A Personal Blend

Whether you prefer it smoky, strong, light or mellow, your ideal whisky is just waiting to be created

- by EUAN DUGUID

MY favourite book as a bespectacled juvenile delinquent was George’s Marvellous Medicine.

The sheer chaos of George Kranky’s concoction — shoe polish, antifreeze, engine oil, plus whatever else he could find — was both horrifying and scarily familiar, appealing to my own sense of experimental innovation in my dad’s garage.

When it comes to whisky, I've wisely left those days behind and the blending to the experts. Yet a new trend is emerging that invites consumers to step into the blender’s shoes, crafting their own signature drams.

For centuries, this has been the domain of master blenders — artisans revered for harmonising malts and grains into a symphony of flavour. Theirs is a delicate alchemy, combining casks of varying ages, finishes and characteristics to create balance and complexity.

Today, distilleries and independent bottlers are opening the door to whisky lovers, offering them a taste of the craft while deepening their appreciation for the professionals who shape the spirit.

My sources tell me it's massively popular with tourists from corners who love a blend, such as China.

I first experienced this at Aberlour’s luxurious blending room, where, under expert guidance, I created my own “blend” (albeit using only single malts from the distillery).