This is a good concise overview of blended whisky, at least those modeled after the Scotch style. (American blended whiskey has looser requirements and is typically bottom shelf swill that is mostly vodka.) For malt-based whisky, I typically go for single malts. Out of the 20 spaces in my collection reserved for this style of whisky, only four of them are currently occupied by blends. These are Tullamore DEW, Dewars 12, Suntory Toki, and Mars Iwai Tradition. Blends have their place; they are not designed to serve the same purpose as single malts. As mixers or for a refreshing whisky on the rocks, basic blends like the four in my collection are perfect, though some of the more complex ones are good to sip neat. After I run one of these down, I might replace it with one that is higher end or stylistically different from the norm. I've found the Compass Box line interesting when I have tried them in bars, and I recently tried Midleton Very Rare in a bar. It was rather costly, but it is a beautifully balanced Irish whiskey with more richness and complexity than the basic Irish blends typically have - definitely a strong candidate for my collection if I can find a bottle. Though I will probably always stick closely to single malts, typically the less consistent and more challenging non-chill-filtered ones, I've learned over the years not to ignore the blender's art. It's a different way of doing things, but the results can be good.
I like Compass Box Lost Blend, Johnnie Walker Green Label, Famous Grouse Smoky Black, Cutty Sark Prohibition, The Infamous, Rock Oyster, Big Peat, Compass Box No Name, and the list goes on... I'll be making my way through Timorous Beastie and Scallywag among other Douglas Laing blends in upcoming months...
Great video again. I try quite a lot of different blended whisky based on tasting notes that appeal or history. Most recent was probably Cutty Sark Prohibition, but I always seem to have a bottle of Monkey Shoulder or Sheep dip available in my cabinet, Not come across Pig Nose yet will look out for it though.
Excellent subject, just starting to explore blended Scotch after trying a bunch of single malts. So far Compass Box the Spice Tree, Johnny Walker Green, and Dewar's 15 although the first two are malt blends the Dewar's is good and really like some of the single malts Dewar's owns like Aultmore and Craigellachie and $30 for 15 year old whisky is a bargain. Cheers heers
Well, why not trying some of these blends.. it may have grain, of course, like rye which I really love, but it's only one bad thing for me, if this grain is maize that I always will avoid since I can't stand it. It's a really shame that some bottles don't have the written-receipt..
@@TopWhiskies Do I get some free merchandise out of it too? ; ) I've actually been resisting commenting on your most recent videos out of fear of being a jerk.
Blended whiskeys tend to be bulk. People buy more and drink more. They have no soul when they try to be same all the time. I'll stick to single malts. You can taste the craftsmanship and the spirit of the individual distilleries. I personally evaluate the skill to distill quality whiskies by single distilleries than someone buying whisky from everyone, then blending them togerher and claiming that "I made this whisky". It feels weird and dont taste that good.
Isn’t most blended whisky around 80% ethanol mixed in with about 20% malt whiskey to massively massively cut costs? Thus massively cutting the quality!
This is a good concise overview of blended whisky, at least those modeled after the Scotch style. (American blended whiskey has looser requirements and is typically bottom shelf swill that is mostly vodka.) For malt-based whisky, I typically go for single malts. Out of the 20 spaces in my collection reserved for this style of whisky, only four of them are currently occupied by blends. These are Tullamore DEW, Dewars 12, Suntory Toki, and Mars Iwai Tradition. Blends have their place; they are not designed to serve the same purpose as single malts. As mixers or for a refreshing whisky on the rocks, basic blends like the four in my collection are perfect, though some of the more complex ones are good to sip neat. After I run one of these down, I might replace it with one that is higher end or stylistically different from the norm. I've found the Compass Box line interesting when I have tried them in bars, and I recently tried Midleton Very Rare in a bar. It was rather costly, but it is a beautifully balanced Irish whiskey with more richness and complexity than the basic Irish blends typically have - definitely a strong candidate for my collection if I can find a bottle. Though I will probably always stick closely to single malts, typically the less consistent and more challenging non-chill-filtered ones, I've learned over the years not to ignore the blender's art. It's a different way of doing things, but the results can be good.
