What is Blended Scotch Whiskey?

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Blended Scotch whisky has been in practice for around 300 years, but has only been created commercially since 1840 thanks to the first Master Blender, Andrew Usher.

Blended whiskey is a product which rises from blending different types of whiskeys, neutral grain spirits, flavourings and colourings. Generally, it’s a product made by mixing one or higher-quality straight or single malt whiskeys with subordinate spirits and other ingredients. Blended whisky is said to make up 90% of sales of scotch whisky. However, the blend allows for a lower-priced product. According to the Scotch Regulations, “Blended malt Scotch whiskey’ refers to a mix of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery. “Blended Grain Scotch Whiskey” means a blend of two or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery; and “Blended Scotch Whisky” means a blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies. Blended malt was formerly referred to as a vatted malt. Unlike scotch, most of the blended whiskeys do not list an age. Here are some types of blended whiskeys:

Blended malt scotch whiskey - These type of whiskeys were formerly known as vatted malts. These are a blend of single malts from two or more distilleries.
Blended grain scotch whiskey - These whiskeys are a blend of single grains from two or more distilleries. Single grains are renowned for being light and mild.
Blended scotch whiskey - Blended scotches comprise 90% of the scotch category in sales. It is a mix of both malt whiskeys and grain whiskeys which are sourced from different distilleries. Some examples are Johnnie Walker, Dewar's, Cutty Sark, J & B, and Chivas Regal.

The history of blended whiskeys is also quite an exciting story. Back in the days when the glass was considered to be quite expensive, people took their empty bottles to the local grocer who would fill it up from a cask of whisky. Often, these were single casks of single malt. However, overtime grocers would top up their barrel with whatever whisky they could get, creating blended malts. These shops rose to fame later because of their blended whiskeys. The grocers also discovered that if they combined grain whiskeys with their heavier single malts, they could produce a more appropriate whiskey which would appeal to cognac drinkers. With this, the modern idea of blended whiskey was born.

The Whiskeypedia will help you understand the composition, origin and flavour notes of various types of whiskeys. From different whiskeys’ prices to their after-notes, everything is available at the Whiskeypedia.