Blended Scotch

Read articles, features, interviews and reviews of blended scotch whisky on the Master of Malt blog.
Kevin Balmforth master blender at Chivas BrothersKevin Balmforth: Stepping Into the Chivas Brothers Master Blender Role

Sandy Hyslop’s retirement marks the end of an era. No matter how mighty the lighthouse, there comes a time to switch keepers. Keeping the ships off the rocks going forward…

Adam O'ConnellAdam O'Connell
Scotch whisky regionsWhat Are The 5 Types of Scotch Whisky?

The five types of Scotch whisky are single malt, single grain, blended, blended malt, and blended grain whisky. What does it all mean? Navigating the world of Scotch can be…

Adam O'ConnellAdam O'Connell
Tommy Dewar HighballWhat is blended Scotch whisky?

Blended whiskies like Johnnie Walker or Famous Grouse make up something like 90% of global Scotch whisky sales. But unlike single malts, they don’t really get the attention they deserve….

Henry JeffreysHenry Jeffreys
Whisky Smash on the BeachBest blended Scotch whisky to drink in 2024

We’re big fans of blended Scotch whisky here at Master of Malt. The best blends offer lots of flavour per pound – especially handy in a time of rising prices….

Henry JeffreysHenry Jeffreys
Seaweed & Aeons & Maple Syrup & Toasted OatsTop 10 underrated blended Scotch whiskies

Blended Scotch whisky is getting a lot of love from Master of Malt this week. We’re showcasing what we love about the style, from its versatility to its value, as…

Adam O'ConnellAdam O'Connell
John BarrNew Arrival of the Week: John Barr blended whisky

This week we’ve got a bargain blended whisky with an interesting history. It’s called John Barr and it’s perfect for cocktails like Rob Roys and Highballs. For knocking up a Highball…

Henry JeffreysHenry Jeffreys
Royal Salute 26 Year Old Scottish oakRoyal Salute on innovation and Scottish oak

Royal Salute is celebrating a milestone. It’s kicking off the new Kingdom Collection with a 26-year-old whisky that’s fully finished in Scottish oak casks, a first for the brand. We spent…

Jess WilliamsonJess Williamson
Charles MacLeanBook review: ‘Exploring Blended Scotch’ by Charles MacLean and Stuart Leaf

Whisky writer extraordinaire Charles MacLean MBE has a new book out called ‘Exploring Blended Scotch’ written with American whisky amateur Stuart Leaf. But is it worth your hard-earned cash? Ian Buxton…

Henry JeffreysHenry Jeffreys
J&B RareClassic bottlings: J&B Rare

J&B Rare is a back bar favourite the world over, it’s sold millions of cases over the years and become part of our cultural history.  But how did a wine…

Adam O'ConnellAdam O'Connell
Famous GrouseClassic whisky: The Famous Grouse

The Famous Grouse is one of the world’s most popular blends and the best-selling Scotch whisky in Scotland. But how did this creation from a Perth-based grocer end up becoming…

Adam O'ConnellAdam O'Connell
Sandy Hyslop Royal SaluteSandy Hyslop talks Royal Salute and the art of blending

As Royal Salute returns in typically extravagant style, we’re joined by the man behind the blend, Sandy Hyslop, director of blending and inventory at Chivas Brothers, to learn why Royal…

Adam O'ConnellAdam O'Connell
Check out these bargain blended Scotch whiskies!Top ten: Blended Scotch whiskies under £30

Blends are the backbone of the Scotch whisky industry but they don’t always get the love they deserve. So we decided to put together this list of some of our…

Adam O'ConnellAdam O'Connell
Jill-Boyd-photo-credit-Compass-Box-WhiskyMeet the maker: Jill Boyd from Compass Box Whisky

Founded by US entrepreneur John Glaser from his kitchen in 2000, Compass Box Whisky is a blending house for the modern era, constantly innovating a range of unusual blended Scotch,…

Annie HayesAnnie Hayes
The NightcapThe Nightcap: 14 February

It’s 14 February, so you know what that means – it’s time for The Nightcap! Yep, that’s it. Nothing else. People all across the country got out of their beds…

Master of MaltMaster of Malt
Missing in action? The forgotten blendsMissing in action? The forgotten blends

When was the last time you read about Label 5 Scotch whisky? Or William Peel? Or Teacher’s? Ian Buxton looks at the blends that still bring in the money, if…

Ian BuxtonIan Buxton
New Arrival of the Week: Compass Box No Name No 2New Arrival of the Week: Compass Box No Name No 2

Today we have a smoky blended malt so special that it doesn’t even have a name! It could only be a release from those crazy cats at Compass Box. Until…

Henry JeffreysHenry Jeffreys