Put simply, whisky is an alcoholic beverage distilled from one or more grains including barley, wheat and rye. First, the grain(s) are mixed with water and yeast during fermentation. Malted grains are those that have been germinated and dried before fermenting, leading to the activation of slightly different taste profiles in the resultant product. After fermentation, the mash is distilled. 

Distillation is the separation of the ethanol from the mash by a process of condensation and evaporation. The resultant ethanol in its gaseous form is run through pipes and cooled, bringing it back to its liquid state. Whiskies typically undergo a maturation process of several years. Maturation often takes place in oak barrels, which allow the flow of air into the alcohol, culminating in the evaporation of some harsh qualities in the drink.  After maturation has taken place, the resultant, beautiful liquid is bottled and sold. For more information about whisky production, check out our beginner’s guide to whisky.

There are several types of whisky, and blended is just one of many, which come in malt, grain and combined varieties. The term ‘blended’ refers to the use of more than one distillery in the distillation process. The definitions are further explained below:

• Blended malt: Combination of two or more types of single malt whisky
• Blended grain: Combination of two or more types of single grain whisky
• Blended whisky: Combination of one single grain and single malt whisky

In addition to blended whiskies, you can find ‘single’ whiskies, such as the single grain or single malt. Single grain refers to the use of just one distillery and grain type in the process. This grain could be malted or unmalted barley, rye or wheat. Single malt translates to using only malted barley in the distillation process.

What is the difference between single, double and triple malt whiskey?

‘Double malt’ and ‘triple malt’ are not, strictly speaking, technical terms used to describe whisky. The appropriate description would be that double malt and triple malt are blended malts, meaning that two or more single malt whiskies are combined into one bottle. In lay terms, double malt is produced by blending two malt whiskies together, and triple malt would combine three whiskies together. However, most bartenders and vendors will use the term ‘blended’ instead.

Some whisky connoisseurs will tell you that single malts are better than blended malts because only the former can truly represent the distillery for what it is. Since single malt whiskies only use malted barley, the quality of the barley is brought to the fore, as are the notes that master distillers imbue into the whisky to give it a characteristic taste. They are also considered a premium range due to the extensive labour and skill involved in production.

That said, single malt whiskies are not necessarily superior to blended whiskies. They simply allow for a distinct appreciation of the distillery they come from. Blended malt whiskies have the potential for more flavour complexity, given the greater versatility from combining malted barley in an infinite number of ways.

Straight whisky can either refer to the way whisky is served, or the way it is produced. In the case of the former, it means to serve whisky ‘neat’, or without any other mixers. In terms of production, primarily in the United States, straight describes any whisky fermented from a malted or unmalted cereal grain mash to a concentration no greater than 80% ABV. It must also be aged in new charred oak barrels for two years at a concentration no greater than 62.5% at the start of the ageing process. These qualifications are regulated by the Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, a branch of the U.S. Federal Government. In the U.S., blended whisky must contain at least 20% straight whisky, but typically includes other higher-proof spirits mixed into it.

Straight whisky can either refer to the way whisky is served, or the way it is produced. In the case of the former, it means to serve whisky ‘neat’, or without any other mixers. In terms of production, primarily in the United States, straight describes any whisky fermented from a malted or unmalted cereal grain mash to a concentration no greater than 80% ABV. It must also be aged in new charred oak barrels for two years at a concentration no greater than 62.5% at the start of the ageing process. These qualifications are regulated by the Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, a branch of the U.S. Federal Government. In the U.S., blended whisky must contain at least 20% straight whisky, but typically includes other higher-proof spirits mixed into it.

Whisky and bourbon have a lot in common. The biggest difference is that bourbon must be made using 51% corn, giving it a distinctive sweetness. Most bourbon is colloquially known as American whisky. Bourbon is typically rounded off with a combination of malted barley, rye or wheat. So, its flavour profile is often similar to other single grain and blended grain whiskies. The majority of bourbon is made in Kentucky, U.S., where the limestone water acts as a natural filter for impurities and the warm temperatures are ideal for quick maturation.

