Blended Scotch Whisky

The term Blended Scotch Whisky can seem a little confusing to some but in simplistic terms the following outlines the definition and categories of Scotch Whisky as set out under the 2009 Scotch Whisky legislation.

'Blended Malt' Scotch Whisky refers to a blend of two or more 'Single Malt' Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery. 'Blended Grain' Scotch Whisky is a blend of two or more 'Single Grain' Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery and 'Blended Scotch' Whisky means a blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies.

The Scotch Whisky Regulations also allow the addition of caramel colour, regardless of whether the final product is labelled as blended or not. A mix of single malts only, without other types of whisky such as those made from grains other than malted barley, may be called a blended malt (formerly known as a vatted malt), a term no longer permitted.