List of key malts for major Scotch blended whiskies
There have been four whiskey booms in Japan so far.
- 1970s: Became popular among the wealthy during the period of rapid economic growth (first boom)
- After 2008: Suntory Kakubin advertisements sparked the highball culture to spread rapidly throughout Japan (the second boom).
- 2014 and after : The number of whiskey fans in Japan increases due to the TV drama "Massan" based on the founder of NIKKA, Masataka Taketsuru (the third boom)
- 2020 and after : Due to the increase in drinking at home and drinking alone during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of whiskey fans is increasing not only in Japan but also around the world (the fourth boom)
In particular, the Fourth Boom sparked a global boom in single malt whisky, with market prices for single malt whisky such as Macallan, Springbank, and Yamazaki soaring several times compared to a few years ago.
In this situation, our shop is proposing aged whiskey that was once in circulation but is no longer on sale. When comparing aged whiskey of the same brand and specifications with current whiskey, the aged whiskey is generally more expensive. However, in terms of cost performance, aged whiskey often wins by a landslide. For this reason, demand for aged whiskey from core whiskey enthusiasts is accelerating, and the price continues to rise dramatically every year.
On the other hand, blended whisky, which is a blend of two or more different raw liquors, does not increase in price as much as single malt whisky, even if it is an old whisky that was in circulation several decades or half a century ago. Of course, blended whisky has a weaker character than single malt whisky, but it is a great option for enjoying the highest quality raw liquor produced in the golden age at an affordable price.
Below is a list of the malts that make up some of the most popular blends today and in the past. We hope this will be helpful in enjoying aged whiskey.
|
Whisky Name |
Key Malt (past) |
Keymalt (present) |
remarks |
|
|
1 |
Johnnie Walker |
Cardhu, Talisker, Clynelish, Caol Ila, Glen Elgin |
Cardhu, Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Teaninich |
A wide range of malt spirits are used. Cardhu is the core. The composition varies depending on the label. |
|
2 |
Ballantine's |
Glenburgie, Miltonduff, Scapa |
Glenburgie, Miltonduff, Glentauchers |
Glenburgie and Miltonduff are the current pillars. Scapa is no longer in use. |
|
3 |
Chivas Regal |
Strathisla, Glenlivet |
Strathisla, Allt-a-Bhainne, Longmorn, Braeval |
Strathisla has been the key malt throughout, and new in-house malts are also being used. |
|
4 |
Dewar's |
Aberfeldy, Royal Brackla |
Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore, Royal Brackla |
Expanded to four distilleries, with Berfeldy at the center. |
|
5 |
Famous Grouse |
Highland Park, Tamdhu |
Highland Park, Macallan, Glenrothes |
Currently, the focus is on Highland Park and Macallan. Glenrothes has been added. |
|
6 |
Grant's |
Glenfiddich, Balvenie |
Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Kininvie |
All distilleries are owned by William Grant & Co. |
|
7 |
Teacher's |
Ardmore, GlenDronach |
Ardmore, Glenturret |
Formerly GlenDronach. Currently Ardmore-based and peaty. |
|
8 |
J&B Rare |
Knockando, Glen Spey |
Knockando, Auchroisk, Glen Spey |
Light and fruity Speyside malts dominate. |
|
9 |
Bell's |
Blair Athol, Dufftown |
Blair Athol, Dufftown, Inchgower |
Blair Athol is at the center and forms the base of the flavor. |
|
10 |
Cutty Sark |
Glenrothes |
Glenrothes, Macallan, Highland Park |
In the past, the focus was on Glenrothes, but in recent years it has expanded to include malts owned by Edrington. |
|
11 |
White Horse |
Lagavulin |
Lagavulin, Glen Elgin, Craigellachie |
Lagavulin from Islay was once the core of his personality, and is still used today. |
|
12 |
Haig |
Glenkinchie |
Cameronbridge (Grain dominated), Glenkinchie |
Currently the grain ratio is high, with Glenkinchie being the core malt. |
|
13 |
Black & White |
Dalwhinnie, Glendullan |
Glendullan, Blair Athol |
A balanced composition with a high grain ratio. |
|
14 |
Vat 69 |
Glenesk, North Britain |
Unspecified (mainly blended) |
The key malt is not disclosed. Currently, the major grains are the driving force. |
|
15 |
100 Pipers |
Allt-a-Bhainne |
Allt-a-Bhainne, Glenburgie |
Popular in Asia, mainly in Speyside. |