Bells Whisky
Bell’s is a brand of blended Scotch whisky established by Arthur Bell in the 18th century. The brand contains of just one standard expression as part of their core range. It is an immensely popular blended Scotch whisky brand, and is currently owned by Diageo LLC.
History
The Bell’s Distillery was first established in the year 1798, although Arthur Bell did not create the first Bell’s blend until 1851 by mixing together a number of single malt whiskies as permitted by law back in the day.
Soon, the company was joined by Arthur Kinmond Bell and Robert Bell, Arthur’s two sons, who helped him spread the word about his whisky to new markets including the cities of Britain, and countries abroad.
After the Spirits Act of 1860 legalized the blending of malt and grain whiskies, the Bell’s brand doubled down their focus on blended Scotch whiskies. Later, Arthur Kinmond Bell began running the company by himself, capitalizing on the end of American Prohibition and successfully purchasing three distilleries between 1933 and 1936. The Blair Athol, Dufftown and Inchgower Distilleries were bought by Arthur Bell & Sons Co.
William Govan Farquharson assumed the role of the company’s chairman after Arthur Kinmond’s death, and by this time, Bell’s had already risen to prominence in the United Kingdom. Bell’s blended Scotch became the number one whisky in the country, a position it continues to hold to this day.
Making Process
The Blair Athol provides the fingerprint whisky for the Bell’s Scotch whisky blend with some measure of Islay and Speyside whiskies added into the blend. These whiskies add a smoky, and sweet taste to the Highland whisky of Blair Athol.
Alcohol Percentage
Bell’s Scotch whisky contains an alcohol strength of 40% ABV, the permissible limit for all Scotch whiskies by law.
Awards
Silver Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in the Scotch Whisky – Deluxe Blend in 2017.
Bells Whisky Tasting Notes
Nose
Soft, with aromas of barley, some honey and floral notes.
Finish
Short, with a fruity and smoky aftertaste.
Palate
Smooth, oily with hints of spice