Whisky can be referred to as an alcoholic beverage distilled from one or more grains, such as barley, wheat and rye. There are several steps to its production, which includes fermentation, distillation and maturation. There are also different types of whiskies, made with a variation of techniques. 

 

For instance, blended malt whiskies are made with more than one single malt whisky and this is likewise for blended grain varieties. Blended whiskies, on the other hand, are made with a combination of a single grain and single malt whisky. For more information on the different types available, check out our beginner’s guide to whisky.

Single malt whisky simply refers to whisky that has been produced in one distillery (as indicated by ‘single’) using only one ‘malt’, which is often barley. While they are often more synonymous with made in Scotland, single malt whisky is also produced in different countries, such as in Japan and Taiwan.

In the whisky world, the terms ‘double’ and ‘triple’ are misnomers. They are, instead, more accurately described as ‘blended’. Following the aforementioned definition of single malt whisky, double and triple malt refers to whisky produced by blending two and three malt whiskies respectively. If you hit the bars, you’d hear bartenders referring to these as blended whiskies instead.

Many die-hard whisky fans will tell you that single malt whiskies are superior to blended ones. This is because they believe that the former represents the distillery they are made in. The quality of barley used in the single malt variety as well as the notes they offer is testament of the whisky’s true quality. Moreover, they fall within the premium range owing to the level of mastery required during production.

 

However, this does not render blended malt whiskies less superior. In fact, they are known for the complexity of flavours they offer due to the infinite combinations of malted barley.

This is a very contentious question, and no doubt every whisky producer will argue that their own brand of single malt is the best! A great way to start would probably be with a variety of whiskies from different countries of origin, and then exploring their taste profiles to find one that suits your preferences.

 

 Scotch single malts are worth your investment

 

Scotland reported the first written record of whisky in 1494, during which a monk at Lindores Abbey by the name of Brother Jon Core, received an order from King James III to supply about 500 bottles of ‘aqua vitae’ - what we know as whisky today. These were largely for medicinal purposes which the monasteries were known to produce.

 

Today, Scotch whisky is easily understood as whisky made in Scotland, produced from any grain that is distilled and matured for three years in oak barrels. Some of the most well-known Scotch whiskies, including Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal, are in fact blends. However, as mentioned above, single malt whiskies offer the best way to experience the full taste profile of the distillery in which it was made. Glenfiddich, Macallan and Glenlivet are all varieties of Scotch single malt whisky, and are great options for beginners.

 

• Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich is a relatively affordable bottle, and its signature 12 Year single malt contains fruity notes of pear, butterscotch, cream and oak. The taste has been described as long, smooth and mellow, savoured in sips of its attractively golden liquid. Boasting the most awards of any single malt Scotch whisky, the 12 Year Old has been distilled using the same Highland water of Scotland for almost 150 years. 

 

The Glenfiddich 15 and 18 Year Old single malt whiskies are also well worth trying. The former contains warm, spicy flavours of honey and vanilla, mixed with marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. Meanwhile, the latter is reminiscent of baked apple and oak, with hints of dried fruit and dates throughout. For stronger flavours, give the Glenfiddich Project XX a try. You will find notes of apple blossom, summer fruit and ripe pear, mixed with cinnamon, almonds, liquorice and rich port tannins.

 

• The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet is perhaps the most famous whisky in the world. The story of its founder, George Smith, is compelling: he was the first person in Scotland to legally apply for a whisky-production license. Ever since, The Glenlivet was a huge success. 

 

Distinctively Speyside, the whisky pays homage to its rocky roots in every drop. Its renowned 12 Year Old single malt contains notes of pineapple, fresh pear and vanilla, coupled with the delightful and surprising mixing with marzipan and hazelnuts. 

 

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old single malt, meanwhile, contains the flavour of toffee, orange peel and candied grapefruit, along with notes of cinnamon, hazelnut and toasted almonds. For the most intense and full results, why not try The Glenlivet XXV Single Malt? You will find hints of cinnamon, ginger, chocolate, orange peel, and finishing touches of raisins and sultanas.

 

• Macallan

Situated just above the River Spey in Scotland, Macallan has been renowned for quality since its founding by Alexander Reid in 1824. Combining influences from Spanish, North American and other Scottish whisky distillers, the distillery today combines a wealth of knowledge with the fertile soils of Speyside farms, and its reputation for outstanding product precedes it. 

 

For instance, in the Macallan Double Cask 15 Year Old single malt, you will notice hints of orange and chocolate, nestled in a generally smooth overall taste. But it is the seasoned oak from North America and Europe which makes this drink shine. Having matured for 15 years, it has been crafted to perfection.

