
How it is made
Blended whiskey consists of 10-15% single malt whisky and the remainder grain whisky. Grain whisky is cheaper to produce using column stills, which provide higher yields but more neutral flavors. The master blender selects around 10 single malt whiskies as 'lead whiskies' that determine the primary character of the blend, adding 20-30 more varieties to enhance flavor characteristics. The process requires skill and experience to achieve consistent results.
Types and styles
There are three main types of blended whiskey. Blended malt whisky contains only single malt whiskies from two or more distilleries. Blended grain whisky contains only grain whiskies from multiple distilleries without any single malt. Regular blended whiskey, the most common type, mixes single malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries to create a more consistent character than single malt whisky alone.
History
Blending whiskey began in Scotland in the early 1860s by Andrew Usher. The invention of the Coffey still in 1831 enabled continuous distillation and made grain whisky production possible. During American Prohibition in the 1920s, illegal Scottish and Irish whiskies were smuggled into the US, creating a market that expanded after Prohibition ended in 1933. From the 1930s to 1960s, blended Scotch became popular among Hollywood celebrities, increasing its cultural presence.
How it is served
Blended whiskey can be served neat, with food, or in cocktails. It is featured in several cocktails on this site, including the Algonquin, Boston Sour, Frisco Sour, Imperial Fizz, Japanese Fizz, and Leatherneck Cocktail. Its smoother profile makes it versatile for mixed drinks while maintaining enough character to be enjoyed on its own.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Купажированный виски, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Well-known brands
- The Famous Grouse
- Ballantine's (Scotland)
- Hibiki (Japan)
- Heaven Hill Kentucky Whiskey (United States)
- Clan MacGregor