Scotch whisky is a masterpiece that has been crafted over centuries. Having a rich heritage and legacy, Scotch whisky is more than just an indulgence; it is all about ingenuity, exceptional quality and taste.
Some of the finest blends have been the results of the pursuit by several legendary men. Sir William Sanderson’s persistent effort to make the best of blends, the ultimate “one in a hundred”, gave the world VAT69. James Buchanan created Black&White in 1902, an exceptionally smooth Scotch whisky, by blending three malts whiskies together — Dalwhinnie, Clynelish and Glendullan. Interestingly, Alexander Walker, the man behind the iconic Johnnie Walker blends such as Johnnie Walker Black Label and Johnnie Walker Red Label rose from being a humble tea seller in Scotland to becoming the finest whisky blender in the world!
Gradually, the “wee bit of dram” became an integral part of Scottish life. From a royal favourite to a social drink, it became a staple feature. Cereal grains and malted barley were fermented, distilled, and aged to develop excellent flavours. And over centuries, 2,500 blends were developed in different regions of Scotland.
Characteristic flavours vary depending on the various distilleries, regions and barrels used. For instance, the Highlands produce blends that are floral with little smoke, while the Lowlands create ones that impart a grainy and slightly herbaceous character with no smoke at all. This is exactly why a quintessential Scotch whisky deserves to sipped and savoured fully — and not “shot”.
How can a whisky enthusiast do complete justice when savouring a Scottish blend Tasting Scotch whisky is all about fun, taste and discovery. It’s a sensorial experience that needs to be enjoyed, decoded and savoured. For example, how does the liquid run back into the glass when you swirl it If the “legs” run quickly and are thin, it is possible that the whisky is light or young. The colour too gives a clue about the age and maturation. As various blends have a wide range of aromas, a little practise in nosing and understanding your palate helps. To comprehend flavour, you will always see connoisseur’s gargling before every sip — this is to clean their palate. They will always add a bit of water to their drink to release the flavours of the blend. The process usually involves sipping the whisky, allowing it to lie on the tongue and coating the sides of the mouth. It is important to understand how the whisky is — woody and smooth, or spicy and warm The flavour and the finish varies with different blends.
The writer is brand ambassador, United Spirits
