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Blended Scotch vs Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. There is a difference? Yes. | Eight PM

Blended Scotch vs Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. There is a difference? Yes.

Blended scotch can be sourced from several distilleries but can also have both malted barley and grain whiskies in it.

Where as a Blended Malt Whisky is a blend of single malt scotch made out of Malted Barley from different distilleries. No Grain Whisky is added.

One of most recognized one is Monkey Shoulder. A blend of single malts from Glenfiddich, Balvenie and a Kininvie Distilleries. All 3 distillery are owned by same Family Owned Business and are in Speyside.

Success of Monkey Shoulder has allowed many others to come through now. Like offerings from Chivas with Ultis, The Feathery and others.

One of most interesting ones I have tried recently is The Feathery. A blend of Highland Single Malts. I used it at our recent Hamilton Whisky Tasting Night. We tried 5 other whiskies from all around the world. And I threw The Feathery in as the Mystery one to see if anyone picks up on it being a good quality Scotch. The Feathery was enjoyed by everyone who attended and likened to other quality sherry cask influenced single malts.

The Feathery comes from whiskies that have entirely been aged in first class sherry casks. Which creates a premium blended malt which is slightly sweeter, fuller and more rounded Blended Scotch.

The Name Feathery is inspired from one of earliest forms of a Golf ball in early 17th Century. Golf another great invention by the Scottish.

Chivas Ultis blended malt Scotch whisky contains five precious signature single malts. Each one, hand selected from five Speyside distilleries in honor of the five generations of Chivas Regal Master Blenders. Less than 1% of entire inventory of whisky was selected to make this exquisite blend.  A blend of five Speyside malts – Allt a'Bhainne, Braeval, Longmorn, Strathisla and Tormore – this is a rounded, complex and full-flavoured whisky. 

Blending different single malts is a unique opportunity for a master blender to get some key characters to shine. Be sherry driven, peat & smoke or just a good smooth Dram.

Quite often a family owned business or corporate which owns a small cluster of distilleries will release their own unique blend of single malts. Which is helped by having access to a wide array of cask types and whisky aged at different lengths of time. But some smaller players also release there own signature blended malt expressions.

Using cheaper Grain Spirit obviously helps keep the RRP of a usual Blended Scotch cheap on shelf. But doesn’t necessarily mean we are drinking a great blend. It Doesn’t challenge the Palate and Nose much and has a short finish. Don't get me wrong there are plenty good blended scotch out there which has some grain spirit in it.

But a good quality Blended Malt is much superior on all 3: Nose, Palate, Finish

Unfortunately, there is only few to choose from but here is to hoping there will be some good releases in near future.

If you would like buy one of these you can grab them from our online store www.eightpm.co.nz links are below.

Feel free to get in touch for a personal whisky recommendation. It is my goal to have everyone trying and drinking quality drams.

Ash Parmar

www.eightpm.co.nz

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