Single Malt vs. Blended Whisky: What's the difference?
Single Malt vs. Blended Whisky: What's the difference?
"I only drink single malt" – you've probably heard that before. But why? Is single malt really better than blended whisky? And what do these terms even mean?
The truth is: both have their place – and both can be exceptionally good. The difference lies not in the quality, but in the production, philosophy, and flavor profile . In this guide, you'll learn everything about single malt and blended whisky: what distinguishes them, their advantages, and which one is right for you.
In this article you will learn:
- What Single Malt and Blended Whisky actually mean
- How they are made
- The most important taste differences
- Myths and prejudices (explained!)
- Which type of whisky suits you?
The basics: Definitions at a glance
🥃 Single Malt Whisky
Definition: A single malt whisky is a whisky that:
- Made from 100% malted barley
- Produced in a single distillery
- Distillation takes place in copper pot stills (traditional stills).
- Aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels (in Scotland)
"Single" means: From a single distillery
"Malt" means: Made from malted barley
Important: A single malt can be blended from several casks from the same distillery – so it is not necessarily from a single cask!
Examples:
- Glenfiddich 12 Years Old
- Ardbeg 10 Years Old
- Macallan 18 Years Old Sherry Oak
- Lagavulin 16 Years Old
🥃 Blended Whisky
Definition: A blended whisky is a mixture (blend) of:
- Malt whiskies (from various distilleries)
- Grain whiskies (made from wheat, corn or rye)
"Blended" means: mixed from different whiskies
Important: A good blend can contain 30-50 different whiskies – an art in itself!
Examples:
- Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Chivas Regal 12 Years Old
- Monkey Shoulder (Blended Malt)
- Famous Grouse
📊 Quick comparison: Single Malt vs. Blended
| feature | Single Malt | Blended Whisky |
|---|---|---|
| raw material | 100% malted barley | Malt + Grain Whisky |
| Distillery | A single | Several |
| distillation | Pot Stills (Copper) | Pot Stills + Column Stills |
| character | Individual, complex | Balanced, consistent |
| Price | Usually more expensive | Usually cheaper |
| Market share | ~10% | ~90% |
| Example | Glenfiddich 12 | Johnnie Walker Black |
The manufacturing process: How do the differences arise?
🌾 Single Malt: The Craft of a Distillery
Step 1: Malting
- Barley is soaked and allowed to germinate.
- Enzymes convert starch into sugar.
- Drying in the kiln (often over peat fires = smoke!)
Step 2: Mashing
- Malted barley is crushed
- Mixed with hot water → sugar dissolves
- Result: Sweet spice (word)
Step 3: Fermentation
- Yeast is added
- Sugar → Alcohol (approx. 8-10% vol.)
- Duration: 48-96 hours
Step 4: Distillation
- Double distillation in copper pot stills
-
- Wash still: ~20-25% vol.
-
- Spirit Still: ~65-70% Vol.
Step 5: Maturation
- Aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels
- Mostly ex-bourbon or sherry casks
- Whisky absorbs color and aromas
Step 6: Bottling
- Whiskies from different casks of the same distillery are blended.
- Dilution to drinking strength (usually 40-46% vol.)
- Bottling
What makes it special: Each distillery has its own character – shaped by water, still shape, fermentation time, and cask selection.
🎨 Blended Whisky: The Art of Blending
Step 1: Producing Malt Whisky
- As with single malt (see above)
- From various distilleries
Step 2: Producing Grain Whisky
- Raw materials: Wheat, corn, rye (+ some malted barley)
- Distillation in column stills (continuous distillation)
- Higher alcohol content (approx. 94% vol.)
- Light, neutral taste
Step 3: Blending (The Art!)
- The master blender selects 30-50 different whiskies.
- Malt whiskies (for character, complexity)
- Grain whiskies (for lightness, consistency)
- Ratio: Usually 60-80% grain, 20-40% malt
Step 4: Marrying
- Blended whiskies rest together (weeks to months)
- Aromas harmonize with each other
Step 5: Bottling
- Dilution to drinking strength
- Bottling
What's special about it: A good blend is consistent – every bottle tastes the same, year after year. That's a masterpiece!
