What is a Blended Whisky? By Derek Rogers

A blended whisky is made when different kinds of whisky are mixed together, typically mixing a 100% malt whisky, with another derivative, which will often be created using different grains and other ingredients to the purer malt. It is not unusual to have anywhere from 15 to 40 different single malt whiskies and grain whiskies in a blended whisky.

Because of blending, it is possible to take several inferior tasting whiskies and come up with a unique whisky blend that is better tasting than any of the individual whisky types it contains. Distilleries can take years acquiring the art of a blended whisky which contains malt and grain whiskies that complement each other and have a unique and palatable taste.

Blending is an art which may involve experimentation to achieve the best flavouring. Blending in no way dilutes the whisky, in fact additional flavour can be achieved through the aging time and type of wood used for the aging cask. It’s important to note that in Scotland, whisky must be aged at least 3 years before it can be classified as whisky. It’s not unusual for some whisky to be aged for more than 20 years, which adds to the flavour, much the same principle as wine.

A single malt whisky is considered the best by purist whisky drinkers and a blend is considered inferior, since blended whisky uses other ingredients which act as fillers for flavouring. Grain alcohol is an ingredient on any bottles that are “blended whisky”, as opposed to “blended Malt whisky” or vatted malt, which means that it is a blend of only malt whisky, in different formulations. Typically, blends may have 65 to 85% grain whisky and 15 to 35% malt whisky.

It’s not unusual to have blended whisky that has a sweet taste of honey, a smoked flavour, a fruity flavour or something else entirely. Many whisky drinkers actually prefer blended whisky because they are sometimes smoother and have better flavours. Blenders also may mix caramel in for colour uniformity.

In blending, the grain whiskies are neutral and the single malt whiskies are what might bring the flavour. Certain malt whisky, such as Island or Islay malts have a spicy rich flavour, while Speyside malts may have a smoky, fruit, apple or sherry character.

Once a successful blend of whisky has been achieved, the blender has to determine demand in the future and has to decide when the different single malt whiskies will be ready to use in a blend versus grain whiskies. In other words, flavour enhancement can come in varying ages, where some might peak at 5 years and others might take 10 or 12 years.

Once they have reached maturity, they will be mixed in a blending vat and returned to the aging cask for the flavours to mingle for months, in order to improve flavor; although there are some distilleries that bring them together in the bottling stage. The process of combining malt whisky with other malt or grain whisky is known as vatting, which is why you may hear blended whisky also referred to as vatted whisky.

Blended whisky is a certain recipe of different whiskies that have a distinct taste, and most whisky drinkers tend to stick with certain blends, once they have found the one they prefer most.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=381524&ca=Food

Vegetarian Recipes - What is the Difference in Veg and Vegan Recipes? By Sunil Punjabi

Humans have been eating meat and animal products for many millennia, ever since evolution began and they evolved from apes. Vegetarianism on the other hand is a few thousand years old, and Veganism is just a few decades old and is an extreme form or subset of vegetarianism, where all animal products are avoided. Whatever food is consumed, whether meat based, veg, or vegan, cooking is an integral part of eating food and this requires Recipes. There are thousands of Vegetarian Recipes, Vegan Recipes and Recipes for meat based dishes that are available on hundreds of websites.

Some of these Home cooking recipes have been handed down through generations from mother to daughter and mother-in-law to daughter-in-law. Although humans have been consuming vegetables and plant products, along with meat and other animal products, for many millennia, vegetarianism dissuades consumption of all types of meat, and eggs too. Some communities do not consider eggs as a non-vegetarian item, but in countries like India, eggs are not considered vegetarian and are not consumed by strict vegetarians. Many individuals are used to meat and egg based dishes, along with a few veggies in salads and soups. But they are unaware that there are thousands of Veg Recipes available that can be used to make a complete meal, including soups, starters, appetizers, main course dishes, and desserts.

Vegetarianism evolved with religions and cultures over many millennia. Many religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism have strict rules regarding food consumption. Meat and eggs, and products made from these are strictly prohibited in many religions, castes, and communities. Thus evolved the dependence on vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. This led to the evolution of Vegetarian Recipes over the millennia, with each caste, community, and even individual households having their own variations of standard recipes and ways to cook food. Vegetarianism is gaining ground in western countries like the US, UK, and Europe, but the opposite is happening in Eastern countries like India, where people are becoming more aware of western meat dishes and recipes.

Although vegetarianism does not exclude animal products like milk, and products made from milk, like butter, Ghee, sweets, chocolates, desserts, ice creams, etc, Veganism excludes these too. Donald Watson and Elsie Shringley started veganism and the Vegan Society in 1944. Veganism excludes all animal products as food, including milk and milk products. Anything that involves exploitation of animals for food, clothing, or any purpose is excluded for use. As veganism evolved, so did Vegan Recipes, which excluded all animal products for food consumptions. Veganism still includes all vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices, and there are hundreds of Recipes available for vegans.

Although Fast food and eating out in restaurants has become a necessity due to the hectic lifestyle, many families are turning back to healthy home cooking and the recipes handed down from past generations are coming in handy. Many individuals are also willing to try new Veg Recipes, meat and egg based Recipes and even Vegan Recipes. As they say, variety is the spice of life, and adding some variety to daily meals is sure to entice the family back to the dining table, instead of ordering pizzas and burgers, or taking the family out to lunch and dinner, which is an expensive affair.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=380548&ca=Food