Single Malt vs Blended Whisky: What's the Difference?

Smoky. Smooth. Serious. But what does the label actually tell you?

Walk down any whisky aisle and you'll see single malt, blended malt and blended whisky. They're not quality rankings. They describe what the whisky is made from and how many distilleries it comes from.

What is single malt whisky?

A single malt is made from 100% malted barley, distilled in pot stills at one distillery. In Scotland it must also be aged in oak for at least three years. Because it comes from one place, a single malt shows that distillery's house style clearly — the fruit of Speyside, the peat smoke of Islay.

Try: The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Benromach, Laphroaig, or Australian single malt from Chief's Son and Adams Distillery.

What is blended whisky?

A blended whisky combines malt whisky with grain whisky (usually from wheat or corn), often from several distilleries. The blender's job is consistency: the bottle you buy next year should taste like the one you bought this year. Blends tend to be lighter and smoother, which makes them versatile for sipping or mixing.

Try: Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute or Hibiki.

What is a blended malt?

A blended malt (once called a "vatted malt") mixes single malts from more than one distillery — but contains no grain whisky. Think of it as the middle ground: all malt, but built for balance rather than a single distillery's signature.

Is single malt better than blended?

Not automatically. Single malts are usually more distinctive; blends are usually more consistent and approachable. Many of the most celebrated whiskies in the world, including Hibiki from Japan, are blends. The better whisky is the one that suits how you like to drink.

Quick guide

• Want character and a sense of place? Start with a single malt.
• Want smooth and reliable, or something for highballs? Start with a blend.
• Like smoke? Look for Islay single malts such as Laphroaig.
• Curious about local? Australian single malt from Tasmania, Victoria and beyond is well worth exploring.

FAQ

Does "single" mean one barrel?
No. "Single" refers to one distillery. A whisky from one cask is labelled "single cask".

What does the age statement mean?
It's the age of the youngest whisky in the bottle.

Is Irish whiskey single malt?
It can be. Irish whiskey is also made as single pot still (malted and unmalted barley) and as blends. See our Irish whiskey range.

Shop the full whisky range. Delivered Australia-wide. Please enjoy responsibly — over 18s only.