Blended Malts are fast becoming commonplace in the modern day whisky marketplace. Not to be confused with blended scotch, which contains both malt and grain whisky, a blended malt is made by combining a number of single malts from different distilleries. Still a blend yes, but without any so-called ‘inferior’ grain whisky.
Founded in 2005 by William Wemyss, Wemyss Malts are bottlers of fine single cask scotch, sourced from across Scotland’s many distilleries. William had spent many years working in the wine industry but decided to expand the family business by branching out into the national spirit of their homeland. This was not the family’s first dalliance with whisky however, for the legendary John Haig built his first distillery on land leased from the Wemyss family while grain grown on the estate has long been used to supply other local distillers.
Adopting a rather unique approach to their products, each Wemyss release is named for it’s character as opposed to its point of origin. A core range of blended malts known as The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney are supplemented with occasional limited edition releases, the latest of which is Kiln Embers.
Released in 2015 to celebrate the families 10th year in the industry, Kiln Embers relies heavily on malts from Islay. Bottled at 46% and un chill-filtered, it is available in the UK for £40 – £45.
Smell: Smoke and Ash which leap out the glass. Rather like a damp, dying campfire. There’s also Honey, Orange and Lemon, Biscuit and Pastry – Apple Pie even.
Taste: There’s a lovely silky texture on the palate with Orange and Caramel, lots of Pepper and that Smoke and Ash again with a large helping of Liquorice.
Value for Money: For around £40 this is a great buy. As the price of some single malts get higher and customers pay more for younger and younger whisky, blended malts like this represent great value for money.
Great stuff – assuming you like it smokey. If not, try some of the other releases from Wemyss, you won’t be disappointed.