Taste: How do they differ?
👃 Single Malt: Individuality & Complexity
Characteristics:
- Individual: Each distillery has its own style.
- Complex: Many layers of flavor
- Intense: Often stronger in flavor
- Variable: Different bottlings from the same distillery can vary greatly.
Typical aromas:
- Speyside: Fruity, honey-rich, vanilla, apple
- Islay: Smoky, peaty, maritime, iodine
- Highlands: Spicy, malty, heather honey
- Lowlands: Light, grassy, floral
Example: Ardbeg 10
- Nose: Intense peat smoke, lemon, vanilla
- Palate: Smoke, sweet malt, pepper, chocolate
- Finish: Long, smoky, complex
For whom: Connoisseurs, explorers, everyone who appreciates individuality
🎨 Blended Whiskey: Balance & Consistency
Characteristics:
- Balanced: No extreme scores
- Consistent: Every bottle tastes the same
- Accessible: Easier to drink for beginners
- Versatile: Delicious neat, on ice, or in a cocktail
Typical aromas:
- Fruity: apple, pear, citrus
- Sweet: Honey, caramel, vanilla
- Spicy: cinnamon, oak, spices
- Slightly smoky: Some blends (e.g. Johnnie Walker Black)
Example: Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Nose: Smoke, fruit, vanilla, spices
- Palate: Balanced, sweet and smoky, oak
- Finish: Medium-long, harmonious
For whom: Beginners, everyday connoisseurs, cocktail fans
Price: Why is single malt usually more expensive?
💰 Price differences explained
Single Malt:
- Average: €40-80 (12-18 years)
- Premium: €100-300 (18-25 years)
- Luxury: €500+ (30+ years old, rare items)
Blended Whisky:
- Average: €20-40 (standard blends)
- Premium: €50-100 (18+ years, e.g. Johnnie Walker Gold)
- Luxury: €200+ (Blue Label, Royal Salute)
Why is single malt more expensive?
- Smaller production: Lower volume = higher costs
- Longer ripening time: Higher storage costs, more evaporation
- Marketing: Single Malt = premium image
- Demand: Higher demand = higher prices
But: An expensive single malt is not automatically better than a cheaper blend!
Myths & Prejudices: What is really true?
❌ Myth #1: "Single malt is always better than blended"
Truth: Incorrect!
There are excellent blends (e.g., Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Compass Box) and mediocre single malts . Quality depends on craftsmanship, maturation, and ingredients – not on the category.
Example: Johnnie Walker Blue Label (blend) costs €200+ and is better than many €50 single malts.
❌ Myth #2: "Blended whisky is inferior"
Truth: Incorrect!
Blending is an art ! Master blenders like Jim Beveridge (Johnnie Walker) or Colin Scott (Chivas Regal) are legends. Creating a good blend that tastes the same year after year is extremely difficult .
Fact: 90% of the whisky sold worldwide is blends – they are the foundation of the industry!
❌ Myth #3: "Single Malt is purer/more natural"
Truth: Partly correct
Single malts use only malted barley, blends also use grain whisky (wheat, corn). But: Both are 100% whisky , both mature in casks, and both are natural.
Difference: Single malt = one ingredient, blend = multiple ingredients. Like Pizza Margherita vs. Pizza Quattro Stagioni – they're both pizza!
❌ Myth #4: "Blended whisky is only for cocktails"
Truth: Incorrect!
Many premium blends (Johnnie Walker Gold, Chivas 18, Monkey Shoulder) are excellent neat . They are often more balanced than single malts and perfect for beginners.
Tip: Try Johnnie Walker Black Label neat – you'll be surprised!
❌ Myth #5: "Single malt is more complex"
Truth: Not always
A good blend can contain 30-50 different whiskies – that's extremely complex ! Single malts are often more intense , but not necessarily more complex.
Example: Compass Box Hedonism (Blend) is incredibly complex and costs €150+.
Which type of whisky suits you?
🎯 Choose single malt if you...
