Scotch Single Malt vs Blended Whisky: Exploring the Distinct Characteristics

The term “double malt” is not an official classification within the Scotch whisky industry and is often considered a misnomer. Officially, Scotch whisky is categorised as “single malt” or “blended.” A single malt Scotch is made from malted barley and distilled at a single distillery, emphasising the unique characteristics of that distillery.

The term “double malt,” though not officially recognised, is sometimes used informally to refer to a blend of two different single malt whiskies from two distilleries. However, the correct term for a whisky that combines single malts from different distilleries is “blended malt” whisky. Blended malt differs from blended Scotch in that it doesn’t contain any grain whisky, only malt whisky from multiple distilleries.

This clarification is important as it highlights the specific and regulated terminology used in the Scotch whisky industry. For those interested in the nuances of Scotch whisky classifications, it’s advisable to refer to the official categories.