Blended Whisky

Blended whisky is a mixture of malt and grain whiskies made by numerous malt and grain distilleries such as Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Ballantine's, Famous Grouse, and Hibiki. In the Irish version, pure pot still whiskey is also part of the blend in brands such as Jameson. Just like barley is vital for making single malt, blended whiskies are indispensable to the whisky industry.

Without the blended industry, few distilleries, especially in Scotland, would have survived the first half of the 20th century. Most of the whisky produced by the malt distilleries is used for branded blends. Distilleries such as Teaninich and Glen Ord, and more well-known ones such as Strathisla and Caol Ila, owe their survival to the blended labels in which they are used. A dramatic reduction in the general consumption of blended whiskies would no doubt result in the closure of malt distilleries, as has happened in the past.