The terms ‘whisky vatting’ and ‘whisky blending’ were, until relatively recently, used interchangeably to refer to a general mixing of whiskies. The term ‘vatting’ was banned under scotch whisky regulations from November 2011.
However, as the global whisky industry has expanded the terminology used by those within it has become more specific and standardized. Nowadays there is an important distinction between the terms ‘vatting’ and ‘blending’ in the scotch whisky industry. Let’s talk about it.
What Is Whisky Vatting?
The word ‘vatting’ is derived from the word ‘vat’, which refers to a large vessel that is used in whisky production for blending and treating whisky. These treatments include diluting, filtering, taste testing, and adding E150a (or spirit caramel) if required.
In modern practice, whisky vatting refers to the act of combining multiple barrels from a single distillery to create what is known as an ‘expression’.
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This is normally done to achieve a consistent flavor profile for a particular brand or expression. For example, The Macallan Harmony Collection bottlings, one of Macallan’s limited edition collections, are made through the vatting of multiple Macallan casks.
In fact, all single malt whiskies – unless they are specifically stated as being single cask – are the result of whisky vatting. Even age statement whiskies, such as The Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak, are vatted. The age statement is accurate so long as the youngest whisky in the vatting is used as the basis for the age statement.
In That Case, What Is Whisky Blending?
Blending, on the other hand, involves combining whiskies from different distilleries. These can include both malt whiskies and grain whiskies.
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The aim of blending is to create a complex and well-rounded product with a unique flavor profile. Blends are a more accessible way of drinking whisky than single malts. Famous blends include Johnnie Walker, Ballantine’s, and Dewar’s.
There are three different types of blended scotch whisky:
- Blended malt – 100% malt whiskies blended from different distilleries
- Blended grain – 100% grain whiskies blended from different distilleries
- Blended scotch – malt and grain whiskies blended together from different distilleries
So, to recap:
- Vatted whisky – whisky made from mixing of multiple casks from the same distillery.
- Blended whisky – whisky made from mixing malt and/or grain whiskies from different distilleries.
In summary, vatting focuses on harmonizing whiskies from the same sources to maintain a consistent style for a particular distillery expression, while blending aims to create a complex but recognizable profile by mixing whiskies from different distilleries.
Where Does The Confusion Come From?
Since the two terms used to be interchangeable in the past, many older bottlings bearing the text ‘vatted malt’ would, by today’s standards, be considered single malts. One such bottling is Andrew Usher’s Old Vatted Glenlivet, as the whisky is believed to have initially come from The Glenlivet Distillery. Research suggests, however, that Old Vatted Glenlivet later evolved into the first recognized blend. The label states, “A blend of Glenlivet & Other Scotch Whiskies”. This just goes to show how interchangeably the terms were used.
However, this does not mean that all whiskies described as ‘vatted’ on the label are single malts. By modern standards, it has all to do with where the whisky came from. If all of the whisky is from one distillery but is a mix of multiple casks then it is vatted. If the whisky comes from a number of different distilleries then it is blended.
What About Single Cask Whiskies?
Single cask whiskies are drawn and bottled from a single cask. These expressions are very popular amongst whisky fans as no two casks will produce the same result, making the whisky totally unique.
However, contrary to logic, single cask whiskies can be vatted as well, to a point. Two or more casks of whisky can be vatted together and, as long as the resultant liquid is finished in a single cask, the whisky itself can be labeled as ‘single cask’.
Finishing refers to the process of a whisky that was matured in one cask being transferred to another for the final few years of maturation (usually 1-3 years). Commonly, whisky is finished in a cask type different from the one in which it was previously matured in order to impart a different (but more subtle) profile to the whisky. For example, many whiskies are matured in ex-bourbon (the most common cask type in the industry) and then finished in ex-sherry to impart a sweet, sherry influence.
Most Whiskies Are Vatted
So, there you have it. Vatted whisky, although not an official term in scotch whisky legislation, encompasses all whisky that is not single cask or some type of blended scotch whisky.
The jargon and legal technicalities of the whisky world can be overwhelming. If you would like to read the guidance in detail please visit the Scotch Whisky Association website, where they link to the relevant legislation and answer FAQs about protecting scotch whisky.
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