How I learnt the Art of Whisky Blending

This month saw the opening of The Blend by Chivas Regal  at the Old Truman Brewery in London (just off Brick Lane).  The unique pop-up has been created to give an insight into the rather fascinating world of Scotch Whisky and the art of blending the perfect whisky.

I’m fairly new to whisky myself so I’m still at the stage where I am trying to discover my preferred taste so was pretty excited to get the chance to go along to The Blend last week.  I’m still amazed at how massive the difference can be from one whisky to the next depending on the region from which it is distilled and the ingredients that are used to flavour it.

I arrived a little early for my hour-long ‘Art of Blending’ slot which actually worked out pretty well as it gave me just enough time to try a whisky sour (my favourite cocktail) made with Chivas Regal 12-year-old in the cosy pop-up bar.

The blending masterclass itself takes place in a large space at the back of the unit which looks a bit like a classroom as it is decked out with little individual wooden tables and chairs laid out with a selection of bottles and other glass accoutrements.  It all kicks off with a brief introduction to the origins and history of grain whisky and single malts from The Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside and Islay.  I found it really quite interesting and learned a lot.

After the host had told us a little bit about the 5 different whisky’s that we had available to blend it was time to get blending.  Even if you don’t normally like the taste of whisky, I’m sure you would enjoy this part which feels a little bit like a science experiment as you are left to your own devices to try to come up with your own take on the Chivas Blend.

Voila, The Everyday Man Whisky Blend was born!

The Blend is running at the Old Truman Brewery until December so you still have plenty of time to try your hand at it.  Tickets cost £15 and are selling fast so if you fancy giving this a shot then you best get yours booked at www.chivas.com/theblend!

#MyChivasBlend

This post has been written in collaboration with Chivas Regal however all of the words and opinions my own.