We might not be able to tell you outright which blended whisky is the best, but one thing is for sure: every whisky producer will be able to give you a hundred reasons why you should buy their blend. Surprise surprise! You can search up a variety of blended whiskies based on their country of origin, so you can understand the general flavour profile on offer around the world. Of course, our selection on iShopChangi is a good place to start!

Scotch blended whiskies

It’s safe to say the Scots have been making whisky for a while. The first written record of whisky in Scotland is in 1494, when King James III wrote an order to Brother Jon Core, a monk at Lindores Abbey, asking for approximately 500 bottles of what was then known as ‘aqua vitae’. In those times, whisky was most well-known for its medicinal purposes, and monasteries were the primary settings for its production.

Nowadays, when people refer to Scotch whisky, they are referring to whisky made in Scotland. In days gone by, ‘Scotch’ was a term used to describe people from Scotland, but now it simply refers to food or drink made there. In addition to having roots in Scotland, Scotch whisky must be made of any grain, distilled and matured for three years in oak barrels. Scotch blended malt refers to the use of two or more single malt Scotch whiskies, while Scotch blended grain refers to the use of two or more single grain Scotch whiskies. The blended varieties simply means a combination of one or more single malt with one or more single grain whiskies.

• Johnnie Walker - Johnnie Walker is the top-selling Scotch whisky in the world. Its signature labels are blends represented by colours: red, black, and blue, to name a few. The Johnnie Walker Red Label is an all-time favourite, and is known for being the drink of choice for Winston Churchill, who drank it with soda. The Blue Label is one of the more pricier options, and for good reason – its casks are hand-selected for their exceptional character, giving the resultant drinks a flavour reminiscent of whiskies distilled in the early 19th century.
• Chivas Regal - Chivas Regal also offers an array of blended whiskies you ought to try. Founded in 1786 by the Chivas Brothers, the famous Scotch producers are based at the Strathisla Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. The Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 year old blends are among the most popular choices, and each offers a distinct flavour profile best understood on the palate. The Chivas 12 Blend is described as smooth, rich and generous, with notes of wild herbs, heather and honey, alongside tones of pear, vanilla, hazelnut and honey. The Chivas 18 Year Old Blend is smokey, velvety, and delicious. It has an incredible mix of 85 different flavours, including dried fruits, buttery toffee and dark chocolate. Meanwhile, the Chivas 25 rings of New York in the early 1900s, when it was first released in 1909. Reborn in 2007, the Chivas 25 Year Old contains fruity orange and peach notes coupled with marzipan, chocolate, nuts and cream, creating a smooth, luxurious, blend.

If you’re particularly adventurous, why not try the Royal Salute? First released in 1953, the bottle pays tribute (or, as the namesake puts it, to give a ‘royal salute’) to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June that year. The 21 Year Old Blend is a great choice. Sweet pears and citrus fruits are found on the nose, alongside the fragrance of autumnal flowers. Taste orange marmalade, fresh pears, and hazelnut. Get enveloped in its smokiness as you drink. Fit for the Queen, fit for you – and unchanged since 1953 – Royal Salute is hard to pass up.

Jameson: the staple Irish blended whiskey

Jameson is the famous Irish whiskey, produced in County Cork, Ireland. This whiskey is so smooth that the founder, John Jameson, claimed he would drink it whether or not his name was on it. Jameson, originally a lawyer, founded his distillery in Dublin in 1780. By the 19th century, the distillery had one of the largest outputs in the world, and to this day, the Jameson distillery is one of the biggest in the world.

