The five types of Scotch whisky are single malt, single grain, blended, blended malt, and blended grain whisky.

What does it all mean? Navigating the world of Scotch can be a bit daunting but don’t worry – we’ve got the essentials here to help you distinguish one from the other.

Every style has a strict definition. That means they’re easy to learn and you know what you’re getting when you buy. There’s also a style for everybody, whether you’re drawn to the intensity of a single malt or the versatility of a blended Scotch, there’s a profile to match every whisky lover’s palate. You could even be like us, and love them all for various reasons.

Today, rigorous regulations ensure that any whisky labelled Scotch adheres to strict guidelines, such as being aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years and maintaining an ABV of 40% or more. The Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009 further set out the rules on Scotch production in terms of the following styles and the recognised regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay.

The five types of Scotch whisky

Ardbeg single malt whiskies are world famous

Ardbeg is a fine example of single malt whisky

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Definition: Single malt Scotch whisky is made exclusively from malted barley, produced at a single distillery, and distilled in pot stills.

Purpose: This type of Scotch showcases the character of a single distillery and so represents that producer’s process and heritage.

Characteristics: Single malt whisky is known for its rich, layered profiles that can vary widely depending on factors like the region, distillation process, and cask ageing. Flavours often range from fruity and floral to peaty and smoky.

Examples

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old (Speyside)

Ardbeg 10 Year Old (Islay)

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old – The Original Whisky (Highland).

The Leith Export Co. Table Whisky is a Single Grain

Single grain whisky is often underappreciated, get to know it

Single Grain Scotch Whisky

Definition: Made at a single distillery, single grain Scotch whisky is made from grains other than malted barley such as wheat or corn and is distilled in continuous stills.

Purpose: Single grain whiskies are often used as the base for blended Scotch, though some are bottled as standalone expressions showcasing the sweet, creamy characteristics of grain whisky.

Characteristics: Typically lighter in body and flavour, single grain whiskies often have delicate, sweeter notes with hints of vanilla and caramel, making them approachable and versatile.

Examples

The Leith Export Co. Table Whisky – Single Grain

Clydebuilt Riveter Single Grain (Ardgowan)

North British 12 Year Old 2011 (Master of Malt)

Blended whisky doesn't get bigger than Johnnie Walker Black Label

The famous whisky in the world is a blend: Johnnie Walker

Blended Scotch Whisky

Definition: Blended Scotch whisky is a mix of single malt and single grain whiskies from different distilleries, carefully married to achieve a consistent, balanced flavour.

Purpose: Blended Scotch is crafted to offer an approachable, well-rounded taste, often serving as an entry point into the world of Scotch. Bartenders also love them for their mixability. 

Characteristics: Known for their smoothness and balance, blended Scotch whiskies often feature lighter, easy-drinking profiles with a combination of sweet, spicy, and subtly smoky notes.

Examples

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old

Famous Grouse

Monkey Shoulder whisky, one of the most popular whiskies on the market

Monkey Shoulder whisky is a blended malt Scotch whisky

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Definition: Blended malt Scotch whisky is a blend of single malt whiskies from two or more distilleries, without any grain whisky in the mix.

Purpose: Blended malts aim to harmonise the complex flavours of different single malts, creating a richer and more complex whisky that highlights the artistry of blending.

Characteristics: These whiskies tend to be bold and flavourful, combining distinct malty notes from each distillery. Flavour profiles may vary greatly, offering layered complexity and often a fuller body.

Examples

Monkey Shoulder

Seaweed & Aeons & Christmas Cake & Cinnamon Whisky

Timorous Beastie

A blendedd grain whisky: Butterscotch & Vanilla & Toast & A Generation 30 Year Old

Blended grain is a treasure trove of value

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky

Definition: Blended grain Scotch whisky is a blend of single grain whiskies from multiple distilleries.

Purpose: This less common type of Scotch whisky offers a smooth, lighter flavour profile that highlights the nuances of grain whisky while maintaining a degree of complexity. This category offers incredible value, with higher age statements available at a more affordable price than malts.

Characteristics: Typically light and approachable, blended grain Scotch whiskies can have creamy, sweet flavours with hints of vanilla, toffee, and gentle spice.

Examples

Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky

Blended Grain Whisky 30 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Butterscotch & Vanilla & Toast & A Generation 30 Year Old

Campbeltown, once the epicentre of Scotch whisky production

Campbeltown, once the epicentre of Scotch whisky production

What are the five Scotch whisky regions?

As well as the five production styles, Scotland also has five distinct whisky regions. You can learn more about the Scotch whisky regions on our guide page, but here’s a quick intro.

Highlands: Covering the largest geographic area, Highland whiskies are diverse, ranging from light and floral to rich and peaty. Notable distilleries include Glenmorangie and Dalmore as well as the Island distilleries, including Talisker and Highland Park

Lowlands: Lowland whiskies are typically mass-produced grain whiskies or gentle, light, and floral single malts, ideal Scotch for beginners. A new wave of distilleries is broadening the category, however, making the Lowlands an exciting hub of creativity. Popular distilleries include Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie.

Speyside: Known for its abundance of distilleries, Speyside has the biggest single concentration of whisky distilleries in the world. Its whiskies are typically grouped into the light and fruity, like The Glenlivet or Glenfiddich, or the rich and sherried like The Macallan or Aberlour.

Campbeltown: Once a whisky powerhouse, Campbeltown now has only a few active distilleries, including Springbank and Glen Scotia, known for their robust, often maritime-influenced flavours.

Islay: Renowned for its bold, heavily peated whiskies, Islay produces some of the most distinct and smoky whiskies, with distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin. Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich both make unpeated whisky, however, and do a brilliant job of it. 

What is Single Cask Scotch Whisky?

Single cask Scotch whisky isn’t actually a protected term under the regulations but refers to a whisky from a single barrel. That means it wasn’t blended with whisky from any other casks, making each bottle uniquely distinct. 

As a result, no two single cask expressions are exactly alike, with each one capturing the specific nuances of its barrel, from wood type to ageing conditions. Single cask releases are typically limited-edition and highly prized for their rarity and individuality.