What is Single Malt Whisky?

Single malt whisky under the UKs Scotch Whisky Regulations must be made 100% from malted barley, distilled using pot stills, aged for at least three years in oak casks at a maximum capacity of 700 litres and, most importantly, made at a single distillery. It's very important to note that the word single really conveys the fact it is from one distillery, not a single batch or single barrel product. Single Malts are often the result of a blend of barrels and batches from the distillery's stock, taste tested by the master blender to achieve the house style.

From the 1800s, blended whisky became popular as it was cheaper and more efficient to produce. It wasn't until the late 20th Century that single malt saw a resurgence and is now considered as one of the most premium styles you can buy. Expect the very best to have flavours of tobacco, dried fruit, raisins, leather, spice (cloves, anise), oak and smoke.

Whilst single malts are generally associated with Scotch, they are produced throughout the world. You'll find Irish, American, Japanese, Swedish and more on our page here.