Behind the Scenes of Our Signature Smoothness
Behind the Scenes of Our Signature Smoothness: What Is Blended Whiskey?
Explore the world of blended whiskey as we reveal our secrets to our master blend. Discover the tale behind the beloved Jameson Original.
Explore the world of blended whiskey as we reveal our secrets to our master blend. Discover the tale behind the beloved Jameson Original.
It’s a question many novice whiskey drinkers have had when they have picked up a bottle locally to have at home. Blended Whiskey? Blended with what? Single Malt? Single Grain? What’s the difference? Is whiskey not just well… whiskey?
In the same way, we say all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon, a similar address can be given to blended, single malt, blended malt, and any other iteration that may appear on a whiskey bottle. Yes, you’re holding a whiskey in hand but, they are not all the same.
To get to the bottom of blended whiskey distillation, we’ve spoken to the real magic makers at Jameson, our blenders, to give us some BTS (not the Korean pop band) knowledge and the what’s what of Jameson blended Irish whiskey.
What Is Blended Whiskey?
Blended whiskey is a mixture of whiskeys, multiple distillations, aged in different barrels over varying lengths of time. These are then skillfully combined by our expert blenders to deliver:
- Distinct aromas
- Consistent taste profiles
- The signature smoothness of Jameson
A Brief History
Blended whiskey has long been part of the whiskey world:
- Early bonders purchased whiskey by the barrel and created their own house blends.
- Customers could buy whiskey either directly from distilleries or from third-party blenders.
- Consistency was questionable in those days, but the groundwork for modern blending was set.
Today, blending is what allows whiskey makers to ensure the kind of consistent, flavour-rich experience fans expect with every bottle.
Jameson’s Blending Craft: A Twist of Tradition and Innovation
At Jameson, blending means the union of two distinct styles of whiskey:
- Pot Still Whiskey: Made in batches using malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills.
- Grain Whiskey: Made continuously using maize in a column still, also triple distilled.
These whiskeys are then aged in seasoned ex-Bourbon barrels and seasoned sherry butts for a minimum of three years (often longer).
Once matured, our master blenders get to work, combining these spirits to create the iconic Jameson flavour. You can learn more from our blog on how Jameson Irish Whiskey is made.
Our Jameson family features unique expressions based on different cask types:
- Jameson Black Barrel: features twice-charred cask whiskey
- Jameson Pot Still: no grain whiskey at all, only pot still
Exploring the Flavours: Why Blend?
1. Tradition
We’ve used a combination of malted and unmalted barley for over 200 years. It’s a locally sourced, sustainable grain that brings unmatched smoothness.
2. Flavour
Pot still whiskey is bold and spicy, while grain whiskey is floral and delicate. Blending them gives us a wider flavour spectrum.
Additional layers of complexity come from:
- Different grain harvests
- Varied ageing periods
- A mix of cask types
- Water dilution to achieve balance
Blending is like painting, more colours means more opportunity to create something unique.
The Best Way to Enjoy Blended Whiskey
Start with discovering the right blend for your taste. A guided tasting, like those at Jameson Bow St., is a great place to start.
Once you’ve chosen your whiskey, here’s how to enjoy it:
- Neat or on the rocks
- With a drop of water (learn more from our ‘how to drink whiskey’ guide)
- In a cocktail
- In your favourite Jameson whiskey glass
Drink it your way, there’s no wrong answer.
What Is The Difference Between Blended Whiskey Vs Single Malt?
| Feature | Blended Whiskey | Single Malt Whiskey |
| Ingredients | Mixed grains (e.g., barley, maize) | 100% malted barley |
| Distilleries | Often from one, but may include more | One single distillery |
| Distillation Style | Mix of column and pot stills | Usually pot still only |
| Flavour Profile | Balanced, smooth, versatile | Rich, bold, can vary by year |
| Consistency | Very consistent from year to year | May vary due to harvest or ageing changes |
Here’s a simple breakdown :Still undecided? Explore our Irish Whiskey Family Collection.
What Are The Best Cocktails with Blended Whiskey?
We’re biased, but any cocktail with Jameson is a win. That said, a few classics stand out:
- Jameson Ginger & Lime – Clean, crisp, and refreshing.
- Classic Whiskey Sour – Sweet meets citrusy bite.
- Irish Coffee – Warming and indulgent.
Explore the full cocktail collection and mix it your way.
What Is the Best Blended Whiskey?
The best-blended whiskey is Jameson, hands down. Not only is it the fact that we marry 2 types of whiskey together for the perfect balance; our smoothness from our use of malted and un-malted barley, and triple distillation is unmatched. Being the number 1 Irish whiskey in the world might help our position too.
Don’t believe us? Let the next family gathering or drinks with friends be the judge, we’re pretty sure we’ll change your mind. As for the future of Irish whiskey, you’ll just have to see what Jameson comes up with next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Jameson a blended whiskey?
Yes. Jameson blends pot still and grain whiskey for a uniquely smooth flavour.
What makes blended whiskey different?
It combines multiple styles of whiskey, resulting in more complexity and consistency than single expressions.
Does blended whiskey taste better?
It depends on your preference, but blended whiskeys like Jameson offer a broader flavour profile and are smoother for many.
Is blended whiskey lower quality?
Not at all. Blending is a craft, and quality depends on the ingredients and expertise—something Jameson prides itself on.
Can I mix blended whiskey in cocktails?
Absolutely. Blended whiskey is the bartender’s go-to for its balance and versatility.
Deirdre O’Carroll
Blender at Irish Distillers
Years of expertise: 11
Degree in Food Science and Technology, Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling
About the Author:
Meet Deirdre O’Carroll, Blender at Irish Distillers. She is part of the Blending team, otherwise known as whiskey wizards. It is her job to nose, test and taste all our whiskeys at Irish Distillers, methodically selecting the finest combinations of characteristics from each to create the perfect blended Irish whiskey taste that we all know and love.
