Scotch Unplugged

Single Malt Scotch

A Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the product of one specific distillery and has not been mixed with whisky from any other distilleries. The greatest concentration of malt whisky distilleries can be found in the Speyside region of north-east Scotland, with Highland, Lowland and Islay being the other main malt whisky producing zones. Each of these regions has its own particular distinctive style of malt whisky and although it is not possible for two malts to be identical, even if the distilleries that produce them happen to stand side by side, it is usually possible to distinguish in which region of Scotland a particular whisky was made.

Blended/Pure Malt (Vatted) Scotch

A Vatted Malt will contain a number of malt whiskies that have been skilfully blended together or "married," to create a consistent whisky with its own distinct, identifiable character. Such a malt can also consist entirely of malt whiskies of various ages from the same distillery. However, vatted malts will never contain any grain whisky. A fairly uncommon type of whisky, it is often well suited to those who prefer their whisky to be less challenging, due to the fact that the blender's skill will more often than not produce an unvarying malt with highly definable traits.

Single Grain Scotch

A Single grain whisky is the product of one Grain distillery and is usually made from wheat, corn or unmalted barley. There are about 8 operating grain distilleries in Scotland, the majority being in central Scotland with the exception of Invergordon in the northern Highlands and Girvan in the far south. There are of course more grain distilleries, which are now closed or mothballed.

Blended Scotch Whisky

A blended scotch whisky may contain a combination of whiskies from over 40 or 50 different malt and grain distilleries. The normal ratio of malt to grain is 60% grain 40% malt. The percentage of malt used will determine the quality and smoothness of taste and character. Each whisky used in the blending process will normally have been matured for about 5 years, however there are a number of higher aged blended scotch whiskies available.