What is single malt whiskey? Beginner's Guide

What is single malt whiskey? Beginner's Guide

Differences between single malt and blended whiskey

Technically, single malt whiskey is a blend of malt whiskey produced in a distillery. 

That doesn't mean it's the same as a blended whiskey, whether it's scotch or any other style. For example, the world's most famous blended Scotch whiskey, Johnny Walker, is produced with malted barley whiskey and grain whiskey. Very often, the whiskeys come from multiple distilleries. 

There is also "Blended malt whiskey". This is a blend of malted whiskeys produced in various distilleries. Unlike blended scotch, it does not include grain whiskey.

While scotch is the most obvious example, the same distinction between single malt and blended whiskey applies everywhere in the world. The most important factor is the number of distilleries which played a role in the production of whiskey.

To further increase the confusion, you will also find “whisky single grain”. These can be made from more than one type of cereal, including barley, corn or wheat. 

The word "single" refers, once again, to the distillery, because all the whiskey will have been produced in one place.

What is single malt whiskey made of?

The word "single" is the most confusing part of single malt whiskey. 
That it does not mean that the whiskey comes from a single barrel or even from a single batch. 

Instead, these are typically blends of various barrel-aged whiskeys; many single malt whiskeys in the world, regardless of style, are blended in some way.

The fact that single malt scotch is almost always a blend it is quite surprising for most drinkers. 

For example, the Glenfiddich 18 Single Malt Scotch is a mix of various whiskeys that have been aged in different barrels for at least 18 years. All of these were distilled from malted barley and produced at the Glenfiddich distillery, although some are over 18 years old.

Blending is how master stills are capable of guarantee a homogeneous taste in their whiskey year after year. 

If you taste one of the distillery's flagship expressions this year, it should be nearly identical to the one you tasted five years ago. 

On the other hand, if the distillery relied on a single barrel or batch, the whiskey profile would constantly change and ultimately leave consumers doubtful or even worse, disappointed. 

Not a bad thing, though the single cask or batch is generally reserved for special collections and the limited edition versions that many distilleries offer.

The word "malt" on a whiskey label completes the definition of single malt whiskey. Malted whiskey actually begins its life the same way as most beer.

Raw barley grains are malted by soaking them in water to start the germination process, then heat is applied to prevent the grain from fully sprouting. 

This makes them susceptible to the fermentation process during which yeast is introduced. At the basic level, beer and whiskey differ in that the whiskey is distilled to concentrate the fermented "beer". This produces a drink with a higher alcohol content.

The one thing that continues to make Scottish single malts stand out is the use of peaty malt, which is also used in mixed scotch. 

La bag gives the scotch that characteristic smoky profile. 
Very few of the other single malts produced in the world use peat, opting instead for kiln dried or roasted malt. 

Unmalted barley can also be used in whiskey making, but that grain will not be used in a single malt whiskey.

What does single malt whiskey taste like

Il whiskey, in general, it tastes of alcohol, woody grain, and toasted aromas. It can also have notes of caramel, vanilla, fruit or nuts. 

Single malts tend to amplify these taste characteristics and, at the same time, soften them so that the drink is of a superior softness. In the case of scotch, there is also a more or less evident peaty and smoky nuance.

Types of single malts

Scotland's single malt whiskeys are the best known and must only be made from barley malt. 

In general, they are produced in the same way, albeit they don't all taste the same. Beyond the different methods used in each distillery, the single malt whiskeys of the various regions of Scotland  they have a unique aromatic profile due to the characteristic climate and distillation practices. 

For example, Highland whiskey is lighter, the Speyside whiskey it is considered elegant and whiskey produced on the "Islands" tends to be slightly salty from the ocean air.

Similarly, single malts produced in other locations will have their own characteristics and methods. Some may also use grains other than barley.

Japanese single malts can compete with Scottish ones. Irish whiskey distillers often offer single malts which are considered more refined than the more common blend. 

A number of American single malt whiskeys are quite impressive, and some artisanal distillers experiment with grains other than barley. 

You can also find excellent single malts from Canada, France, Germany, India and Taiwan, as well as many other places.

Where to buy single malt whiskey

Single malt whiskey tends to be prestigious, and the average liquor store may only have a few labels. For the best selection, you may need to look for a store with a larger selection of high-end spirits or one that specializes in whiskey. 

Online shopping offers an almost infinite choice of single malts to explore. We invite you to take a look at ours whiskey selection, ranges from some "daily" labels to real rarities.

In general, you can expect to pay more for a bottle of single malt whiskey than you would for a blended whiskey. 

The prestige of a distillery is also found in the price. However, many of the American and Irish single malts are surprisingly affordable compared to their Scottish counterparts.