Scotch Whisky Styles

There are 5 different types of Scotch whisky, which are: single malt, blended malt, single grain, blended grain, and blended.

Scotch whisky is a product of its rich history, its environment and climate (the terroir), its raw ingredients, as well as the various production processes and techniques which make up its different styles.

Despite the fact that every type of Scottish whisky is made from just water, yeast, and either one or more cereal grains, each style is remarkably different, and provides its own unique drinking experience.

Single Malt Scotch best sellers

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Blended Scotch best sellers

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Blended Malt Scotch best sellers

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Grain Scotch best sellers

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Scotch Styles: Single Malt

So, this is perhaps the most legendary and prestigious of all whisky styles. We reckon it’s also the most complex and varied spirit in the whole world, and all that from just three ingredients: barley, water, and yeast. From the peaty and coastal whiskies of Islay to the often fruity and malty expressions of Speyside, single malt whisky can be quite astonishing. And, to best describe what it is, let’s examine the term: Single Malt Whisky.

Scotch Styles: Blended Malt, Grain and Blended

Blended Malt Whisky

In contrast to the “single” part of single malt whisky, a blended malt (historically referred to as either a “vatted” or “pure” malt) is simply a blend of malt whisky from more than one distillery. This allows whisky companies to create unique spirits, combining flavours and aromas from multiple distilleries.

Grain Whisky

Grain whisky is often seen as the lighter, sweeter, though less complex counterpart to malt whisky. It is made in much the same way, but instead of just malted barley, grain whisky uses other cereal grains too, including unmalted barley, rye, corn, and wheat. Additionally, it is distilled in continuous column stills, which account for a more efficient production process, but also a softer, less intense spirit. That said, there are plenty of lovely grain whiskies to be had, some of which are sometimes bottled as “Single Grains” (grain whisky from a single distillery). These are typically put out by independent bottlers, as most grain whisky is destined for use in blends.

Blended Whisky

The most popular of all styles of Scotch whisky, this stuff accounts for the vast majority of the global Scotch market. Renowned blends like Johnnie Walker, Bell’s, and the Famous Grouse can be found on almost every back bar in the world. But what is a blend? Well, put simply, it’s a mix of both malt whisky and grain whisky. The reason for blending these two styles together is to combine the better features of each. This results in a whisky which can offer up all the flavour and richness of a malt whisky, but at a fraction of the cost, thanks to the presence of the comparatively cheaper grain whisky.

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