✅ Values individuality – every distillery is unique
✅ You love complexity – many layers of flavor
✅ Want to discover – regions, distilleries, styles
✅ If you want to collect – single malts often have collector value
✅ Are you willing to pay more – for craftsmanship and exclusivity?
Recommendations for beginners:
- Glenmorangie Original (fruity, approachable)
- Highland Park 12 (balanced, slightly smoky)
- Glenfiddich 12 (classic, elegant)
Recommendations for advanced users:
- Ardbeg 10 (smoky, intense)
- Lagavulin 16 (complex, peaty)
- Macallan 12 Sherry Oak (rich, sherry notes)
🎯 Choose blended whisky if you...
✅ Prefer balance – no extreme scores
✅ Consistency is key – every bottle tastes the same
✅ Looking for value for money ? Often cheaper
✅ If you want to mix cocktails – blends are more versatile
✅ Beginners – more easily accessible
Recommendations for beginners:
- Monkey Shoulder (fruity, versatile)
- Famous Grouse (classic, affordable)
- Johnnie Walker Black Label (balanced, slightly smoky)
Recommendations for advanced users:
- Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve (complex, elegant)
- Chivas Regal 18 (rich, sherry notes)
- Compass Box Spice Tree (spicy, innovative)
Other whisky categories: Blended Malt & Single Grain
🥃 Blended Malt Whisky
Definition: Blend of several single malts (from different distilleries), not grain whisky .
Examples:
- Monkey Shoulder (Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Kininvie)
- Compass Box (various blended malts)
- Johnnie Walker Green Label (only malts, no grain)
Character: More complex than blends, but more balanced than single malts.
For whom: Everyone who wants the best of both worlds!
🥃 Single Grain Whisky
Definition: Whisky from a distillery , but made from grain (wheat, corn, rye) instead of barley.
Examples:
- Haig Club (David Beckham's Whiskey)
- Compass Box Hedonism (Luxury Grain Whiskey)
Character: Light, sweet, vanilla – often underestimated!
For whom: People who like to experiment and want to try something new.
Single Malt vs. Blended: The Truth
🏆 Which is better?
The honest answer: It depends on!
Single malt is better if you:
- You are looking for individuality and character
- Are you willing to pay more?
- If you want to discover different distilleries
Blended whisky is better if you:
- Balance and consistency preferred
- Price-performance ratio is appreciated
- Want to mix cocktails?
The truth is: both have their place. A good blend can be better than a mediocre single malt – and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is single malt always made from a single cask?
No! "Single" means "from one distillery," not "from one cask." Most single malts are blended from several casks.
Why is blended whisky cheaper?
Grain whisky is cheaper to produce (column stills, shorter maturation). Blends use grain whisky as a base, hence the lower price.
Can a blended malt be better than a single malt?
Yes! Johnnie Walker Blue Label (blend) is better than many €50 single malts. Quality doesn't depend on the category.
What is the most expensive blended whisky?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label (approx. €200) and Royal Salute 21 (approx. €150) are premium blends.
Which whisky is best for cocktails?
Blended whisky is better for cocktails – balanced, not too overpowering. Monkey Shoulder is perfect!
Are there any smoky blends?
Yes! Johnnie Walker Black Label, Compass Box Peat Monster, Big Peat – they are all smoky.
Conclusion: Both are great – try both!
The debate between single malt and blended whisky is often a matter of personal preference – but it shouldn't be. Both categories have their strengths; both can be exceptionally good.
Our recommendation:
- Start with a blend (e.g., Monkey Shoulder) – accessible, versatile
- Then try a single malt (e.g. Glenfiddich 12) – discover individuality
- Compare both – find out which one you prefer.
The truth is: there is no winner – just different styles for different occasions.
🥃 Discover single malts and blended whiskies at Whiskyquartier – we have both!
Other articles that might interest you:
- How to properly taste whisky: The ultimate tasting guide
- The 10 best Islay whiskies for Christmas 2025
- How to store whisky properly: This is how you perfectly preserve your collection.
About the author:
The Whiskyquartier team passionately curates the finest single malt and blended whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, and around the world. We believe both categories deserve respect – and a place in your collection.