What is a single malt whisky?

A single malt whisky is a whisky made from 100% malted barley, produced at a single distillery. They are usually aged for a minimum of 2 or 3 years in wooden casks and at least 40% ABV.

They are seen by many as the pinnacle of distilled spirits, single malt whiskies hold a special place in the world of whisky. Here at The Whisky Club the vast majority of whiskies we procure can count themselves as members of this exclusive category. But what exactly is a single malt and why are they so special?

Read on to find out because this is The Whisky Club's guide to single malt whisky.

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What is single malt whisky? - a historical perspective

Why barley?

The first records of whisky in Scotland and Ireland date back to the 15th century, but the use of barley to make alcoholic beverages is documented as early as 7000-6000BC. Barley has been seen as a crucial ingredient in whisky making for two main reasons. 

1. Barley contains enzymes that are vital in the breakdown of starch to fermentable sugars, so using barley in any mashbill ensures that ethanol is produced.
2. Barley is less susceptible to spoilage due to it's husk, which has been described as nature's equivalent to kevlar. 

These two facts make it perfect for making our favourite beers and grain based spirits. 

When was single malt whisky invented?

The earliest record we have of uisce beatha in Ireland is from the Annals of Clonmacnoise dating back to 1405. Distillation likely arrived in Ireland from Europe and was controlled by the clergy. This mention was about someone taking too much aqua vitae which for him became aqua mortis. There is no mention of barley, but it is unlikely it was made from any other grains.

In Scotland, we have a an Exchequer Roll from Lindores Abbey in 1494 in which Friar John Cor ordered 8 bolls of malt for making aqua vitae. The mention of malt suggests malted barley, and 8 bolls is enough to make quite a bit of whisky. These two records together suggest whisky making was widespread in the 15th century in Scotland and Ireland. 

When did single malt start to look like it does today?

Despite such a long history, the single malt whiskies we know and love today are a fairly modern invention. If you walked into a distillery in 1912 for example, and asked for some single malt whisky straight from the still, you would have been offered a dram of Clearic which we call New Make Spirit today. However, under the legal definitions at the time, this could be called whisky. That wasn't to say there was no access to oak aged whisky. Many greengrocers and butlers had  access to whisky in casks and blenders had been vatting and maturing whiskies since the mid 1800s.

It wasn't until 1912 that a minimum age statement for Scotch was introduced, at this point it was 2 years. This was extended to 3 years in 1917, as much due to the war than any quality considerations. The modern whisky definition was starting to take shape.

Despite this, single malts did not get the recognition they deserved. They were the stars of the show, but as part of a team. They were of course a vital part of the famous blended whiskies of the time, many of which are still market leaders today. This is mainly due to the drinking trends of the 1800s and 1900s. In the 1800s the largest spirits categories were French brandy and Irish whiskey, both lauded for their smooth, easy drinking and crucially unpeated flavour profiles. Single malt Scotch had a reputation for being more robust and inconsistent. That was until the invention of The Coffey still in 1831. This contraption allowed continuous distillation at a whopping 94% ABV and allowed the Scots to use smooth, easy drinking grain whiskies as a base upon which they added their single malts. 

Regional differences gave the blenders a wide spectrum of flavours to play with. Lowland whiskies from large stills brought grassy flavours, Speysiders brought fruity complexity, Highland whiskies introduced rich and robust flavours and those from the islands and Campbeltown brought an oiliness with Islay whiskies introducing flavours of peat and smoke. The unique recipes from companies like Johnnie Walker, Chivas Bros and Mathew Gloag's set the world alight. Cheap grain whiskies allowed the blenders to compete on price (the Irish refused to use Coffey stills despite the Irish roots of the inventor) and their ability to marry different styles together allowed them to tailor flavour to the fashionable flavour profiles of the time. Soon, Scotch whisky was everywhere and single malts were driving flavour profile and quality in blends. Coupled with some genius marketing, and soon enough Scotch had overtaken brandy and Irish whiskey globally. 

So single malts were vital to the growth of the industry as without them the blenders would have had no point of difference, but it is also worth noting that many malts we know and love today were borne of this success. As blended whisky grew as a category, blenders needed supply, and of course that supply came from industry expansion. So distilleries like Aberfeldy, Cardhu and Longmorn would not exist if it were not for the success of blended Scotch. 

