What are the Types of Single Malt – Discovering Your Whisky Style
Single malt whisky , while commonly associated with Scotch, is a diverse and evolving spirit enjoyed worldwide. Traditionally, Scotch whiskey regions such as the Highlands, Islay, and Speyside have been celebrated for their distinct styles. However, single malt is not confined to Scotland. Distilleries in Ireland, Japan, and the New World are pushing the boundaries of flavour and production.
In this article, you’ll explore the various types of single malt whisky, from the peaty and smoky to the sweet and fruity and discover how different regions and cask types influence the final taste. We’ll also challenge the mainstream perception that whisky is all about Scotch, introducing exciting innovations from around the globe. Seasoned whisky connoisseurs and beginners alike might find this article broadens their understanding and appreciation of single malt whisky beyond its traditional roots.
How Many Types of Single Malt are There?
Defining the types of single malt would be equally challenging as defining the types of wine available. Each region and distillery have something unique to offer. However, some factors such as production, regulations and regional styles can help to group whiskies in the single malt category to making is easier to find your new favourite bottle.
Single malt whisky can be produced anywhere in the world and there aren’t as many rules about its production as you might think – just that it’s made from 100% malted barley, aged in wood for three years, and produced from a single distillery. Learn why we’ve identified the following 14 different types of single malt.
Regions
- Highlands (Scotch)
- Islay (Scotch)
- Speyside (Scotch)
- Islands (Scotch)
- Campbeltown (Scotch)
- Lowlands (Scotch)
- Irish
- Japanese
- New World
Styles
- Peated
- Unpeated
- Sherry cask
- Bourbon cask
- Red wine cask
What are the Main Regions That Produce Single Malt Whisky?
Single malt Scotch whisky
Often, the term single malt is used interchangeably with Scotch. There are six Scotch whisky regions to be aware of.
- Highlands: these Scotch whiskies usually have more accessible flavours – light and grassy with honey, baked fruit and spice.
- Islay: these are the most characteristic of their terroir and are often heavily peated. The most savoury of Scotches, Islay displays herbaceous, floral, salty and smoky flavours. One of the peatier brands, Laphroaig, comes from this region.
- Speyside (part of the Highlands): these Scotch whiskies usually take on more character from their barrels and can be full-bodied with notes of fruit, spice, herbs and occasionally smoke.
- Islands: Similarly to Islay, Island whiskies offer maritime flavours, owing to the proximity with the sea, with delicate smoke in comparison.
- Campbeltown: These whiskies prioritise peat and smokiness but are much lighter and display herbal, grassy flavours too.
- Lowlands: usually comprising blended Scotch whiskies, Lowland single malts are few and far between. Typically, these have accessible and light characteristics.
Irish whisky
Irish whisky is quite different to the world of Scotch due to variations in production techniques. It’s more common for whiskies to be distilled in copper pot stills a third time rather than the standard double distillation. This typically creates a crisper, cleaner spirit. If you enjoy lighter flavours with plenty of vanilla, citrus fruit and spice, or want a versatile spirit for cocktails – triple distilled Irish whisky could be favourable.
Japanese whisky
Japan is known for creating delicate styles of single malt that express floral, herbal and citrus notes. They’re refined, smooth, fragrant and rarely peated.
New World whisky
There is a huge abundance of flavour and quality on offer outside of Scotland, Ireland and Japan. Without the strict rules on whisky production, distilleries from all around the world can create equally mature whiskies with a younger age statement. The flavours available in the New World category can tailor to all tastes and preferences whether you’re a die-hard Islay drinker or it’s your first time tasting single malt whisky .
“New World whisky is for people asking questions outside of the widely held belief that single-malt whisky is synonymous with Scotch...it breaks down barriers to entry by making whisky based on flavour and not restrictive regulation”
- Rob Patchett, Whisky Ambassador at Cotswolds Distillery
There are thousands of New World producers in Canada, Australia, Taiwan and England. Explore some of the best English Whisky, Produced “in and of the Cotswolds”
The Difference Between Peated and Unpeated Single Malt Whisky?
Many of the most famous Scottish distilleries produce peated whisky so it has almost become the default flavour. However, peat doesn’t appeal to everyone. Learn the difference and why you may want to choose an unpeated whisky.
Peated Single Malt Whisky
When we get into flavours and styles, our categories start to overlap. The distinctive smoky flavour from peated single malt whisky comes from the peat fires used to dry malt. Any region is permitted to peat their whiskies but some regions – particularly Islay Scotch – are best known for their peated expressions. Some distilleries use peated casks (recycled casks from the production of peated whisky). This gives a more delicate smokiness without overpowering the profile of single malt.
Unpeated Single Malt Whisky
Any single malt whiskies that don’t use peat fires to dry their malt or ex-peated casks will not have its characteristic smokiness. If you prefer sweeter, fruity and spicy expressions over a full bodied and savoury spirit, you may want to choose an unpeated single malt.
What sets Sherry Cask Apart from Bourbon Cask Single Malt?
It’s typical for whisky to mature in seasoned barrels. Over 90% of whisky production globally uses recycled oak casks. There are strict rules in Scotland, and you’ll typically encounter three types of casks, Sherry, Bourbon or red wine – each imparts its own flavour profile.
Ex-Sherry cask whisky
Sherry casks, that were previously used to age Sherry, impart sweet, fruity and raisiny flavours onto the whisky. Drier Oloroso Sherry can offer a completely different expression to ex-Pedro Ximenez casks. Read more about Sherry cask whisky.
Ex-Bourbon cask whisky
Similarly to ex-sherry casks, many whiskies use ex-Bourbon casks (American grain whisky, usually produced from maize) to offer flavours of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, toast and spice. American oak, used in Bourbon production, is much sweeter than earthy European oak. Read more about Bourbon cask whisky.
Ex-red wine cask whisky
Finally, red wine casks offer a range of flavours from chocolate, red fruits, flowers or herbs. Red wine cask maturation often results in a delightfully rich whisky. Read more about red wine cask whisky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your favourite single malt whisky and why?
“I have a very long relationship with the Signature whisky because I actually bottled the first ever batch...I also love to drink it. It has all of those big, accessible, fruity flavours.
It can defined in different ways - marmalade on toast, apples & pears, honey and lemon. It’s just a really great whisky, you can have it with water, you can have it on ice or in a cocktail. It’s really a Swiss army knife of whisky.
However you want to drink your whisky it can deliver for you and there are very few whiskies in the world that can do that.”
- Rob Patchett, Whisky Ambassador at Cotswolds Distillery
What are the attributes of a superb single malt whisky?
The characteristics of a good whisky entirely depends on what you enjoy. However, if you prefer malt whisky, a single malt is the best way to experience unique flavour profiles that reflect the region and production techniques. Read about flavour profiles of single malt whisky
Which single malt should I buy first?
If you’re new to whisky, the best approach is to choose a versatile style of whisky which you can enjoy on its own, in a cocktail or mixed. You may want to avoid overly peaty, or smoky styles for your first bottle. Choose Bourbon cask single malt if you enjoy butterscotch, toast and cinnamon. Choose a Sherry cask single malt if you love fruit & nut chocolate.
Emerging trends or innovations in the world of single malt whisky production?
New World whiskies are constantly evolving to bring you new and exciting flavour combinations. Some producers use interesting barrel seasonings such as vermouth, sake, maple syrup or even Tabasco. Whether or not maple syrup whisky excites you, it’s certainly not something that many producers can offer.