Scotch Definitions

If someone asked you the difference between a Single Malt Scotch and a Blended Scotch Whisky, could you explain it? To make things even more confusing, the Scotch Whisky Association enhanced their definitions in late 2009 and added more terms. Here are some definitions that I hope will help. (They are taken from the Scotch Whisky Association's website ; scotch-whisky.org/uk)

Single Malt Scotch Whisky:  a Scotch Whisky distilled at a single distillery (i) from water and malted barley without the addition of any other cereals, and (ii) by batch distillation in pot stills.   From 23 November 2012, Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be bottled in Scotland. (A pot still is a type of still where heat is applied directly to the pot containing the liquid. This is known as batch distillation.)

So , a single malt is a Scotch Whisky made from malted barley with batch distillation in one distillery .As of 2012, it must be made in Scotland to be called a Scotch Whisky. The "single" implies that it comes from a single distillery.

Some examples are Oban, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Macallan

Single Grain Scotch Whisky:  a Scotch Whisky distilled at a single distillery (i) from water and malted barley with or without whole grains of other malted or unmalted cereals, and (ii) which does not comply with the definition of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 

Still from a single distillery, but other whole grains or cereals may be added.

Some examples are Invergordon, Port Dundas,  Strathclyde

Blended Scotch Whisky:  a blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies.

Blended Scotch Whiskies make up the vast majority of the whisky produced in Scotland. Some brands are Cutty Sark, Chivas, Johnnie Walker, etc.

Here is an excerpt from the Cutty Sark site that describes their process.

"The Cutty Sark blend is made up of around twenty renowned single whiskies, predominantly from the Speyside region in Scotland, which are blended with high quality grain whiskies. These single malt and single grain whiskies are matured in carefully selected American oak casks. The malts are blended together, as are the grains, before the complete blend is 'married' together for a further six months."

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky:  a blend of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, which have been distilled at more than one distillery

Different distilleries, only malt cereals, no grain.

Johnnie Walker Green Label, Pride of Islay, Pride of Orkney

A bit about the process from Johnnie Walker Green Label's  website

"Johnnie Walker Green Label is a rich blend using only malts drawn from the four corners of Scotland – the naturally vibrant flavors provide unparalleled depth, substance and intensity. Each of the malts is specially selected by the Master Blender to create the perfect balance in the whisky.

Each malt whisky is matured for a minimum of 15 years to deliver rich, full layers of flavor. Coupled with the blending mastery of Johnnie Walker, it ensures the characteristic smoothness and distinctive flavor of Green Label. Four signature malts provide the key taste influences for this 15-year-old whisky. Talisker™ introduces power and depth of character, Caol Ila™ contributes mystery and intensity and, at its heart, Cragganmore™ provides a sweet maltiness, while Linkwood™ adds a final touch of finesse."

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky:  a blend of Single Grain Scotch Whiskies, which have been distilled at more than one distillery.