There's a common misconception that because a certain whisky is labeled "single malt," it must be the product of just a single batch or barrel of whisky. This is incorrect. Most single malts, as you'll see, are a blend, in the sense that they're a mixture of whiskies. The root of all confusion lies in the simple word single. A single-malt scotch whisky is nothing more or less than the product of a single distillery.
Not the product of a single batch or a single barrel, but a single distillery. A single-malt Lagavulin may contain whiskies from many barrels produced at the Lagavulin distillery, but it will contain only whiskies produced at Lagavulin. A single-grain scotch whisky varies only in that it contains barley and one or more other cereal grains, usually wheat or corn.
Again, single is misleading here: it refers not to a product made from a single grain, but a product made at a single distillery. When whisky is aged in oak barrels, a number of variables influence the final character of the spirit.
A full discussion of these variables is beyond the scope of this article, but they include climate variations, where a barrel ages within its warehouse, and even variables in the quality of the oak used to make the barrels.
Because so many variables influence the character of a barrel of whisky, nearly all whiskies on the market today are made by mixing barrels together to achieve a product that's consistent from one release to the next. A master blender at the distillery tastes through the barrels that are ready for release and mixes them to create a product consistent with the brand's flavor profile.
Not every barrel produced at, say, Springbank or Glenmorangie will exactly fit the house style that consumers expect. To achieve that house style, then, requires a blend of whiskies from many barrels.
A single-barrel scotch is the product of a single barrel of whisky, unmixed with whisky from other sources. Because the flavor, aroma, color, and other characteristics vary from barrel to barrel, each barrel release is a unique product. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. Nov 11, , pm EST. Nov 11, , am EST. Nov 10, , am EST.
Nov 9, , am EST. Nov 8, , pm EST. Nov 7, , am EST. Nov 6, , am EDT. Nov 5, , pm EDT. Edit Story. May 31, , am EDT. Pot stills operate on a batch by batch basis and are used primarily for creating a flavourful product.
On the other hand, column stills can be used to produce whisky of a high ABV on a more industrial scale. As we mentioned earlier, different whiskies are often blended together. The need for blending arose because, at the time, single malt scotch had a very strong and raw flavour that not everyone enjoyed.
Through blending, Usher was able to create a scotch that had a milder flavour and appealed to a wider market. Pre, any mix of scotch whiskies could qualify as a blended scotch.
However, the Scotch Whisky Regulations now state that blended scotch whisky has to contain a combination of one or more single malt scotch whiskies and one or more single grain scotch whiskies. The ratio of grain to malt in the blend varies from bottle to bottle. The grain forms the body of the whisky, while the malt gives the whisky additional flavours.
As a result, more expensive blended scotch whiskies will tend to use a higher percentage of malt in their blend. Blended malt scotch whisky means that it has been made from a blend of two or more single malt scotch whiskies from different distilleries. Similarly, a blended grain scotch whisky is the blend of two or more single grain scotch whiskies from different distilleries.
Blended malt scotch is the more common of the two, however there are a few distilleries who sell blended grain scotch for the truly curious whisky connoisseurs out there. We appreciate that all of the terminology surrounding whisky can get pretty confusing. Hopefully this crash course has given you a better understanding of the different varieties of scotch whisky available on the market. Here at Kilchoman, we specialise in crafting the finest single malt scotch whisky that Islay has to offer!
The combination of lightly peated barley matured in both bourbon and sherry casks creates an intense combination…. Please provide your registered email address in the box below and we will send an email with a link to reset your password. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will continue to review the regulations. December 13, Blended Scotch Whisky As we mentioned earlier, different whiskies are often blended together.
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