What Is Blended Whisky?
Blended whisky is a type of whisky that is made by blending together various whiskies from different distilleries. This process creates a unique and consistent flavour profile that is characteristic of the brand. Blended whisky is the most popular type of whisky sold around the world, with Scotch whisky being the most well-known type of blended whisky.
The process begins with the production of single malt whisky and grain whisky. Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley and is distilled at a single distillery. Grain whisky, on the other hand, is made from a combination of grains, including corn, wheat, and barley, and is distilled in a column still. The two types of whisky are then blended together in varying proportions to create the desired flavour profile.
The first step in the process of blending whisky is to select the different types of whiskies that will be used in the blend. Typically, a blend will consist of several different malt and grain whiskies. Each whisky will have its own unique flavour profile, which will contribute to the overall flavour of the blend.
The next step is to determine the proportions of each whisky that will be used in the blend. This is a critical step in the process, as the proportions will greatly impact the flavour of the final product. The blender must have a deep understanding of the different whiskies and how they interact with each other to create the desired flavour profile.
Once the proportions have been determined, the whiskies are blended together in a large vat. The blender carefully monitors the process to ensure that each whisky is mixed evenly and that the proportions are accurate. This is done through a combination of manual testing and electronic monitoring.
After the whiskies have been blended together, the blend is aged in oak casks. The length of time the blend is aged will depend on the desired flavour profile. The longer the whisky is aged, the more complex and nuanced the flavour will become.
During the ageing process, the whisky will absorb flavours from the oak cask, which will contribute to the overall flavour of the blend. The blender must carefully monitor the ageing process to ensure that the flavour profile remains consistent and that the whisky does not become over-aged.
Once the whisky has been aged to perfection, it is ready to be bottled and sold. The blender will taste the whisky to ensure that it meets the desired flavour profile and quality standards. If necessary, the blend may be adjusted slightly to achieve the desired flavour.
The process of blending whisky is complex and skilled and requires a deep understanding of the different types of whiskies and how they interact with each other. The blender must carefully select the whiskies, determine the proportions, and monitor the blending and ageing process to create a high-quality and delicious blend. The end result is a unique and nuanced whisky that is enjoyed by people all over the world.