Two decades is a significant period for whisky maturation. In these 20 years, the spirit assimilates the qualities of its cask, gaining depth and intricate flavours. The wood plays a vital role, infusing the 20-year-old whisky with nuances both delicate and deep. Hence, tasting a 20-year-old whisky isn't merely about savouring a spirit; it's about appreciating the craftsmanship and the magic of time.
A blended malt whisky, occasionally termed "pure malt" or "vatted malt," is a combination of single malts from various distilleries. This stands apart from a single malt whisky, which hails from a single distillery, and blended whiskies that include single grains. This 20-year-old blended malt whisky retains the core features of malt whisky whilst offering a diverse flavour palette.
Master blenders, with their expertise, play a pivotal role in crafting this whisky. They choose single malts based on several attributes, such as age, origin, and cask type, aiming to meld these into a harmonious 20-year-old blend. These malts, despite originating from different distilleries, might come from similar or varied whisky-producing areas, enriching the blend's taste.
The array of tastes one can find in a blended malt whisky is vast. It can range from the smoky essence of Islay malts to the gentler, floral hints from Speyside varieties. Such diversity is achievable due to the broad selection of single malts available. Creating a consistent 20-year-old blend across batches demands a seasoned palate and thorough malt knowledge. The age displayed on the label reflects the youngest whisky in the blend, but blends may also feature older whiskies, offering deeper maturity to the 20-year-old whisky.
In terms of value, blended malts, especially those aged like our 20-year-old whisky, are recognised for their impressive worth. They capture the intricate flavours commonly linked with single malts but at a more accessible price, making the 20-year-old blended malt appealing to both aficionados and newcomers.