What Does a Whisky Distilled in the 1940s Taste Like?

Have you ever wondered what a whisky distilled in the 1940s, 50s or 60s tastes like? It is easy for whisky enthusiasts to think that they are priced out of the opportunity to explore and taste whiskies from historical decades, but that is certainly not the case. We often highlight a lot of single malt in our monthly newsletters and social media, but we are also big believers that blended whiskies are not to be over-looked. 

> Why You Should Give Blended Whiskies A Chance

In particular, older blended whiskies are a really good way to experience whiskies from different eras of production, with older blends offering a more accessible option for whisky lovers and enthusiasts to discover what a whisky distilled in the early 20th century, or legendary periods in the Scotch industry such as the 1960s, tastes like.

We've selected five historic blended whiskies in our current auction that we think offer something a little unusual and quirky for the exploratory whisky tasters out there, alongside the chance to taste whiskies all distilled in the 1940s and '50s.

Each of the whiskies selected below are from Pat's Whisk(e)y Collection, and acquired from the revered Bill Pigati Collection. The Pigati family owned the famous Del Rio bar and restaurant in Chicago since the 1920s, and it amassed a significant collection of spirits over the years. Of these, the majority were blended Scotch, mostly acquired in the 1940s and 1950s when the category was incredibly popular, particularly in the United States.

Five Historical Blended Whiskies from the Bill Pilgati Collection

Inverness Scotch Whisky 1950s / US Import

This is an old blended Scotch, produced from whiskies in the Highland region, from Mackinlay, Munro & Co. It was bottled in the US by Federal Liquors Ltd, MA.

Long John 10 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 1940s / US Import

A wonderful bottle of this classic name of the Scotch whisky industry. This blended whisky was produced by Long John Distiller's of Glasgow and imported to the United States via Dreyfus Ashby of New York.

Sam Schatz 33 Year Old Scotch Whisky 1940s / US Import

Bottled in Scotland, this particular bottle of 33 year old scotch whisky was imported to the United States by Roscoe Importers.

Carlyles Vat 12 Year Old Blended Whisky 1940s / US Import

This is a 12 year old blended whisky produced by Thos. Carlyle & Co of Glasgow in the 1940s. The bottle was then imported to the United States via Edward Simpson & Co of Boston.

Catto's 11 Year Old Extra Special Liqueur 1940s / US Import

A very interesting bottle of blended whisky from the 1940s. This whisky was produced by James Catto & Co. of Aberdeen before being imported to the United States via Julius Loeser & Co of Chicago, Illinois.