By its 6th year, whisky starts to reveal the benefits of time. Though still possessing some of the bite typical of younger whiskies, it has absorbed flavours from its oak cask. Furthermore, if the cask previously housed sherry, bourbon, or another spirit, those influences become more pronounced, adding to the whisky's evolving character. At this age, the whisky starts shedding its youthful edge, embracing a more polished persona.
Blended malt whisky is a blend of single malts from various distilleries. It's distinct from blended whisky, which combines single malt with single grains, and single malt whisky, which originates from just one distillery. Retaining malt whisky's core characteristics, blended malt features an expansive range of flavours.
Crafting blended malt whisky is a refined art. Expert blenders select single malts based on aspects like age, regional traits, cask properties, and unique flavour characteristics. Their goal is straightforward: to weave these elements into a cohesive flavour story. Intriguingly, while the single malts might be sourced from diverse distilleries, they could come from identical or differing whisky-producing areas, enriching the blend's palate.
The flavours of a 6-year-old blended malt whisky are varied. It spans from the robust, smoky hints typical of Islay malts to the gentle, fruit-inflected tones of Speyside malts. This spectrum is attributable to the mix of single malts in the blend. Consistency in flavour, batch to batch, is no small feat. It requires a discerning palate and a thorough understanding of malt whisky's myriad profiles.
When referencing age, a blended malt whisky's label indicates the age of the youngest whisky in the mix, in line with industry standards. Yet, it's worth noting that the blend might include whiskies older than this age, adding depth to its taste. Emphasising malt, these whiskies tend to offer a richer flavour than some others. In the marketplace, blended malts carve out a niche for themselves, known for their value. They encapsulate the sophisticated tastes of single malts, but often with a friendlier price tag, appealing to seasoned whisky enthusiasts and those just embarking on their whisky exploration.