It was not until the 1960s that single malt started to get recognised out of it's very localised market. In 1963 Glenfiddich marketed the Glenfiddich Straight Malt in America. This was the first mass market release of single malt whisky in the form we know today. Now there are literally 100's of brands, but it all started with Glenfiddich.

Global competition

We have focused on Scotch in this article so far, and rightly so. It was the Scotch single malts that ignited the category globally. You could argue they were the catalyst for so many fantastic single malts popping up around the world. Let's have a look at some other regions where single malts are being produced.

• Ireland - The Irish whiskey industry and the Scotch whisky industry share a fairly similar timeline when it comes to rules and regulations. However, whilst Scotch was expanding rapidly in the 20th century, Irish whiskey was in decline. Distilleries were closing and blends and pot still whiskies were the styles of choice. These days Irish single malts are having a resurgence driven by brands like Bushmills, Teeling and smaller independents like Dunville's.
• Japan - The Japanese whisky industry was started by Shinjiro Torri and Masetaka Taketsuru in the early 20th century. Taketsuru learned the craft of whiskymaking in Scotland in Campbeltown and Speyside and used this knowledge to build Japan's first distillery at Yamazaki. Such was the strength of Scotch blended whisky at the time, the aim of the Japanese industry was to create their own blends. But as we learned above, you can't have great blends without fantastic single malts. Brands like Yamazaki, Yoichi, Hakushu and Miyagikyo have been solid Japanese single malts for nearly a century. Now we are seeing new distilleries coming through with a sole focus on single malt whisky. Watch out for brands like Yuza and Kanosuke as their spirit comes of age.
• America - America have been making single malt in some form or other for the last 20 odd years. But it was only in 2025 that they changed their regulations to recognise that a single malt must be made from 100% malted barley. Brands like Stranahan's, McCarthy's and Westward have carried the flag for 100% malted barley whisky for years, and continue to win awards on the global stage for their releases.
• Australia - The resurgence of whisky in Australia started in Tasmania in 1992 with Lark. Bill Lark, over a glass of Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whisky, decided he would try to make his own. The rest, as they say is history. Now there are over 30 single malt producers on the island including early adopters like Overeem and Sullivan's Cove and a raft of new-school producers like Spring Bay and Waubs Harbour. Over on the mainland the wave of Australian distilleries continues to expand with Starward, Kinglake and Bakery Hill just three distilleries flying the flag for mainland single malts each with their own unique style and fingerprint.
• New Zealand - New Zealand whisky was put back on the map with the New Zealand Whisky Collection. The whisky industry had effectively shut down in 1997 with the closing of the last distillery but all was not lost as the final stocks were picked up by the NZWC attracting interest from around the world. Perhaps inspired by the success of craft distilling in Tasmania, new distilleries started springing up with Cardrona, Pokeno and Thomson among many putting out world class single malts.
• England - distilleries are popping up in England with brands like the Cotswolds and Lakes making waves around the world. Taking inspiration from their northern neighbours, many of the conventions and styles developed in Scotland have been carried over and given an English twist. The move south makes sense for the category as England is home to some of the best barley growing conditions in the world.

What is single malt whisky? - a technical perspective

In most whisky making countries, a single malt whisky is made using 100% malted barley. It must spend some time in wooden casks and be bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume. We break down the most famous single malt styles here:

Single malt Scotch whisky

The most famous type of single malt whisky is Scotch. A single malt Scotch must be:

• the product of one distillery
• distilled, matured and bottled in Scotland
• made from 100% malted barley
• distilled in copper pot stills in a batch process
• matured in oak casks no larger than 700L in size for a minimum of 3 years

Single malt Irish whiskey

Single malt Irish whiskey is similar to Scotch whisky. An Irish single malt must be:

• the product of one distillery
• distilled, matured and bottled on the island of Ireland
• made from 100% malted barley
• distilled in copper pot stills in a batch process
• matured in wooden casks no larger than 700L in size for a minimum of 3 years

Single malt Japanese whisky

Japanese single malt whisky must be:

