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PrintBlended Scotch whiskies
Try one of these flavorful recommendations to add warmth to a cold winter day.
Scotch whisky. What to choose — blended or single malt? The media seem to give more hype to single-malt Scotch whiskies, but recent statistics show that sales of blended Scotch whiskies are on the rise again.
Blended Scotch whiskies are incredible alternatives to the more expensive single-malt scotches and, in truth, have opened the door to many new scotch drinkers beginning to explore the world of peat; smoke; seaweed; grass; heather; moss; and musky, orange-honey perfume.
Blended Scotch whisky is a mixture of single-malt whiskey and grain whiskey, distilled at more than one distillery.
A single-malt scotch is distilled by a single distillery in a pot still, using malted barley as the only grain ingredient. To qualify as scotch, the whiskey must be produced in Scotland.
A typical blend of blended Scotch whisky may consist of 15 to 50 malt whiskies and two to three grain whiskies.
Every brand of blended whiskey has its own unique flavor profile, and the responsibility falls on the Master Blender to make a consistent product year after year while dealing with endless variables.
Here is a quick list of some of the top blended Scotch whiskies available:
Dewar’s
This is the largest-selling scotch in the United States. Aberfeldy is the single malt used in the blend. This is a great entry-level Scotch whisky.
Chivas Regal
This contains 40 percent malt and up to 40 single malts, about 4 percent of that coming from Strathisla single-malt scotch.
J & B Rare
There are around 42 whiskies in the blend that will pass your lips, including around 1 percent total of Knockando and Tamdhu. This is a lighter blend of Scotch whisky.
The Famous Grouse
This is named after the Red Grouse, Scotland’s national game bird. The Macallan and Highland Park single malts are incorporated in the blend, adding character and lots of personality.
White Horse
The single-malt whiskies, Lagavulin and Caol Ila, give a strong backbone of distinct flavor to White Horse with its sea salt and smoky peat flavors.
Sips around town
Polo Grill
2038 Utica Square, 744-4280
Bartender: Jerri Kious
Polo Grill’s Kious says frosty February is the perfect time of year for a soothing glass of Scotch whisky — whether it’s single malt or blended — and she loves the way it warms your body after every sip. Try the Dimple Pinch blended 15-year-old for $7, highball, or $9.50, rocks (2.5 ounces). The Polo Grill has a great selection of blended and single-malt scotches for all drinkers to explore. Have a seat at the bar and order up your favorite “scotch on the rocks.”
Mahogany
6823 S. Yale Ave., 494-4043
Bartender: Clayton Ussery
Ussery is excited to offer the Johnny Walker Green Label vatted malt blend to his scotch customers. It is a blend of single-malt scotches. It was only introduced into the U.S. market in 2004, been in existence since 1997 and is still unknown to many scotch drinkers. So, make an educated guess and treat yourself to a glass for $11.50 and, for $1 more, an extra half-ounce.
Sips at home
Johnny Walker Green Label 15-year blended Scotch whisky — $55.99
This is a high-end vatted malt, previously sold under the name “Pure Malt.” It is a blend of about 15 individual single malts, the signature malts being Talisker, Cragganmore, Linkwood and Caol Ila. It has an age statement of 15 years with 86 proof and 43 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), so you get a lot of bang for your buck. It is light gold in color, very malty on the nose, with sweet floral, honey notes. The palate is malty and slightly sweet with notes of cinnamon, heather, floral and spice.
The Famous Grouse blended Scotch whisky — $21.99
This has a beautiful amber, tawny color and clean aromas of candied fruit such as baked apples and pears. It is easy to drink with soft, sweet flavors. This is a great entry-level blended scotch because it is on the sweeter side, very smooth and not too peaty or smoky.
Wine columnist Randa Warren is a Certified Master Sommelier; Certified Wine Educator; has earned a Diploma of Wine and Spirits, granted through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in England; and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits.
