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Scotch whisky, like a complicated woman, demands a certain amount of attention. Drinking whiskey is something you do consciously. Unlike a vodka and soda, it begs to be taken seriously.
If you want to give your glass of scotch due diligence, the first thing you should focus in on is the type of scotch you're drinking. Is it a blend or a single malt? Which occasions call for the latter? Dewar's scotch expert and brand ambassador Gabe Cardarella shares over a decade worth of knowledge with us and helps us answer these important questions.
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What does “Blend” and “single malt” actually mean?
"Single malts are the product of a single distillery, with malted barley as the only grain ingredient, whereas a blended scotch whisky is a result of different single malt and grain whiskies blended together to create an exceptionally well-rounded flavor. The blending process is carried out in a hand selected oak casks, which is an important part of developing the spirit's depth of character."
In terms of production, what is the difference between a blend and single malt scotch?
"Simply put, single malt whisky, such as our Aberfeldy 12 Year Old and Aberfeldy 21 Year Old, is the product of a single distillery. Blends, however, use up to forty different whiskies with single malt as the base of their liquid."
What is the difference between a blend and single malt? How can a person tell the difference?
"The single malts possess a fruity softness with a bit more of a dry finish, whereas a blended Scotch whisky, such as Dewar's 18 Year Old, possesses a more lingering finish. The best way to determine the difference is to try them."
What is the aging process with each? Is there a labeling process that reflects the age of the scotch?
"Dewar's blended scotch whiskies endure a double-barrel aging process where newly created blends are placed back into vintage oak casks for a second period of maturation, creating remarkable smoothness, depth of character, and a lingering finish. Typically, the younger the whisky, the lighter in character it will be, whereas the older the whisky, the more robust and full bodied it will become. However, age isn't necessarily a reflection of quality. Never shy away from a young whisky over an old one, you’d be missing out on some fantastic liquid if you did."
