Hankey Bannister 25 Years Old
Decanter
The origin of this well-known brand in blended whisky can be traced back to 1757, when brothers Beaumont Hankey and Hugh Bannister set up a wine and spirit business in London’s West End. Much like many merchants of the time, they decided to make their own blended scotch whisky that would bear their names. Over the years, the blend became very popular, and in 1901, King George V gave the brand a Royal Warrant. In a strange but brilliant marketing stunt, in 1939 the company hired Dr. Seuss’s friend Ted Geisel to re-brand the company’s image in the United States. He created “the Hankey Bird”, a cartoon character wearing a kilt and carrying a big beak. Unfortunately, the “bird” didn’t last very long. In addition to being one of Sir Winston’s go-to drinks during World War II, Hankey was also a popular choice for officers of Her Majesty’s Services and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Inver House distillers purchased the brand in 1988 (now known as International Beverage), and it has since become a massive success in eastern markets like Thailand.
Blended whisky is an artful marriage of different types of whiskies, typically combining grain whiskies with malt whiskies from various distilleries. This blending process aims to achieve a balance, creating a whisky with a harmonious flavour profile where the strengths of each component are highlighted, while any potential weaknesses are cleverly masked. Blended whiskies offer a consistent taste across batches, making them a favourite for both new whisky drinkers and connoisseurs alike. They can vary widely in style, often providing a smoother, more approachable character than single malts, and are perfect for enjoying neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for a cocktail. Each blend is a unique recipe, often kept secret by master blenders, showcasing their expertise in creating a spirit that's greater than the sum of its parts.
