Blended Whisky

The difference between Single Malt and Blended Whisky

Blended and single malt whiskies are distinguished by their blending process. While single malt is made from the same grain and distillery, blended is a mixture of several whiskies from different distilleries.

Its history

Single malt once dominated the whisky market. Mass-produced barley enabled producers and distillers to produce a large number of bottles, all from the same grain and the same distillery. In the 19th century, Scottish delicatessens began to specialize in the sale of blends. They were even legally authorized to produce blended whisky in 1853. Single malt whisky fell into decline at the same time, due to the overproduction of blended whisky. The great Scottish distilleries changed the way they operated, adopting new processes and new production sites.

Some of the big names

Johnnie Walker, founded by John Walket in 1880. He sold from his small grocery store in Kilmanock.

Chivas Regal, created by two Scottish brothers who became the first masters in blending flavors.

Compass box, created by John Glaser. For him, “Anyone can bottle a single cask; the real skill in Scotch whisky is demonstrated by the blender”.