That 30-year bottle still up for grabs😋 Sounds delicious.
I like Compass Box Lost Blend, Johnnie Walker Green Label, Famous Grouse Smoky Black, Cutty Sark Prohibition, The Infamous, Rock Oyster, Big Peat, Compass Box No Name, and the list goes on... I'll be making my way through Timorous Beastie and Scallywag among other Douglas Laing blends in upcoming months...
The video is well done but the music is way too loud and a bit distracting
Great video again. I try quite a lot of different blended whisky based on tasting notes that appeal or history. Most recent was probably Cutty Sark Prohibition, but I always seem to have a bottle of Monkey Shoulder or Sheep dip available in my cabinet, Not come across Pig Nose yet will look out for it though.
Excellent subject, just starting to explore blended Scotch after trying a bunch of single malts. So far Compass Box the Spice Tree, Johnny Walker Green, and Dewar's 15 although the first two are malt blends the Dewar's is good and really like some of the single malts Dewar's owns like Aultmore and Craigellachie and $30 for 15 year old whisky is a bargain. Cheers heers
@DonnerPassWhiskey - you can get some fantastic blends at good prices out there. Compass box is a great range to explore!
Well, why not trying some of these blends.. it may have grain, of course, like rye which I really love, but it's only one bad thing for me, if this grain is maize that I always will avoid since I can't stand it. It's a really shame that some bottles don't have the written-receipt..
I have a Ballantine 30 bottled in 1959. I did a video on it, it's in my playlist under vintage scotch.
Oh cool.... I must be missing it, I can't seem to find your vintage scotch playlist...
When is the blending taking place? Before or after aging?
before
Awesome video guys!
Thank you very much! Appreciate it. Hope you're well. Ed
I have to say. This is the best description of blended whisky I have come by so far. Excellent job👍
DOUGLAS LAING & CO Blends are also quite the awesome bunch!
Currently enjoying Timorous Beastie 10yo :)
Currently enjoying a blended bourbon. from Black Forest Distilling Company, Elbert County Co. USA... Mash Build Batch #4
Sounds intriguing, I can't say I've tried any of Black Forest's bottlings. Will have to keep an eye open for them. Thanks for watching buddy, Ed
Dude you’re an amazing talker. Great presentation
Thank you very much, that's really kind of you to say.
Watching the video from Pune Maharashtra india
Thanks for watching! What's your favourite whisky?
@@TopWhiskies 12 years Teacher
Mine balentine’s finest
Cheap whiskey video?
I've told Evan we owe you the cheap whisky video! It can be a Christmas present ;-) We're on the case!! Cheers, Ed
@@TopWhiskies Do I get some free merchandise out of it too? ; ) I've actually been resisting commenting on your most recent videos out of fear of being a jerk.
Blended whiskeys tend to be bulk. People buy more and drink more. They have no soul when they try to be same all the time. I'll stick to single malts. You can taste the craftsmanship and the spirit of the individual distilleries. I personally evaluate the skill to distill quality whiskies by single distilleries than someone buying whisky from everyone, then blending them togerher and claiming that "I made this whisky". It feels weird and dont taste that good.
Isn’t most blended whisky around 80% ethanol mixed in with about 20% malt whiskey to massively massively cut costs? Thus massively cutting the quality!
Don't drink the blended.😅
Blends are whiskeys that didn't make the grade. Don't drink it.
the mixing of this video is awful. why is the music so loud
Thanks for the feedback - will keep that in mind for the future. Cheers, Ed
Blended whiskey is very bad for your health. And I am a professional. Never drink blended whiskey!!!😮
I don't care if it is blended or not I will drink it till I drop my goal is to share a 50 year old barell with people who arnt petentious7