Single Malt Whisky

Buying guide: Single Malt Whisky

Single malt whisky is a type of whisky that comes exclusively from a single distillery (hence "single") and is made from malted barley and water (hence "malt"). This whisky is distilled in copper pot stills and matured in oak casks for at least three years, although many single malts are aged for much longer. Single malt whiskies are characterized by their complex aromas and taste profiles, which are strongly influenced by the origin, storage and specific production processes of the respective distillery.

Our recommendations of the best single malt whiskies

The mild one: Glenmorangie 10 years 

Glenmorangie 10 year old, also known as Glenmorangie Original, is a classic single malt. This Scottish whisky distillery in Tain uses the highest stills in Scotland, resulting in a particularly mild and fruity whisky. The maturation in American white oak casks, which are used a maximum of twice, gives it an exceptional smoothness and complexity. The taste is characterized by citrus fruits, ripe peaches and a fine vanilla note. The finish is clear and soft with a hint of oranges and peaches. Glenmorangie 10 year old is the perfect choice for beginners and lovers of mild whiskies.

The smoky one: Lagavulin 16 years 

Lagavulin 16 year old comes from the renowned distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, which is known for its heavily smoky and peaty whiskies. This single malt offers an intense experience with strong peat smoke, maritime notes and a hint of seaweed. The 16-year maturation in oak casks gives it a gentle sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the smoky aromas. On the palate, a powerful combination of dryness, sea flavors and a subtle sweetness unfolds, culminating in a long, smoky finish. Lagavulin 16 year old is ideal for lovers of intense and complex whiskies.

The full-bodied one: Aberfeldy 12 years 

Aberfeldy 12 year old is an outstanding single malt Scotch whisky that has been distilled since 1898. It impresses with its golden color and the floral scent of heather and wild honey. Aromas of pineapple, roasted aromas and cereals complete the taste profile. On the palate, Aberfeldy 12 year old offers a rich taste of wild honey, which finishes dry and spicy with a hint of orange. The Aberfeldy distillery has received numerous awards since 2000, underlining the quality of this whisky. Ideal for those looking for a balanced and aromatic whisky.

The extraordinary: Jack Daniel's American Single Malt 

Jack Daniel's is best known for its Tennessee whiskey, but the distillery has broken new ground with the 2023 American Single Malt Edition. This limited bottling, which is only available in travel retail, is characterized by its exceptional mildness and complexity. After charcoal filtering, the whisky matures in freshly charred oak casks and is finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a rich and complex whisky with notes of dark chocolate, coated nuts and berries, rounded off with a sweet sherry finish. A must for connoisseurs and collectors.

The most popular single malt distilleries

Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich, founded in 1887, is one of the best-known and best-selling single malt whisky brands in the world. The distillery is located in Dufftown, Scotland, and is known for its innovative production methods and high-quality whiskies. Glenfiddich whiskies are known for their fruity and floral notes and have won numerous awards. The 12-year-old Glenfiddich is particularly popular and is characterized by fresh, fruity aromas with a hint of pear and oak.

Macallan

Macallan is another iconic Scottish distillery, famous for its luxurious single malts. The distillery was founded in 1824 and is located in the Speyside region. Macallan is known for using high-quality Spanish oak sherry casks, which give their whiskies rich and complex flavors. The Macallan Terra is a prime example of the distillery's exquisite quality and offers notes of dried fruit, spice and chocolate.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg, a legendary distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, is known for its heavily smoky and peaty whiskies. The distillery was founded in 1815 and has built a reputation for exceptionally complex and intensely aromatic whiskies. Ardbeg whiskies are characterized by strong peat smoke notes combined with citrus and vanilla aromas. The Ardbeg AN OA is particularly popular with lovers of smoky whiskies and offers an unmistakable taste experience.

Highland Park

Highland Park is the northernmost Scottish whisky distillery, located on the Orkney Islands. The distillery was founded in 1798 and is known for its perfectly balanced whiskies, which have both peaty and sweet notes. Highland Park whiskies are traditionally made with peat from Hobbister Moor, which gives them a unique smokiness.

Balvenie

Balvenie, located in the Speyside region, was founded in 1892 and is known for its traditional approach to whisky production. The distillery operates its own maltings, uses in-house coppersmiths and runs its own cooperage to care for the casks. Balvenie whiskies are characterized by their warm, honeyed sweetness and complex aromas. The Balvenie The Creation of A Classic, which is matured in two different types of cask, offers notes of dried cloves and chai.

Laphroaig

Laphroaig, located on the island of Islay, was founded in 1815 and is famous for its heavily peated and medicinal whiskies. Laphroaig whiskies are known for their intense aromas of peat smoke, iodine and seaweed, combined with a surprising sweetness. The Laphroaig PX Cask is a typical representative of this distillery and offers a powerful, smoky experience with a long-lasting finish.

