What is Blended Scotch Whisky?

When it comes to Scotch whisky, many people instinctively opt for a single malt, believing it to be the pinnacle of quality and flavour, and in many cases, it is. Yet blended Scotch whisky should not be overlooked. Often dismissed as the ‘poor relation’ of single malt Scotch whisky, that perception may have held some truth in the past, but today’s blends are a different story altogether, representing a clever balance of flavour and consistency.

In this blog, we’ll set the record straight on blended Scotch whisky. We’ll find out exactly what it is, and why it deserves your attention. We’ll discover its origins, find out how it’s made and uncover the best ways to drink it. Plus, we’ll recommend four outstanding blended Scotch whiskies to try.

But first…

What is Blended Scotch Whisky?

To understand what blended Scotch whisky is, it’s important to first understand what single malt whisky and grain whisky are as the two form the foundation of blended Scotch whisky.

Single Malt Whisky

Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley and distilled in batches using traditional copper pot stills, all within one single distillery. Barley has a very high starch content, which is essential for fermentation, and the malting process, where the grain is sprouted and then dried by a kiln, unlocks these starches making them readily available for fermentation.

Grain Whisky

Grain whisky is made primarily from malted or unmalted barley combined with other grains including rye, wheat and corn. It’s distilled in large volumes in a continuous still and is typically lighter and smoother than malt whisky, often with a subtle sweetness and floral or cereal notes.

So, what is Blended Scotch Whisky?

Blended Scotch whisky is a combination of one or more single malt whiskies with one or more grain whiskies. In fact, blended Scotch whisky may often be the combination of fifty or more whiskies of varying ages.

When malt and grain whiskies are blended together, they produce a smooth, palatable and consistent blended whisky. The grain provides the backbone in blends, providing a canvas for the malt whiskies to shine. Blended whisky is often, although not always, at a more accessible price than its single malt cousin.

What are the Origins of Blended Scotch Whisky?

The origins of blended Scotch whisky go right back to the invention of the continuous still in the 1830s. Unlike traditional copper pot stills used for malt whisky, the continuous still could operate non-stop and produce large volumes of grain whisky. However, this method wasn’t suitable for producing malt whisky, as it was found to vastly reduce the flavour compounds.

However, grain whisky on its own wasn’t as palatable as malt whisky, and malt whisky wasn’t as readily available as grain whisky. These factors ultimately lead to the creation of an entirely new product - blended Scotch whisky, a smoother, more approachable whisky that retained its flavour, offered consistent quality and could be produced on a large scale.

How is Blended Scotch Whisky Made?

Blending is a skill that takes years to acquire and perfect. It’s usually the job of the Master Blender to work out the proportions in which they want to produce their particular blend, and the recipe for that blend is usually a closely guarded secret.

Whisky and oak are natural products so every cask of whisky reaching maturity is different, meaning that the blender can’t just use the same quantity of specified whiskies for each batch of a blend. They have to pick the right whiskies through a process known as ‘nosing’.

‘Nosing’ is the assessment of hundreds of individual whiskies through aroma alone. It’s the Master Blender’s job to identify which whiskies will combine successfully with others to achieve a specified flavour profile. They will carefully monitor the maturation of the whiskies before picking out those intended for the final blend.

How to Drink Blended Scotch Whisky

It’s entirely up to you how you drink blended Scotch whisky. You could drink it ‘neat’ at room temperature, but many people enjoy drinking it with ice or mixed into a cocktail, like an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour.

Our Picks – Blended Scotch Whisky

GlenAllachie 15-Year-Old White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky

GlenAllachie 15-Year-Old White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky, crafted by Master Distiller Billy Walker, marries aged Highland, Islay, and Speyside malts with carefully selected grain whisky. It’s matured in a mix of sherry, American oak, and virgin oak casks. Its layers of heather honey, dried fruits, gentle peat smoke, and warming spice make it a luxurious, complex blend with single malt credentials.

Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky is a premium blended Scotch whisky, crafted with a selection of over 20 single malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland, each matured for at least 18 years. Rich and complex, it brims with layers of dried fruit, buttery toffee, dark chocolate, and a subtle hint of spice. Exceptionally smooth with a long, warming finish, this luxurious blend is ideal for sipping with ice.

Thompson Bros. 8-Year-Old (SRV5 Blend) Blended Scotch Whisky

Thompson Bros. 8-Year-Old (SRV5 Blend) Blended Scotch Whisky is a vibrant and characterful blend made from a lively mix of malt and grain whiskies which have been matured in ex-bourbon casks. Expect notes of orchard fruit, vanilla fudge, gentle spice, and a hint of smoke. Bottled at natural colour and non-chill filtered, this small-batch blend delivers a smooth, complex dram that punches well above its age.

Compass Box Art & Decadence Blended Scotch Whisky

Compass Box Art & Decadence Blended Scotch Whisky is a vibrant, indulgent blended Scotch whisky that lives up to its name. Finished in ex-Sauternes, Madeira, and Marsala casks, it offers layers of honeyed fruit, rich spice, and creamy vanilla, with a touch of citrus zest and floral elegance. Bold yet refined, it’s as expressive and decadent as it is delicious.

Whichever blended whisky you choose, you’ll find plenty of variety in Still Spirit’s range of blended Scotch whisky. Additionally, we stock a wide range of single malt Scotch whisky, world whiskies, old & rare whisky, whisky gift sets and glassware.