Blended Scotch vs. Single Malt

Scotland is considered by many the home of whisky. This nation's spiritual connection comes in several forms, with the two major forms being Single Malt and Blended Scotch. But what are they exactly?

Single Malt:

To be called a Single Malt the whisky must conform to a strict list of requirements. But put simply, it must have been: distilled in one distillery, using 100% Malted Barley and exclusively in a Pot Still.

Single Malts are usually of a richer nature than those of Blended Stock, but require lengthy aging and are more expensive to obtain.

Blended Scotch:

A Blended Scotch in comparison is made from a blend of whiskies sourced from two or more distilleries, produced using both Pot and Column Stills and from a variety of grains.

Most commonly, the whisky produced in a Pot Still is of Single Malt origin whilst that from a Column Still is a Grain Whisky.

By blending various whiskies the producers can attain a desired style, which in most cases are destined to be consumed as a mixed drink. These are usually the most cost effective whiskies to procure.