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Home » Single Malts vs Blends – Understanding Whisky

Single Malts vs Blends – Understanding Whisky

Single malt whisky is made in a single distillery by using one malted grain (typically barley). The most well-known single malt Scotch whisky is the single malt as it is the basis for the other single malts produced all over the world. Ireland, Japan, America, Canada, and several other countries also produce excellent single malts. The people who drink in India as well as in the U.S., France, Germany, Spain, and Singapore consume the highest amount of whisky and scotch in general as well as a worldwide rise of single malts production as well as sales. Because it generally costs more than single malts, the majority of drinkers consume single malts on their own or reserve the whisky for cocktails with a premium finish.

Single Malt Single Malt. Blended Whisky

Labels for whisky can be a bit confusing, so it’s important for those who drink to be aware of a few commonly used terms. Scotch is the most evident example, the difference between single malt whisky and blended whisky is applicable to all whiskies around the globe. The most important thing to consider is the number of distilleries that were involved in the making of the whisky.

Single Malt Whisky: A mix of malt whiskys made at one distillery using a single type of malted grains.
Blended Whisky is a mix of malted barley and grain whiskys sourced from several distilleries. This includes Scotch brands such as Johnny Walker as well as Chivas Regal.
Blended Malt Whisky Blended Malt Whisky: A mix of malted whiskies produced by different distilleries (it is not made up of grain whiskies).
Whisky Single-Grain: It is made from multiple grains such as barley, corn or wheat, in one distillery.

Fast Facts

The ingredients are malted barley, or another malted grain
Proof: 80-130
ABV: 40-65%
Calories in a shot of 1 1/2-ounce: 95-116
Source: Scotland, Ireland, Japan, U.S., and other places
Taste: Soft, oaky and roasted grain
Aged: 5 years or older
Serve: Straight, with a splash of ice High-end cocktails

What is Single Malt Whisky made of?

Whisky made from single malt is produced just like other whiskies The grains are fermented by yeast to transform sugars into alcohol. Then, the liquid is then distilled into an alcohol-based beverage that is concentrated before it is aged in barrels, blended, and then bottled. Distillers of single malt whisky just employ a few specific techniques to make them and are often similar to the process used in making Scotch.

Malted whisky starts its journey in the same manner as beers. It is typically made from barley (though some make use of Rye) The raw grains are malted by placing them in water to begin the process of germination and then applying heat to stop the sprouting process completely. The process of malting makes the grains more prone to fermentation. Barley that is not malted (or other grains) is used in other whiskies however, not single malt whisky.

Blended scotch is also a popular option, Single malt whisky from Scotch is made with peated malt. Drying barley on locally-sourced peat creates the whisky’s distinctive smoky flavor. Although some single malt producers outside of Scotland employ peat but most prefer kiln dried or roasted malt instead.

Perhaps the most confusing aspect in single malt whisky could be the term “single.” It doesn’t mean the whisky was made out of a specific barrel, or even one batch. They are instead blended whiskies aged in barrels made at a single distillery.

Whatever the type, a lot of whiskies in the world are blended in some way. This is how distillers create an even taste of their whisky year in and year out and the whisky you’re drinking now is nearly exactly the same as the one you drank just five years earlier. If the distillery was relying on one batch or barrel whisky, the profile of the whisky will change with each barrel and the environment impart different tastes to the whisky that gets older. This is why whisky brand’s most popular whiskies are blended, whereas single barrel whiskies or batch whiskies are usually reserved for limited-edition releases.

The single malt scotch is usually blended is a bit surprising for many drinkers. For instance, the Glenlivet 18 year old Single Malt Scotch mixes various whiskies aged in various barrels for at minimum 18 years. The most important thing to consider is the single malt definition, all of the whiskies were made from malted barley in The Glenlivet Distillery.

Single malt whiskys are produced at 40% alcohol-by volume (ABV, at 80 proof) or more. The majority are less than 100 proof, but some can go up to 130 proof.

What does Single Malt Whisky taste like?

Whisky generally is a woody, oaky grain alcohol that has been roasted, typically with vanilla, caramel, fruits, or nut flavors. Single malts are known to amplify and soften these flavors in a way that whisky is extremely smooth. Scotch is a great example it also has an smoky, peaty flavor.

Types

Single malt whiskies from Scotland are among the most well-known and are made from malted barley by itself. Although distillers generally employ the same methods however, the flavor can vary. Single malt whiskies from Scotland exhibit regional character and have distinct flavors because of the local climate and distilling techniques. For instance, whisky from the Highlands is lighter. Speyside whisky is considered to be elegant, and whisky produced in islands Islands is generally slightly salty due to sea air.

Similar to single malts, single malts made in different regions possess their own characteristics and methods of production. Japanese single malts are different from the ones from Scotland since the distillers who founded Scotland were able to study the Scotch style. Irish whisky distilleries typically provide single malts that are considered to be more refined than Scotland’s more popular blended whiskies. There are a variety of American as well as Canadian single malt whiskies are impressive, as many craft distillers are experimenting with grains that aren’t barley as well as other techniques to create their whiskies a distinctive style.

The demand of single malts increased significantly since Glenfiddich brought the initial bottles into market in the U.S. market in the 1960s.1 The development of this segment is fascinating, and it’s a delight to discover the exceptional single malts that come out of Australia, France, Germany, India, Taiwan, and many more.

Where can I buy Single Malt Whisky

Single malt whisky is a well-known reputation and the typical liquor store should offer at the very least a couple of options. To get the most choice, look for an establishment that has a more broad selection of premium spirits or one that is specialized in whisky. Based on the regulations for shipping in your area shopping online can provide an almost endless selection of single malts that you can explore.

In generally, you can expect to spend more on bottles of single malt whisky than you will for a blended whisky. The name of the distillery as well as the age of the particular bottle can also affect the cost. A single malt that is 50 years old Scotch whisky made by a renowned distillery is more expensive than a single malt that is 15 years old. American craft whisky, for example.

How to drink Single Malt Whisky

Because of the price whisky that is single malt is usually sipped straight, particularly that are priced at the top of the line. It can be enjoyed on the rocks, or with the addition of soda or water to release the flavors and aromas. Single malts can make an excellent cocktail however. If you’re at ease mixing single malts at your establishment, then do this because it’s an exceptional high-end cocktail. Whatever whisky you choose most important thing is that you, the drinker, are enjoying the drink.

Cocktail Recipes

Single malt whisky is not often used in cocktails. It is best served in recipes that are simple using just a couple of other ingredients to enhance and showcase the whisky. A great place to begin is with one of the most well-known Scotch cocktails.

Robert Burns
Godfather
Rob Roy
Rusty Nail
Scotch & Soda

Brands that are popular

There are a variety of whisky brands that make one malt whisky. Certain brands specialize in it, while others provide selected bottles that are that are at the peak of their selection.

The Irishman Irish Whisky
It is the Glenlivet Scotch Whisky
Highland Park Scotch Whisky
Knappogue Castle Irish Whisky
Macallan Scotch Whisky Macallan Scotch Whisky
Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky