A vatted whiskey, also known as a blended whiskey, is a term that is no longer commonly used in the whisky industry. In the past, it referred to the blending of malt whisky from different distilleries without the addition of grain whisky, or vice versa. However, the term “vatted” has been replaced with “blended” in recent years.
To understand the concept of a vatted whiskey, it is important to note that there are different types of whiskies, including malt whisky and grain whisky. Malt whisky is made from malted barley and distilled in pot stills, while grain whisky is made from grains such as corn, wheat, or barley and distilled in continuous column stills.
In the past, vatted whisky referred to a blend of malt whiskies from different distilleries, without the addition of grain whisky. This allowed the unique characteristics of each malt whisky to be combined to create a final product with a distinct flavor profile. Similarly, vatted grain whisky was a blend of grain whiskies from different distilleries.
However, the terminology has evolved in the whisky industry, and now the term “blended” is used instead of “vatted.” A blended whisky can be a combination of malt and grain whiskies, or it can be a blend of malt whiskies only. The term “blended malt whisky” is now used for what was previously referred to as vatted malt whisky, and “blended grain whisky” for vatted grain whisky.
The shift from using “vatted” to “blended” may have been driven by the desire for clarity and consistency in the industry. Using the term “blended” helps to clearly indicate that the whisky is a blend of different whiskies, whether they are malt whiskies, grain whiskies, or a combination of both.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and explore various types of whiskies, including blended whiskies. The art of blending whiskies involves carefully selecting and combining different whiskies to create a harmonious and balanced final product. Each whisky brings its own unique characteristics to the blend, contributing to the overall flavor profile.
Blended whiskies have gained popularity over the years as they offer a consistent and approachable option for whisky enthusiasts. They often showcase a wide range of flavors and can cater to different palates. The skill of the blender lies in creating a blend that is greater than the sum of its parts, ensuring that the final product is well-balanced and enjoyable.
A vatted whiskey, which is now referred to as a blended whiskey, is a blend of whiskies from different distilleries. It can consist of malt whiskies only or a combination of malt and grain whiskies. The term “blended” is now used to describe these whiskies, indicating the blending of different components to create a harmonious and flavorful final product.