• the product of a single distillery
• distilled, matured and bottled in Japan
• made from 100% malted barley
• can be distilled in copper pot stills or column stills
• matured in oak casks no larger than 700L in size for a minimum of 3 years

Single malt Australian whisky

Australian single malt whisky follows the rules of Scotch, with the following exceptions:

• distilled, matured and bottled in Australia
• can be distilled in pot stills or column stills
• matured for a minimum of 2 years

Single malt American whisky

To be classified as a single malt in America, the whisky must be:

• the product of a single distillery
• distilled, matured and bottled in America
• made from 100% malted barley
• can be distilled in pot stills or column stills
• matured in oak casks - there is no minimum age statement, but if it's a "straight" whiskey, then it must be matured for a minimum of 2 years

Looking for an even deeper dive into the technicalities of single malt production? Check out The Whisky Club's Guide to Making Whisky, The Whisky Club's Guide to Casks and The Whisky Club's Guide to Whisky Definitions Around the World.

Looking for a list of some of the best single malts we've featured at The Whisky Club, take a look here.

For access to exclusive single malt whiskies made exclusively for our Members, sign up to The Whisky Club for free.

What exactly is single malt whisky?

Single malt whisky is a whisky made from 100% malted barley, produced at one distillery, and matured in wooden casks (generally oak) before bottling at a minimum of 40% ABV.

Why is barley used to make single malt whisky?

Barley contains essential enzymes that convert starch into fermentable sugars, ensuring effective ethanol production. It also has a tough husk that protects it from spoilage, making it ideal for brewing and distillation.

When did single malt whisky originate?

The earliest written records date to 1405 in Ireland and 1494 in Scotland, where barley‑based aqua vitae was being produced under the guidance of monks. These entries suggest widespread whisky making in the 15th century

When did single malt whisky become what we recognise today?

Modern‑style single malt developed after legal minimum ageing was introduced in 1912 (2 years) and extended to 3 years in 1917, alongside evolving distillation, blending and maturation practices. Whisky as we know it did exist before this time, but unaged “Clearic” new make spirit could be sold as whisky.

Why did blended Scotch become more popular than single malt for so long?

In the 1800s–1900s, consumers preferred smooth, unpeated spirits like brandy and Irish whiskey. Single malts were often robust and inconsistent until the invention of the Coffey still (1831) allowed producers to blend grain whisky with single malts to create smoother, consistent products that led Scotch to global dominance.

Which countries make single malt whisky today?

Major single malt–producing regions include:

• Scotland – traditional and most regulated
• Ireland – parallel history but different industry evolution
• Japan – founded on Scottish techniques, now globally influential
• Australia – modern craft focus, especially Tasmania
• America – newly formalised (100% malted barley recognised from 2025)

Check out more in The Whisky Club's guide to the main whisky making regions around the world.

What are the legal requirements for single malt Scotch?

Single malt Scotch must be:

• Made from 100% malted barley
• Distilled at one distillery
• Distilled in copper pot stills
• Matured in oak casks ≤700L
• Matured for ≥3 years in Scotland
• Bottled in Scotland at ≥40% ABV

What are the best single malt whisky brands?

There are thousands of single malt whisky brands around the world, each one unique. The most famous and popular brands include:

• The Macallan - Sherry cask driven Speyside single malt
• Glenfiddich - the biggest selling malt whisky in the world
• Glenmorangie - delicate and innovative Highland single malt
• Laphroaig - Islay whisky known for its smoky and peaty flavour profile
• Lark - Tasmanian pioneer of single malt matured in Australian fortified wine casks
• Yamazaki - iconic Japanese single malt brand
• Old Bushmills - triple distilled Irish single malt from the oldest licensed distillery in the world

What are the different types of single malt whisky?

The main types of single malt whisky are Scotch, Irish, Japanese, Australian and American. To learn more about each of these whiskymaking markets, check out The Whisky Club's Guide to Whisky From Around the World. And to dive deeper into Scotch, check out our guide to the whisky making regions of Scotland.

What's the difference between single malt whisky and blended whisky?

Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley and is the product of a single distillery. A blend simply contains whisky from more than one distillery.

