A Look Into Single Malt Whiskey
Written by Emma C | Updated May 2024
Welcome to the world of single malt whiskey, where tradition meets innovation, and every bottle tells a unique story. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your whiskey-tasting journey, understanding the nuances of single malt whiskey can enrich your appreciation.
Single malt whiskey is more than just a drink; it's a celebration of craftsmanship. While it's most famously associated with Scotland, single malt whiskey can be produced anywhere in the world—including Japan, Taiwan, India, Australia, Sweden, America, and Italy. Each region offers distinct characteristics that influence the flavor profile, adding layers of complexity to this already intricate spirit.
Interestingly, all single malt whiskeys are made from barley, but that's where their similarities end. The variations in flavor come from the unique production processes and environments in which they are crafted. From the peaty, smoky notes of an Islay whiskey to the fruity and floral undertones of a Japanese single malt, the diversity is boundless.
In the sections that follow, we'll explore what sets single malt whiskey apart from other types of whiskeys. You'll learn about its production processes, the factors that contribute to its diverse flavors, and how you can discover your next favorite bottle. Whether you're looking to broaden your palate or find the perfect addition to your collection, our guide will help you make an informed choice.
At Taster's Club, our experts have compiled a list of top selections available in the Taster's Club bottle shop. These curated choices promise an exceptional whiskey experience, tailored to both new enthusiasts and seasoned aficionados alike.
- Top Single Malt: The Glendronach 15 | Aberfeldy 12 Year
- Top Speyside: Aberlour 18 | Benriach The Smoky Twelve
- Top Islay: Ardbeg Uigeadail | Bowmore 15
- Top Highland: Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or | Glengoyne 18
- Top Lowland: Glenkinchie 12 Year Old | Auchentoshan Three Wood
- Top Campbeltown: Glen Scotia 10 Year | Springbank 18
- Top Islands: Arran Sherry Cask Finish ‘The Bodega’ | Old Pulteney Huddart
Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt
Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky is a marriage of whiskies made from peated Scottish barley and unpeated Indian barley. The Indian barley, nourished by the waters of the Himalayan mountains, is grown in a region known as Punjab (meaning "the land of five rivers"), where the cold winters and fiery summers create a unique quality of grain, rich in nutrients and flavor. The malted Scottish barley, which is dried over a peat fire, is imported from Scotland to India.
Aberfeldy 12 Year
This is one of our favorites and best valued Scotches around. Aberfeldy 12 Year is distinguished single malt, nestled in the heart of Highland, Scotland and exudes sophistication with its golden hues and velvety texture. Aged for 12 years in oak casks, this whisky unveils a harmonious fusion of honeyed sweetness, subtle fruity notes, and a hint of spice. Every sip is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this smooth and approachable whisky, inviting you to savor the warmth of tradition and the allure of Highland heritage.
Del Bac Dorado American Single Malt
Whiskey Del Bac Dorado is a single malt whiskey with the true character of the American Southwest. Using the Scottish model of whisky-making, Dorado is made from 100% barley that is malted and smoked over a velvet mesquite fire, mashed, fermented, copper pot distilled, aged, and bottled on-site.
Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
Nikka Whisky introduced its first set of releases from the “Nikka Discovery” series in the U.S. in fall 2021: Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated and Single Malt Miyagikyo Peated. The “Nikka Discovery” series will develop distinctive limited editions over the next three years in anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary in 2024. Each year will focus on a different component of the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced since 1934, offering an inside look at the various experiments within Nikka’s two distilleries.
Teeling Single Malt
Made with Irish whiskeys distilled from 100% malted barley, matured and finished in casks that impart the influence of five wine casks (Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon). This Irish Single Malt Whiskey delivers a unique fruit-forward flavor profile that is complex, yet balanced and has often been described as a "symphony" of flavor.
Omar Single Malt Sherry Cask
Taiwanese single malt whisky matured in Sherry casks at Nantou Distillery. On the palate it is very powerful, ripe orange, dried apricot, honey, raisin, vanilla, cloves, dark chocolate, dried apricot. Finish is strong and rich flavoured.
Penderyn Madeira Finish
Penderyn Madeira Finish is a single malt Welsh whisky that has been finished in Madeira wine casks. The Penderyn distillery is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, and the whisky is named after the nearby village of Penderyn.
Puni Vina Italian Single Malt Whisky
PUNI VINA is our exclusive range of our whisky matured in handselected casks from Sicily which have previously held Marsala wine.In PUNI VINA mixed aromas of fruit cake are dominant. Creamy walnuts and sweet sultanas envelop the palate and notes of plums, orange peel and cherry compote with cinnamon complement the full bodied character.
Westward American Single Malt Cask Strength
Our original single malt, reimagined and offered at cask strength. This whiskey best reflects the skillful finesse of our talented team of brewers-turned-distillers and the beauty of the bounty of the American Northwest. Cask Strength accentuates our rich, locally malted barley, the flavorful beer created in-house, and the newly charred American Oak barrels matured to perfection in Oregon, the ideal environment to raise a world class whiskey.
Westland American Single Malt
Westland is an American Single Malt Distillery in Seattle, Washington. Their focus has always been on a whiskey made out of 100% malted barley and capturing the terroir of the Pacific Northwest in that process. They have been major advocates in ensuring the definition of American Single Malt is defined and their efforts proved fruitful in late 2021. They use a mixture of Ameican Oak (ex-bourbon), European Oak (ex-sherry), and Garryana (an Oak specifically from the Norwest of the USA, in their maturation. They also work with local farmers to source their grain.
With this list of the best single malt Scotch, you’ll never be short of ideas whenever friends drop in, you’re wanting to stock up your home bar, or you just need to put your feet up at the end of the day. The best part is it’s so easy to grab any of these bottles 24/7 from our shop.
Look no further than Taster’s Club for the best Whiskey Subscription Club!
We’ll take you on a personalized bourbon journey by curating amazing bottles from award-winning distilleries from Kentucky and beyond, delivering them straight to your door each month.
Taster’s Club is the Premiere online shop for anyone looking for a curated Liquor of the Month Club or a one-off bottle purchase from our Bottle Shop.
