What does single malt mean? Single malt whisky is whisky made from 100% malted barley, at one single distillery, usually distilled in copper pot stills. "Single" refers to the one distillery, not one cask, and "malt" refers to the malted barley. In Scotland, a single malt Scotch must also be matured in oak casks for at least three years.
This guide explains what single malt really means, how it differs from blended whisky, how it is made, and which single malt whiskies to try first in New Zealand.
Single Malt Meaning in One Sentence
A single malt is a malt whisky from a single distillery. That is the whole definition, but each word matters:
- Single: all the whisky in the bottle comes from one distillery. It can still be a mix of many casks from that distillery.
- Malt: the only grain used is malted barley, with water and yeast.
- Whisky: distilled and aged in oak. For Scotch, the minimum is three years in Scotland.
Single Malt vs Blended Whisky vs Single Grain
| Style | Grain | Distilleries | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single malt | 100% malted barley | One | Glenfiddich, Lagavulin, Macallan |
| Blended malt | 100% malted barley | Two or more | Monkey Shoulder |
| Single grain | Wheat or corn, plus some barley | One | Haig Club |
| Blended Scotch | Malt and grain whisky | Many | Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal |
Blended Scotch makes up most of the whisky sold worldwide, but single malt is where you find the most distinctive flavours, because each distillery has its own water, stills, casks and house style. Read more in our guide to types of whisky.
How Single Malt Whisky Is Made
- Malting: barley is soaked, allowed to germinate, then dried. On Islay, peat smoke is often used to dry the barley, giving a smoky flavour.
- Mashing: the malted barley is ground and mixed with hot water to release sugars.
- Fermentation: yeast turns the sugary liquid into a beer-like wash.
- Distillation: the wash is usually distilled twice in copper pot stills. The shape of the stills strongly affects the character of the spirit.
- Maturation: the spirit is aged in oak casks, often ex-bourbon or ex-sherry, for at least three years. Most of the colour and much of the flavour comes from the cask.
The age on the label, such as 12 or 18 years old, is the age of the youngest whisky in the bottle.
Single Malt Flavours by Scottish Region
- Speyside: fruity, honeyed and often sherry matured. Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, Aberlour and Balvenie.
- Islay: smoky, peaty and maritime. Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg.
- Highlands and Islands: everything from rich and sweet to coastal and lightly smoky, including Talisker and Highland Park.
- Campbeltown: briny and complex, home of Springbank.
- Lowland: lighter, softer and floral.
Single malt is not only Scottish. Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand all make excellent single malts. Explore our Japanese whisky and New Zealand whisky ranges.
Best Single Malt Whisky to Try First
- Smooth and fruity: Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12, classic easy-drinking Speyside malts.
- Rich and sherried: Aberlour 12 or Macallan 12 Double Cask.
- Smoky: Laphroaig 10 for bold peat, or Lagavulin 16 for rich, rounded smoke.
- Coastal: Talisker 10, peppery and maritime.
Looking for value? See our best single malt whisky under $100 in New Zealand, or compare two Islay favourites in Laphroaig 10 vs Ardbeg 10.
How to Drink Single Malt
Try it neat first in a tulip-shaped glass, then add a few drops of water. Water opens up the aromas, especially in cask strength whisky. Ice dulls flavour, so save it for warmer days or highballs.
Buy Single Malt Whisky Online in NZ
Whiskey Online stocks over a thousand single malts, from everyday Speyside favourites to rare independent bottlings. Many of our whiskies are direct imported and sold at wholesale prices. We deliver throughout New Zealand. Delivery is included on orders over $250. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol. See our shipping and refund policy for details.
FAQs
What does single malt mean?
Single malt means a whisky made only from malted barley at one distillery. It does not mean the whisky comes from a single cask.
Is single malt better than blended whisky?
Not necessarily. Single malts show more of a distillery's individual character, while good blends are made for balance and consistency. It comes down to personal taste.
Is single malt the same as single cask?
No. A single malt is usually a mix of many casks from one distillery. A single cask whisky is bottled from just one cask.
Can single malt be made outside Scotland?
Yes. Japan, Ireland, Taiwan, the USA, Australia and New Zealand all produce single malt whisky. Only single malts made in Scotland can be called single malt Scotch.
Please drink responsibly. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol in New Zealand.