• Single malt whisky - made from 100% malted barley and the product of a single distillery
• Single grain whisky - made from less than 100% malted barley and the product of a single distillery
• Blended malt whisky - a blend of single malts
• Blended grain whisky - a blend of single grains
• Blended whisky - a blend of single malt and single grain whiskies together

How to choose the best single malt whisky for you?

To find your favoured style of single malt, we would suggest buying a few drams of whisky to explore the range of flavour available. You can then hone in on your favourite. The regional approach or the cask approach or the global approach are three of our favourites:

Regional Scotch whisky flight - grab a whisky from each of the 5 whisky making regions in Scotland: The Lowlands, The Highlands, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay

Cask flight - grab a whisky from the main cask types used to mature whisky: Bourbon cask, Sherry cask, wine cask, virgin cask and Port cask

World whiskies flight - grab a single malt whisky from the main whiskymaking countries: Scotland, Japan, Ireland, Australia and America

How should you drink single malt whisky?

If you're looking to explore the whisky neat or with a drop of water, we suggest the 5 step approach:

1. Look at the colour - olive oil green/golden indicates Bourbon casks (vanilla and fresh fruit notes); red indicates Sherry casks (dried fruit and chocolate notes)
2. Look at the body - the tears running down the side of the glass: slow and thick indicates more alcohol
3. Nose - sniff the whisky and try to picture the main aromas
4. Taste - sip the whisky and hold it on your palate for a few seconds before swallowing and try to picture the main flavours
5. Finish - think about the lingering flavour: is it smoky, dry, sweet, lifted and pleasant?

Add a drop of water and repeats steps 3 to 5. You will notice a big change in the glass.

Ultimately, there are no rules about enjoying whisky, and we encourage the addition of water, ice, its use in cocktails or even cooking. Find your own path to whisky enjoyment.

Check out The Whisky Club's Guide to Enjoying Whisky.

How should single malt whisky be stored?

Single malt whisky should be stored out of direct sunlight and upright. If keeping a bottle for a long time, turn it every few months to stop the cork drying out. Do not store it on its side.

How long does single malt whisky last unopened?

Single malt whisky is inert in a bottle, so it will last indefinitely unopened. If opened, oxygen will cause the whisky to change, but this can take months or even years before the change is noticeable and some changes may make the product more pleasant.

What is cask strength single malt whisky?

Cask strength single malt whisky is whisky bottled straight from the cask. Most single malts will have water added to bring them to bottling strength, often 40-46% ABV. Cask strength whisky simply skips this dilution phase. Cask strength whiskies can range from 40% to over 64% ABV.

What makes single malt whisky different from other types of whisky?

Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery. It’s known for its intensity of flavour which reflects the unique character of its distillery and region.

Is single malt whisky always better than blended whisky?

Not necessarily. Single malts offer distinct character, while blends can offer balance and consistency. It depends on your taste preferences.

What’s the best single malt whisky for beginners?

We'd recommend having a look at lighter styles from Speyside or The Lowland of Scotland like Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Bladnoch or Aberlour. Similarly, a Sherry cask can often add a sweetness to a whisky that many people enjoy. 

If you normally drink red wine, look for a Sherry cask. If you're into white wine, have a look for a Bourbon cask whisky. If you like beer, then maybe something malty, and if you like a cigar, it's worth seeking out some smoke and peat.

Whatever path you choose, remember you can always add water or ice to cut the strength and change the flavour profile. 

How do I know if a single malt is peated?

Look for regional clues (e.g. Islay whiskies are usually peated) or terms like “peat,” “smoke,” or “PPM” on the label.

If you'd like to see more peated whiskies, have a look at The Whisky Club's Guide to the Best Peated Whisky.

How does a whisky subscription work?

The Whisky Club subscription is free with no obligation to buy anything we procure. Members are automatically opted in to receive the Whisky of the Month, with each of our other releases available as 'Add In' whiskies. Members can choose to skip delivery any month they like, as often as they like.

Why can’t I buy these single malt whiskies directly?

One of the biggest benefits of Membership is access to exclusive whiskies crafted exclusively for you. We source the liquid, tell the story and connect you directly with the distillers and whiskymakers who made the whisky. This has helped us create the world's biggest whisky loving community. So the question is maybe not "why can't I buy these directly", but more like "where do I sign up?"

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