Single malt whiskies from different countries

Scotland

Scotland is the home of single malt whisky and offers an impressive variety of whiskies produced in different regions. Each region has its own style and character. Here is an overview of the most important whisky regions in Scotland:

• Highlands: Known for its mild and complex whiskies, which often offer a variety of aromas and flavors. This region produces both light and heavier, rich whiskies.
• Speyside: This region is known for its fruity and floral aromas. Speyside whiskies are often elegant and sweet, with notes of apple, pear, honey and vanilla. It is the region with the highest density of distilleries in Scotland.
• Islay: Famous for its heavily smoky and peaty whiskies. The whiskies from this region are often powerful and intense, with pronounced aromas of peat smoke, seaweed and a maritime breeze.
• Lowlands: Whiskies from the Lowlands are light and smooth, with delicate floral and grassy notes. This region produces smooth whiskies that are often enjoyed as an aperitif.
• Campbeltown: Although only a few distilleries are still in operation today, Campbeltown was once known as the "whisky capital of the world". The whiskies from this region are often salty and maritime, with a certain complexity and depth.
• Islands: This unofficial region includes the whisky islands around the Scottish coast, such as Skye, Orkney and Jura. The whiskies of the Islands are diverse and can be both smoky and sweet, often with maritime notes and a hint of salt.

Ireland

Irish single malt whisky is distinguished by its triple distillation, which makes it particularly mild and smooth. Ireland has a long tradition of whisky production and offers a range of outstanding single malts that are characterized by their fruity and spicy notes. Well-known brands include Bushmills and Teeling.

Japan

Japanese single malt whisky has gained international recognition in recent decades. The distilleries in Japan combine traditional Scottish methods with Japanese precision and attention to detail. The result is whiskies that are renowned for their purity and complexity. Brands such as Hakushu are appreciated worldwide and offer unique taste experiences.

Choosing the right whisky

Choosing the right single malt whisky can be a challenge, especially with so many options to choose from. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Taste preferences: Think about which flavors appeal to you the most. Do you prefer mild and fruity whiskies such as Glenmorangie 10 year old or intense, smoky whiskies such as Lagavulin 16 year old?

Age: The age of a whisky can have a big impact on its taste. Older whiskies are often more complex and have deeper flavors, while younger whiskies can be fresher and livelier.

Origin: Different countries and regions offer different styles of single malt whisky. Explore the diversity of the Scottish regions or try whiskies from other countries such as Ireland, the USA or Japan.

Occasions: Think about the occasions on which you would like to drink the whisky. A mild whisky could be good as an aperitif, while a complex, smoky whisky is ideal for after-dinner enjoyment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is single malt whisky?

Single malt whisky is a spirit made from malted barley and water. It comes from a single distillery and is distilled in copper stills.

How does single malt whisky differ from blended whisky?

Single malt whisky comes from a single distillery, while blended whisky is a mixture of different whiskies (often also grain whisky) from different distilleries.

What is the difference between bourbon and single malt whisky?

Bourbon is mainly made from corn and usually comes from the USA, while single malt whisky is made from malted barley and traditionally comes from Scotland or other countries.

Which countries are known for producing single malt whisky?

Scotland, Ireland, the USA and Japan are known for their production of high-quality single malt whisky.

What does the age indication on a bottle of single malt whisky mean?

The age statement indicates the number of years that the whisky has matured in the cask. A 10-year-old whisky has therefore spent at least 10 years in an oak cask.

What is the minimum ageing period for single malt whisky?

Single malt whisky must mature for at least three years in oak casks before it can be called whisky.

How is single malt whisky made?

Single malt whisky is made from malted barley, water and yeast. The production process includes malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation.

How does the wood of the cask influence the taste of single malt whisky?

The wood of the barrel can strongly influence the taste by adding aromas such as vanilla, caramel, spices and fruit flavors. Barrels that previously contained other spirits or wines can contribute additional flavors.

What does "cask strength" mean for single malt whisky?

"Cask strength" means that the whisky has been bottled directly from the cask without being diluted with water. These whiskies often have a higher alcohol content.

What does "non-chill filtered" mean for single malt whisky?

"Non-chill filtered" means that the whisky has not been chill filtered, a process that is carried out at low temperatures to avoid clouding. This preserves more of the natural aromas and oils in the whisky.

How should single malt whisky be stored?

Single malt whisky should be stored in a cool, dark place to protect it from light and temperature fluctuations. Upright storage prevents the cork from coming into contact with the whisky and decomposing.

Can you dilute single malt whisky with water?

Yes, many connoisseurs recommend adding a few drops of water to release the aromas and open up the flavor.

Single malt whisky with or without ice?

This is a question of personal taste. Purists often drink their whisky without ice to enjoy the full aromas, while others like to drink it chilled.

What is the difference between smoky and non-smoky single malt whisky?

Smoky whiskies, often from Islay, have a pronounced peat smoke flavor, which is created by drying the barley over peat fires. Non-smoky whiskies use unpeated malt and therefore have no smoky flavor.

How does the length of maturation affect the taste of single malt whisky?

Longer maturation can lead to more complex and deeper flavors as the whisky has more time to interact with the wood of the cask and develop flavor notes.

Which glasses are best for enjoying single malt whisky?

Glasses with a tulip-shaped opening, such as the Glencairn glass, are ideal as they concentrate the aromas and allow optimal tasting.

What are the most expensive single malt whiskies in the world?

Some of the most expensive single malt whiskies include the Macallan 1926 with a world record price of around €1.7 million. In 2020, a bottle of the extremely rare Yamazaki 55 Years was auctioned at Bonhams in Hong Kong for around 670,000 euros. The most expensive whisky in our range is the Karuizawa 5 Decades.