The signature Jameson whiskey blend – the triple distilled – tastes spicy and nutty, with hints of vanilla. Jameson’s other brands include Jameson Black and The Distiller’s Safe. Jameson Black is charred, giving it a smokey, luscious flavour imbued with butterscotch, fudge, vanilla and creamy toffee. The Distiller’s Safe blend is testament to Jameson’s Head Distiller, Brian Nation, who masterfully crafted the bottle using only the finest distilling ingredients. Taste floral perfume, fresh herbs, cinnamon, licorice, and barley sugar mixing with green pepper, marzipan, almond, orange peel, grapefruit, in this wonderful, exciting blend.

Japanese blended whisky sensations

Japanese whiskies are renowned for being incredible. Each has a distinct flavour profile, and whichever you choose, you’re in for a treat with these creations.

• Shinsei - In Japanese, Shinsei translates to ‘celestial’. Produced in the Yamanashi Prefecture, located at the base of Mount Fuji, the name is sure fitting. Sophisticated and fruity, this blend of whisky offers various notes, from pear to cherry, alongside hints of spice, incense, sweet butter biscuits and liquorice. Typically, Shinsei is served at room temperature or on the rocks. You may also enjoy it with other mixers, such as mineral water or soda.
• Hibiki - Hibiki has been described by its creators as perfect. Clearly they aren’t afraid to boast! Originally blended in 1987 through a collaboration between Master Blenders Keizo Saji and Koichi Inatomi, Hibiki is the product of over one million whisky samples being culled down to just thirty which were deemed good enough to make the cut. Blenders at the House of Suntory are committed to refining this masterful creation, tasting over 300 samples of whisky everyday.

If you’re looking for something other than Hibiki, why not try Nikka From The Barrel? Since 1940, whisky-lovers’ appreciation for the Nikka brand has been growing steadily. Nikka From The Barrel range is their signature blended whisky, originally released in 1985. The high 51.4% ABV of Nikka From The Barrel, along with its unique blend of 100 different malt and grain whiskies, combine to form a timeless, exquisite beverage for any special occasion.

American blended whiskies

There are a huge variety of American whiskies to try. A large proportion of American whisky blends are in fact bourbon, which means they contain 51% corn. Most are also produced in Kentucky, where the climatic conditions are perfect for the drink’s maturation.

Jim Beam and Jack Daniels are both staples you ought to try. Jim Beam is the number one seller of bourbon in the world, and their iconic Jim Beam White Bourbon Whisky brand is a must. Jack Daniels, on the other hand, hails from Tennessee. Their Old No. 7 Blend contains rich notes of sugar maple charcoal. If you’re still curious about bourbon, why not give the Old Forester a try? It is the first bottled bourbon, after all! Their Classic 86 Proof blend is the standard go-to when tasting for the first time.

While whisky has often been associated with old boys’ drinking clubs, it is slowly but surely departing the world of exclusivity. People are looking to experiment with alcohol they’ve never tried before to figure out what they fancy. Whisky is also becoming a popular choice in bars and as special gifts for close friends.

If you’re looking for a wild night, the best way to drink whisky is very quickly – although we wouldn’t recommend it! Most whisky drinkers would recommend drinking whisky slowly, with small sips to appreciate the drink’s full flavour profile. Usually, it is recommended to drink whisky straight or with a drop of water. In any case, it is well worth experimenting to see what you like. Why not try it with a mixer or in a cocktail of your own creation?

Is all this talk of blended whisky making your mouth water? Can’t wait to get your hands on a bottle of Royal Salute, just to see what all the fuss is about? The best way to decide for yourself will be to explore a variety of whiskies and see which you like the most yourself: everyone will have different taste preferences!

If you’re thinking where to start shopping for a bottle or two, take a look at the range of products on offer at iShopChangi. Shop for Johnnie Walker, Hibiki, Canadian Club, Chivas Regal and Jameson and buy a bottle for yourself or as a gift for a friend.

For a minimum spend of just $59, you can get free delivery of your spirits to a Singaporean address. All of this for duty-free prices at Singapore Changi Airport. Sign up as a member to keep up to date with the best promotions and deals available to you.