Master blender
Encyclopedia
A master blender is an individual who decides on the composition of blended spirits
. For example, in the Scotch
whisky
industry, master blenders choose which single malts and grain whiskies
are combined to make particular blended whisky
. An important objective is often to maintain consistency over time. A typical blend might be composed of 20 different whiskies whose taste and price will vary over time, and, of course, it is possible that any one of them will go out of production. Consequently, it is sometimes necessary to replace whiskies that go into the blend. Other responsibilities include checking the maturation of spirits.
Master blenders very often work with one or more apprentices who will usually succeed them. Because their job is highly skilled and long term, it is common for them to work with one distiller for a long time. The longest serving master blender is David Stewart
, who has worked at William Grant & Sons
since 1963.
Distilled beverage
A distilled beverage, liquor, or spirit is an alcoholic beverage containing ethanol that is produced by distilling ethanol produced by means of fermenting grain, fruit, or vegetables...
. For example, in the Scotch
Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland.Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky , Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, and Blended Scotch Whisky.All Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three...
whisky
Whisky
Whisky or whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Different grains are used for different varieties, including barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and corn...
industry, master blenders choose which single malts and grain whiskies
Grain whisky
Grain whisky ordinarily refers to any whisky made from at least some grains other than malted barley, such as whisky made using maize , wheat or rye....
are combined to make particular blended whisky
Blended whiskey
A blended whisky is the product of blending different types of whiskies and often also neutral and near-neutral spirits, coloring, and flavorings...
. An important objective is often to maintain consistency over time. A typical blend might be composed of 20 different whiskies whose taste and price will vary over time, and, of course, it is possible that any one of them will go out of production. Consequently, it is sometimes necessary to replace whiskies that go into the blend. Other responsibilities include checking the maturation of spirits.
Master blenders very often work with one or more apprentices who will usually succeed them. Because their job is highly skilled and long term, it is common for them to work with one distiller for a long time. The longest serving master blender is David Stewart
David Stewart (master blender)
David Stewart was the long-time master blender and malt master for William Grant & Sons distillers.Stewart joined the company in 1963 as an apprentice blender and assumed his post as the master blender 7 years later. He was the longest serving master blender in the industry to remain with one...
, who has worked at William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons Ltd. is an independent, family-owned Scottish company which distills Scotch whisky and other selected categories of spirits. It was established in 1887 by William Grant, and is now run by the descendants of the founder. It is the largest of the handful of Scotch whisky...
since 1963.