Scottish whisky, often simply called Scotch, is perhaps the most renowned of all whiskies. It’s been produced in Scotland for centuries and is protected by strict regulations to maintain its quality and character. There are several types of Scotch, each with its own distinct profile, however the most common are single malt and blended Scotch.
Single Malt
This is one of the most well-known types of Scotch. Single malts are made at a single distillery from 100% malted barley, water and yeast using traditional pot stills. Regions such as Islay are known for their use of peat to kiln-dry their barley, imparting pungent smoky, peaty flavours. Contrastingly, Speyside and Lowland whiskies often have a lighter, fruitier profile.
Blended Scotch
The other most common type of Scotch, blended whisky combines both malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries. World-famous big brands like Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal fall into this category. Blends are typically smoother and more approachable than single malts due to the variety of whiskies that have carefully mixed, making them a popular choice for beginners.
Blended Malt
Formerly known as “vatted malt,” blended malt is a blend of single malt whiskies from different distilleries. Unlike the more widely known variety of blended Scotch, this subcategory is made with single malts only (made from 100% malted barley). Blended malts omit the use of any grain whiskies which are made with alternative cereals such as wheat, millet or maize. A prime example of blended malt whisky would be Monkey Shoulder which blends just 3 malts.
Single Grain
Made at a single distillery using any cereal grain, distilled using column stills. Single grain Scotch is less common than other subtypes, however this emerging category is gaining popularity. It’s often lighter and sweeter than single malt.
Blended Grain
A less common subtype of Scotch, blended grain whisky is made with grain whiskies from multiple Scottish distilleries – excluding any single malts. These must be column distilled in Scotland from a cereal grain (or mixture) including rye, wheat, maize, oats, millet or unmalted barley.
Key characteristics of Scotch
Distilled, aged and bottled in Scotland
Single malts are pot distilled (usually just twice)
Grain whiskies (used in blends) are typically column distilled
Peated whiskies use peat, kiln-dried malted barley with strong smoky flavours
Aged for 3 years minimum
40% ABV minimum (80 proof)
