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The Best Blended Scotch Whiskies Money Can Buy, According to Experts
We're here to prove that a quality blended Scotch deserves just as much recognition as any single malt
Few spirits boast as rich a history as Scotch whisky. Its story begins as early as 1494, and the uisage beatha (meaning “water of life” in Gaelic) has played an integral part in forming Scotland’s national identity ever since. So much so, that 53 bottles of whisky are shipped from Scotland every second, hitting a record £6 billion last year.
OK, history lesson over. We’re here with a more important task: to inform you that – despite what the old guard may say – blended Scotch whisky deserves as much recognition on the main stage as a single malt whisky.
Why? Well, blending whisky is no mean feat, requiring serious distilling pedigree and patience. But the rewards are irrefutable: an exceptionally smooth spirit that offers the best of grain (creamy, caramel, herbal) and single malt (rich, floral, fruity) whisky in every dram.
What is blended Scotch whisky?
The concept of blended whisky inevitably leads to confusion. Simply put, a blended Scotch whisky is a combination of single malt Scotch whisky and single grain Scotch whisky. Masters of their craft, these blends often take years to perfect, but create entirely unique drams offering complex flavour profiles.
How we test blended Scotch whisky
We put 19 Scotch blends to the test, recruiting a panel of experts and whisky-drinking veterans to assess each on its aroma, complexity of flavour and mouthfeel. Each dram was tested blind and neat, before adding a drop of water to soften the alcohol and bring out the core flavours.
The scores have been counted. These are the best Scotch whisky blends to buy this year.
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
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