The sensory result of combining whiskey components cannot be predicted by averaging their individual notes because masking, enhancement, dilution, temporal order, and learned congruence can change the perceived whole.
Simple concentration calculations remain useful for proof, volume, and tracked analytes; the non-additivity claim concerns sensory outcome.
Blending Canadian Whisky: A Review — Full-Source Literature NoteMultisensory Flavour Perception: Blending, Mixing, Fusion, and Pairing within and between the Senses — Full-Source Literature NoteThe Art of Blending: Emma Walker on What Makes a Great Whisky — Full-Source Literature NoteThe Gentle Art of Blending — Full-Source Literature NoteWine Science — Complete Supplied-Copy ReviewA Conversation with John Glaser — Literature NoteFeature Interview – John Glaser of Compass Box — Literature NoteHow to Blend Whisky, Part I — Literature NoteScotch Maverick Reinvents a Once-Conservative Drink — Literature NoteJoe Beatrice: Blending Up Success — Literature NoteThe Art of the Bourbon Blend — Literature NoteBlending, Finishing, and Sourcing with Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson — Literature Note8 Easy Steps to Blend Your Own Whiskey — Literature NoteWhiskey Experiments for Home Imbibing — Literature NoteBehind the Brand: Nic Christiansen — Literature NoteNora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski from Lost Lantern — Literature NoteMilam & Greene — Matched-origin components can isolate maturation effectsNancy Fraley — Blending demands precision, patience, and fault controlHigh West — Component attributes should be mapped before constructionBlenders need iterative bench trials rather than spreadsheet-only predictions. Lost Lantern’s report that peat and mesquite can sometimes combine into less perceived smoke than expected supplies a concrete practitioner example of suppression or reorganization. Component notes remain inputs, not a formula for the final perception.
Expanded with Lost Lantern evidence on 2026-08-29.
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Maturity checklist
Goode: Freshly Reviewed Contribution
The wine discussion on PDF230 and matrix/reconstruction examples237–240 and252–257 support non-additive perception as a reason to test a blend. They do not establish a quantitative whiskey prediction or each mechanism in this shared note. The reconstructed wine differs from its original matrix; preserve this experimental limit. Existing Lost Lantern and other contributions remain separate. Provenance: