List of Key Malts for Major Scotch Blended Whiskies
Japan has experienced four major whisky booms to date:
- The 1970s: Popularity spread among the wealthy as a luxury drink during the period of rapid economic growth (1st Boom).
- After 2008: Advertisements for Suntory Kakubin sparked a sudden nation-wide spread of Highball culture (2nd Boom).
- After 2014: The number of whisky fans in Japan surged following the TV drama "Massan," which depicted the life of Nikka's founder, Masataka Taketsuru (3rd Boom).
- After 2020: Due to the increase in home-drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of whisky fans grew significantly both in Japan and globally (4th Boom).
Particularly during the 4th Boom, a global single malt whisky craze occurred. Market prices for single malts such as Macallan, Springbank, and Yamazaki skyrocketed, sometimes reaching several times their value from just a few years prior.
In this market climate, our shop proposes "Old Bottle Whiskies"—vintage items that were once in circulation but are now discontinued. When comparing old bottle whiskies with current releases of the same brand and specifications, the old bottles are generally more expensive. However, in terms of quality relative to price, old bottle whiskies often win by a landslide. Consequently, demand for old bottles from core whisky enthusiasts is accelerating, and prices continue to rise sharply year after year.
On the other hand, blended whiskies—composed of two or more different spirits—do not experience as extreme a price surge as single malts, even for old bottles circulated several decades or half a century ago. While blended whiskies may have a milder character than single malts, they represent an outstanding option for enjoying top-tier spirits produced during the "Golden Era" at a relatively affordable price.
Below is a summary of the past and present key malts for popular blended whiskies. We hope this serves as a helpful reference for enjoying the world of old bottle whiskies.
|
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. |