There are two main types of Scotch Whisky- Single Malts and Blended Whiskies. A Single Malt is the direct result of distillations of malted barley from a single distillery, whereas a Blend is produced by mixing usually grain whisky with malt whisky making for a more cost effective product . As time passes the components of a Blended Whisky may become harder to replicate due to limitations of a constant supply of particular malts making the Master Blenders job an art form. Blends tend to be mass produced and account for about 95% of worldwide whisky sales with Johnny Walker, Ballantines and The Famous Grouse being some of the most recognizable.
The lure of Single Malt Whisky is in the variety of underlying characteristics found in the aromas and flavours as well as a bewildering array of cask ages. Malted barley is used in the distillation process, with the spirits being vatted in American Bourbon barrels, with some distilleries such as Macallans and Glenmorangie using Sherry, Port & Madeira barrels for maturation. With plentiful sources of soft water, aromatic peat and unique shapes and sizes of copper stills, it is no wonder there is so much interest in exploring the mysteries presented in each bottle of Single Malt making this the fastest growing market in the whisky industry.