Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A single malt is a whisky that has been distilled from malted barley and is the product of a single distillery. A pure
(vatted) malt is a mixture of single malts from several distilleries, and a blended whisky is a mixture of various
grain whiskies (about 60%) and malt whiskies (about 40%) from many different distilleries.
Why are single malts more desirable than blends?
A single malt, like a fine wine, somehow captures the essence of the place where it was made and matured - a
combination of the water, the barley, the peat smoke, the oak barrels in which it was aged and (in the case of cer-
tain coastal distilleries) the sea air and salt spray. Each distillation varies from the one before, like different vin-
tages from the same vineyard.
How should a single malt be drunk?
Either neat, or preferably with a little water added. To appreciate the aroma and flavour to the utmost, a measure
of malt whisky should be cut (diluted) with one-third to two-thirds as much spring water (still, bottled spring wa-
ter will do). Ice, tap water and (God forbid) mixers are for philistines. Would you add lemonade or ice to a glass
of Chablis?
Where can I learn more?
If you're serious about spirits, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (
0131-554 3451;
www.smws.com
)
has
branches all around the world. Membership of the society costs from £110 for the first year (£57 a year thereafter)
and includes use of members' rooms in Edinburgh and London.
TOP 10 SINGLE MALT WHISKIES - OUR CHOICE
After a great deal of diligent research (and not a few sore heads), Lonely Planet's
Scotland
authors have selected their 10 favourite single malts from across the country.
»(
Click here
)
(Islay) The 10-year-old from this noble distillery is a byword for excel-
lence. Peaty but well balanced. Hits the spot after a hill walk.
»(
Click here
)
(Islay) Smoke, peat and salty sea air - a classic Islay malt. One of the few
distilleries that still malts its own barley.
»(
Click here
)
(Islay) A visitor-friendly distillery with a quirky, innovative approach -
famous for very peaty special releases such as Moine Mhor.
»
Glendronach
(Speyside) Only sherry casks
are used here, so the creamy, spicy result tastes
like grandma's Christmas trifle.
»(
Click here
)
(Orkney) Full and rounded,
with heather, honey, malt and peat. Award-win-
ning distillery tour.
»(
Click here
)
(Arran) One of the newest of Scotland's distilleries, offering a lightish, fla-
voursome malt with flowery, fruity notes.
A Caledonian Feast
by Annette Hope is a fascinat-
ing and readable history of Scottish cuisine, provid-
ing a wealth of historical and sociological back-
ground.
