As far as I remember blended Scotch still makes up the majority of the Scotch market. So in principle I don't see them as being that different. What I do see is

As far as I remember blended Scotch still makes up the majority of the Scotch market. So in principle I don't see them as being that different. What I do see is that you can buy good aged rum from good distillers at cheaper than the equivalent Scotch. Now it's all a matter of taste but when it comes down to it, would you rather have a cheaper good quality rum or an average/poor scotch for the same price? Scotch distillers are increasingly putting out non age statement bottlings of younger Scotch for prices that they once charged for 10 or 12 year matured Scotch, I think if they continue to do that those who've developed a taste for good spirit will look elsewhere and find Rum which is a very handy replacement.