So what's your problem with blends?

I realized after my recent post on a few blended scotches that I probably needed to lay out more explicitly and coherently my take on blended scotch. Let's start with the purpose of a blend. You might think that it is obvious -- to be drunk. And you would be right, but only to a limited extent. The nature of a blend is to reflect its original purpose -- to provide a consistent and balanced product with a broad appeal. When Mr. Walker took over from his father in the grocery business, he realized that customers wanted a product that was consistent, not variable, from week to week. As the business of blends took off in the 19th century, and drinks like gin were seen as inconsistent and, potentially, lethal, the idea of a beverage accessible to a broad drinking public took hold. Hence the use of grain whiskies to provide a back-bone for blends that helps even out the fiery malts.

All of this is to say that blends create an enjoyable, drinkable beverage that can contain complex flavors and aromas, but generally are prized for the melding of flavors, not allowing them to stand out or dominate. But unique flavors and aromas are what draw me to a single malt. The smoky peatiness of an Islay. Talisker's pepperiness, which even the new make spirit has, announcing to the world exactly where it came from. The floral and honey notes of a Speysider. All of these announce a unique character and provide a medium to enjoy a slower pace of life contemplating its richness. Or just enjoying it with a good book. Blends, on the other hand, strike me as an "after work" de-stressor, something to be drunk neat or on the rocks or with water or soda, but to be drunk as an enjoyable, but often quickly consumed (not that I am advocating quick consumption) transition from the work-day to the after-hours, or to get things going at a dinner. And finally, they often just seem tad, well, boring.

So, take this all with a grain of salt and enjoy what you want to enjoy, when you want to enjoy it. These opinions are mine own, and therefore subject to reflect all my personal predilections and foibles.