VAT 69 whiskies

History

William Sanderson was a wine and spirits merchant from Leith. In 1882, according to the house’s version, he prepared a hundred blends in numbered vats and invited a group of experts to taste them. The one chosen was vat 69, and that is where the name came from. The brand grew strongly in the first decades of the 20th century, and Sanderson’s company ended up joining the Distillers Company, Diageo’s predecessor. Today VAT 69 is sold as an affordable blend, with an especially strong presence in Venezuela and other Spanish-speaking markets.

House style

VAT 69 is light and sweet, with cereal, vanilla, some white fruit and very little smoke. It is a simple blend, without rough edges or great nuances, with a short, clean finish. It is designed for drinking on the rocks or with a mixer rather than for tasting neat. Its profile is so neutral that it lets the mixer or soda speak, which is why it is common behind bars. Those looking for nuance will find little, but those after a smooth, cheap whisky for mixing have a long-standing option here.

Where to start

VAT 69 is the catalogue’s entry and the way to get to know the brand. If you’re after a cheap, smooth blend for long drinks, it does the job. If you like it and want something with more body without spending much, try Ballantine’s Finest or J&B Rare, and for something richer, a 12-year-old blend such as Chivas Regal 12.

• VAT 69Blend · 40% ABV