How to Drink Single Malt Whisky

Single malt whisky is made by a single distillery using a single malted grain (typically barley). The most popular single malt Scotch whisky is the single malt which is also the basis for other single malts made across the globe. Ireland, Japan, America, Canada, and several other nations also make excellent single malts. Drinkers from India as well as Canada, India, the U.S., France, Germany, Spain, and Singapore consume the highest amount of whisky and scotch overall globally, as well as an growth the production and consumption of single malts as well as sales. Since it usually costs more, most drinkers enjoy single malts by themselves or save the whisky for cocktails with a premium finish.

Single Malt vs. Blended Whisky

Whisky labels can be confusing, therefore it’s a good idea for whisky drinkers to grasp a few standard terms. While scotch is an obvious case, the difference between single malt and blended whisky can be found anywhere around the globe. The most significant aspect is the way that distilleries were involved in the making of whisky.

Single Malt Whisky A mixture of malt whiskys made at only one distillery made from a particular type of malted grains.
Blended Whisky is a mix of malted barley and grain whiskys from numerous distilleries. This includes scotch brands such as Johnny Walker or Chivas Regal.
Blended Malt Whisky: A blend of malted whiskies that are produced at several distilleries (it does not include grain whiskys).
Single Grain Whisky: Whisky distilled by blending more than one grain, including 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 1 1/2-ounce shot: 95-116
The origins of the country: Scotland, Ireland, Japan, U.S., and more.
Taste: Smooth, oaky and roasted grain
Aged 5 years or more
Serve: Straight, with a splash of ice High-end cocktails

What Is Single Malt Whisky Made Of?

Single malt whisky can be produced like any other whisky in that the grains are fermented with yeast in order to convert the sugars to alcohol, and the liquid is then distilled into a distilled alcoholic drink before it is aged in barrels, blended, and bottled. Distillers of single malt whisky just apply a few special techniques along the way and are often similar to the process used in making whisky called scotch.

Malted whisky starts its life the same way as beers. Usually, it is made using barley (though certain whiskies use Rye) The raw grains are malted by soaking them in water to start the germination process and then applying heat to stop the sprouting process completely. The process of malting makes the grains more prone to fermentation. Unmalted barley (or other grains) is used for other whiskies however, not single malt whisky.

Also used in blended scotch, single malt Scotch whisky utilizes peated malt. Drying the barley with locally-sourced peat gives the whisky its signature smoky profile. While some single malt producers outside of Scotland also use peat, most opt for kiln-dried or roasted malt instead.

Possibly the most confusing part of single malt whisky is “single.” It does not mean the whisky is directly from one barrel or even a single batch. They are instead blended whiskies that have been aged in different barrels produced at one distillery.

It doesn’t matter what style, most whiskies in the world are blended. It’s the way distillers achieve a consistent taste in their whisky year after year and the whisky you’re drinking now is nearly identical to the bottle you had last year. If the distillery relied on just one barrel or batch whisky, the flavor profile of the whisky will always change. Each barrel, as well as the ambient conditions create different flavors in the final whisky as it ages. This is why whisky brand’s most popular whiskies are blended, whereas single barrel whiskies are frequently reserved for special limited-edition releases.

The simple fact that single malt Scotch is typically blended is somewhat surprising to many drinkers. For instance, the Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch mixes various whiskys aged in different barrels for at minimum 18 years. Essential to the single malt definition, all of the whiskies were made from malted barley at The Glenlivet Distillery.

Single malt whiskys can be bottled at 40 percent alcohol-by volume (ABV, the proof is 80) or higher. Most are below 100 proof, however some may reach 130 proof.

What does Single Malt Whisky Taste Like?

In general, whisky tastes like woody, oaky grain alcohol that has been roasted, often with caramel, vanilla fruit, or nut flavor. Single malts are known to amplify and reduce these characteristics at the same time, ensuring that whisky has a smoother taste. In the case of Scotch, there’s also the smoky, peaty taste.

Types

The single malt whiskies of Scotland are the best-known and must be made using malted barley on its own. While distillers typically employ the same methods, the taste varies. Scotland’s single malt whiskys beautifully display regional characteristics and develop distinctive flavors due to the hyper-local climate and distilling practices. For example, whisky made in the Highlands is more light, Speyside whisky is seen as elegant, and whisky distilled in the Islands tends to be slightly salty because of salty ocean breezes.

Like single malts, single malts created in different locations possess their own characteristics and methods of production. Japanese single malts compete with those from Scotland since the distillers who started it all studied the scotch style. Irish whisky distilleries generally provide single malts that are considered to be more refined than Scotland’s more common blended whiskys. A variety of American whiskies and Canadian single malt whiskies are quite impressive as several craft distillers experiment with grains that aren’t barley as well as other methods to give their whiskys a distinct style.

The market to purchase single malts increased considerably since Glenfiddich introduced the early bottles on market in the U.S. market in the 1960s.1 The expansion of this segment is fascinating, and it’s delightful to see the outstanding single malts coming through Australia, France, Germany, India, Taiwan, and many other places.

Where can I purchase Single Malt Whisky

Single malt whisky is a well-known reputation and the typical liquor store should have at least a few choices. To get the most selection, choose an establishment that has a more diverse selection of premium spirits or one that specializes in whisky. Based on the regulations for shipping the place you reside buying online provides an almost endless selection of single malts available to try.

In general, you can expect to pay more for a bottle of single malt whisky than for a blended whisky. The name of the distillery and the age of the particular bottle can also affect the cost. A 50-year old single malt Scotch whisky produced by a well-known distillery is more expensive than a single malt that is 15 years old. American craft whisky, for instance.

How to drink Single Malt Whisky

Because of the price, single malt whisky is typically consumed straight, particularly in the premium category. It can be served on the rocks, or with the addition of soda or water to bring out the aromas and flavors. Single malts make for an extremely enjoyable cocktail though. If you’re comfortable mixing the single malt in your bar, do so because it will produce an outstanding high-end drink. Whatever whisky you choose most important thing is that you, as the drinker, have fun with the whisky you’re drinking.

Cocktail Recipes

Single malt whisky is seldom called for in cocktails. It is best served in recipes that are simple with just one or two other ingredients that complement and display the whisky. A great place to begin is with one of the most well-known whisky cocktails.

Robert Burns
Godfather
Rob Roy
Rusty Nail
Scotch & Soda

Brands of the Year

A variety of whisky brands create the single malt whisky. Certain specialize in it and others only offer selected bottles that are that are at the peak of their selection.

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