Seventeen years of ageing allows a whisky to truly come into its own, acquiring a depth and intricacy that's deeply appreciated. Over this period, the 17-year-old whisky draws delicate characteristics from the cask, becoming notably smooth and full of flavour.
Within the world of whisky, the blended malt holds a distinct position. Unlike single malt whisky, which celebrates one distillery, or blended whiskies, which incorporate single grains, blended malts are a harmonious blend of single malts from various distilleries. The essence of malt whisky remains prominent, providing an array of tastes and aromas. Crafting a blended malt whisky requires the expertise of master blenders who select single malts based on multiple factors like age, region, and cask types. These malts, even if sourced from different locations, might hail from the same or varied whisky-producing regions, infusing unique dimensions to the 17-year-old whisky's character.
The array of flavours in a blended malt whisky is vast, from the smoky notes of Islay malts to the gentle fruity hints of Speyside varieties. The age of the whisky, 17 years in this instance, is only part of the story. The label indicates the age of the youngest whisky in the blend, but older whiskies might be present, adding to its maturity and depth.
Ensuring consistency of flavour across batches requires not only a refined palate but also an in-depth knowledge of malts. The 17-year-old whisky blend, without any grain whisky, boasts a robust malt flavour, setting it apart from regular blends.
In the market, blended malts, especially those like our 17-year-old whisky, are valued for their exceptional worth. They deliver the intricacy usually associated with single malts but are often more accessible in price. This balance of quality and affordability makes the 17-year-old blended malt a choice preference for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and those new to the experience.