Blended whisky

Blended whisky is a type of whisky that is produced by blending different types of whiskies. It is a common practice in the distilling industry and is used to create a consistent flavor profile and to balance the characteristics of different whiskies.

History

The practice of blending whisky has been traced back to the 19th century in Scotland. The Excise Act of 1823 made it legal for individuals to distill whisky in return for a license fee and payment of a per-gallon duty. This led to an increase in the number of distilleries and the production of whisky. However, the whiskies produced were often of inconsistent quality. To overcome this, whisky merchants began to blend the whiskies to create a more consistent product.

Production

Blended whisky is produced by mixing different types of whiskies. These can include malt whisky, grain whisky, and whiskies from different distilleries. The process of blending is a skilled task and is usually carried out by a master blender. The master blender will sample and select whiskies that will be combined to create the final product. The aim is to create a blend that is greater than the sum of its parts, with a balanced flavor profile.

Types of Blended Whisky

There are several types of blended whisky, including:

• Blended Malt Whisky: A blend of malt whiskies from different distilleries.
• Blended Grain Whisky: A blend of grain whiskies from different distilleries.
• Blended Scotch Whisky: A blend of malt and grain whiskies. To be labeled as Scotch, the whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years in Scotland.

Brands

There are many brands of blended whisky available, including Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, and Dewar's. These brands are known for their consistent flavor profiles and are popular worldwide.

See Also

• Single malt whisky
• Bourbon whiskey
• Irish whiskey