Barrel Talk

Single Malt Whisky is often seen as the pinnacle of the whisky world. It is heavily associated with craftsmanship, tradition and complex flavour. For beginners though, the term can be confusing. What does single mean? What is ‘malt’? And what makes it different to other whiskies?

This guide explains everything you need to know about single malt whisky in simple, clear language. By the end, you will understand what it is, how it’s made and how to enjoy it.

What does single malt mean?

The term single malt has two important parts.

Single means that the whisky comes from a single distillery. It does not mean that it comes from a single cask. In fact, most single malts are a blend of multiple casks from the same distillery to build a consistent flavour profile. This is how core releases such as Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old or Glendronach 12 year old are produced and how the flavour is kept consistent over time.

 Malt means that the whisky is made from 100% malted barley

For many whisky lovers, the focus naturally falls on what's in the bottle, whether it be the distillery, the age, the cask type, or the region. But one often overlooked element can have just as much impact on your enjoyment of Scotch whisky: the glass you drink it from.

At TyndrumWhisky.com, we've been retailing whisky for over 50 years. During that time, we've seen how the right glassware can completely transform a dram - enhancing aroma, sharpening flavours, and allowing a whisky to show its true character.

Whether you're enjoying a delicate Speyside malt, a powerful Islay whisky, or a rare single cask Scotch, choosing the right whisky glass truly matters.

How Glassware Affects Scotch Whisky

Whisky is as much about aroma as it is about taste. In fact, up to 80% of what we perceive as flavour comes from the nose on your face, yes, it does! The shape of a glass controls how aromas are gathered, concentrated, and delivered to that really