From single malt to blended Scotch: A beginner's guide to whisky types and which one is better

Walk into a liquor store and you'll see shelves lined with bottles proudly declaring themselves "single malt," "blended Scotch" or "pure malt." For many drinkers, those terms are often shorthand for quality, price or prestige.

But contrary to popular belief, they don't necessarily tell you whether a whisky is better. They simply tell you how it was made. Understanding the difference can make buying whisky a lot less intimidating, and might even help you discover styles you would otherwise overlook.

What is a single malt whisky?

Despite the name, "single malt" doesn't mean the whisky comes from a single barrel or a single batch.

In Scotch whisky, a single malt is made entirely from malted barley and produced at a single distillery. The word "single" refers to the distillery, while "malt" refers to the grain used. The whisky is typically distilled in copper pot stills and may contain spirit from multiple casks, provided they all originate from the same distillery.

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Because the whisky reflects the character of one distillery, single malts are often associated with a strong sense of place. A smoky Islay malt, for example, can taste dramatically different from a fruit-forward Speyside expression.

Typical characteristics

-Distinct distillery character

-Often more expressive of regional styles

-Can range from light and floral to heavily peated and smoky

-Usually consumed neat or with a few drops of water

What is blended Scotch whisky?

Blended Scotch is the most widely sold category of Scotch whisky in the world. A blended Scotch combines one or more single malt whiskies with one or more grain whiskies. Grain whisky is typically made using cereals such as wheat or corn and is usually distilled in column stills, producing a lighter spirit than traditional pot-distilled malt whisky.

Master blenders combine these different whiskies to create a consistent flavour profile year after year. This category includes some of the world's most recognisable brands, including Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker and Dewar's. In fact, blended Scotch accounts for the majority of Scotch whisky sold globally.

Typical characteristics

-Balanced and approachable flavour profile

-Consistent taste across batches

-Often lighter and smoother than heavily characterful single malts

-Commonly used in cocktails and highballs

What is pure malt whisky?

This is where things get confusing. Today, "pure malt" is not an official Scotch whisky category. Under Scotch Whisky Regulations, the correct term is blended malt Scotch whisky. A blended malt is made by combining single malt whiskies from two or more distilleries. Importantly, it contains no grain whisky whatsoever.

Historically, these whiskies were often labelled "pure malt" or "vatted malt." However, the industry moved towards the term "blended malt" to reduce confusion and standardise labelling.

Think of it as a middle ground between single malt and blended Scotch. You get the richness of malt whisky but with flavours drawn from multiple distilleries rather than one.

Typical characteristics

-Made entirely from malt whisky

-No grain whisky included

-Often combines different regional styles

-Can offer greater complexity and balance than a single-distillery expression

Beyond Scotch: Other whisky styles worth knowing

While single malts and blended Scotches often dominate whisky conversations, they represent only a small part of the global whisky landscape. Different countries follow their own production rules, resulting in distinct styles and flavour profiles.

Grain whisky

Grain whisky is made using grains such as wheat, corn or maize, often alongside a smaller proportion of malted barley. Unlike single malt whisky, which is distilled in pot stills, grain whisky is typically produced in column stills, resulting in a lighter and cleaner spirit.

Most grain whisky ends up in blended Scotch whiskies, but a growing number of distilleries are bottling single grain whiskies in their own right. These whiskies are often softer, sweeter and more approachable than many single malts.

Bourbon

America's best-known whisky style, bourbon must be made from a mash bill containing at least 51 per cent corn and aged in new charred oak barrels.

The heavy use of corn and fresh oak typically produces notes of vanilla, caramel, toffee and baking spices. Contrary to popular belief, bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, although Kentucky remains its spiritual home.

Tennessee whiskey

Tennessee whiskey follows rules similar to bourbon but undergoes an additional filtration step known as the Lincoln County Process, where the spirit is filtered through maple charcoal before ageing.

This extra step is often credited with creating a smoother, mellower profile. Brands such as Jack Daniel's have made Tennessee whiskey one of the world's most recognisable whisky styles.

Rye whiskey

Popular in both the United States and Canada, rye whiskey is known for its spicy and peppery character. In the United States, rye whiskey must be made from at least 51 per cent rye grain. It typically offers flavours of black pepper, clove, cinnamon and dried fruit, making it a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Irish whiskey

Traditionally triple-distilled, Irish whiskey is often lighter and smoother than many Scotch whiskies. It can be produced from malted barley, unmalted barley or a combination of grains.

The category includes single malts, blends and the uniquely Irish style known as single pot still whiskey, which uses both malted and unmalted barley.

Japanese whisky

Inspired by Scotch-making traditions, Japanese whisky has developed a reputation for elegance, precision and balance.

Many expressions focus on subtle fruit, floral notes and delicate oak influence rather than intense smoke or peat. Over the past two decades, Japanese whiskies have become some of the most sought-after bottles in the world.

Indian whisky

India is now one of the world's fastest-growing premium whisky markets and home to several internationally acclaimed distilleries.

Indian single malts such as those from Amrut, Paul John and Indri have earned global recognition for their quality. Thanks to India's warmer climate, whisky matures faster than it typically does in Scotland, often developing rich flavours in a shorter period of time.

Canadian whisky

Canadian whisky is generally known for its smooth, easy-drinking style. While often associated with rye, modern Canadian whiskies can be made from a variety of grains and are frequently blended before bottling. The category is prized for its versatility, making it popular both neat and in cocktails.

So which one is better?

The short answer- none of them.

One of the biggest misconceptions in the whisky world is that single malt automatically means superior quality. While many highly-prized whiskies are single malts, the label itself is a production descriptor, not a guarantee of excellence.

A well-crafted blended Scotch can be every bit as complex and enjoyable as a single malt. Likewise, a blended malt can offer flavour combinations that no single distillery could create on its own.

So, the next time you pick up a bottle, those words on the label won't tell you whether the whisky is good or bad. But they will tell you the story of how it got into the glass.