 

• Lagavulin

Lagavulin is the anglicised version of the Scottish Gaelic Lag a’ Mhuilinn, which means ‘hollow of the mill’. The Lagavulin distillery is based in Islay, Scotland, where whisky production has taken place since 1816. Its founder, John Johnston, is said to have undertaken the production for some time prior, although he did so without a proper license.

 

Matured in old bourbon casks, Lagavulin’s taste is robust. The iconic bottles are the 12 and 16 Year Old single malt whiskies. The former smacks of a natural cask strength flavour, and is a brilliant introduction to the world of Lagavulin single malt. Look out for the distinctive maritime notes of the brand. 

 

Meanwhile, the 16 Year Old has been described as the taste of driftwood fire at dusk – a bold claim! In any case, you will notice dry peat smoke nodding to its Islay heritage, characteristic of the rocky, coastal area in which it was made. Get in quick though – Lagavulin often runs out of stock for the 16 Year Old, due to its immense popularity. Buy a bottle on iShopChangi while you can!

Japanese single malt whiskies are a dream

 

There are several outstanding Japanese whiskies to choose from, but Yamazaki is undoubtedly one of the best. Signature bottles from this brand include the Yamazaki 12, Yamazaki 18 and Yamazaki 25. 

 

The Yamazaki 12 Year single malt contains notes of vanilla and ripened fruit, while the sherry and mizunara casks used in the maturation process give a depth of flavour which is hard to match. Deeper notes of blackberry, dark chocolate and Mizunara can be found in the Yamazaki 1 , while the Yamazaki 25 year is known for its complex couplings of dried cherry, marmalade, walnut and coffee.

 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something different, why not try the Hakushu single malt? Conceptualised as an alternative to Suntory’s flagship Yamazaki, Hakushu comes straight from the Japanese Southern Alps, boasting a luxurious green liquid that is fresh and crisp in flavour. 

 

Hakushu single malt is a fantastic option for those curious about the distinct flavour profiles, or looking to explore what is available in the world of single malt whiskies.

 

Taiwanese single malt whisky brings fresh flavours

 

Kavalan single malt is the signature whisky of Taiwan and is one of the most recent additions to the single malt map. Kavalan’s distillery is based in Yilan County, next to the famous Snow Mountain. Climactically, this location balances the intense humidity of the area with the pleasant Taiwanese sea breeze.

 

Tien-Tsai Lee founded the Kavalan distillery in 2005, having travelled to Scotland and Japan to learn from master distillers the various methods to create the best malt whiskies. Their flagship bottle, the Kavalan Classic Single Malt, has a tropical-fruitiness which is distinct and delicious. You will notice notes of coconut, vanilla, mango, honey, peardrop, chocolate and spiced barley, offering a unique and exciting option for those looking for something new.

There will always be contention when it comes to corresponding alcohol consumption with health benefits, but there are in fact several ways in which single malt whisky can improve your health. Single malt whisky enhances blood circulation and dilates your blood vessels, reducing your risk of having a stroke. Research has also shown a positive association between moderate drinking and a decreased chance of experiencing symptoms of dementia. Consult your doctor for best results! 

Single malt whisky has made a large imprint on popular culture. James Bond, in addition to liking Vodka Martinis, is known for drinking Macallan 15 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, as referenced in the 2012 movie Skyfall. Ron Swanson, a character from the 2009 sitcom Parks and Recreation, loves the Lagavulin single malt. In the 2005 film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the horses from the school of Beauxbatons drink only single malt whisky - a bold choice!

 

That said, single malt whisky is slowly stepping out from its world of exclusivity with more people experimenting various ways to enjoy this luscious beverage. This makes it the perfect choice in any party or bar, and even as gifts for loved ones.

The best way to enjoy whisky is to have it quick. However, we recommend drinking whisky slowly, in small sips. This way, you get to appreciate its complete flavour profile on your palate. Have it straight or with a drop of water.

 

You can also consider a range of mixers to enjoy your single malt whisky. For example, you may combine freshly squeezed lemon juice with your favourite single malt Scotch to have the popular Scotch Sour. How about the Godfather cocktail that combines Scotch whisky with the Italian Amaretto? 

To know which single malt whisky serves your palate best, you’d need to try a variety to explore the different taste profiles. Looking to start shopping for a bottle or two? Look no further than iShopChangi! From Macallan, Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet to Yamazaki and Kavalan, you’d be able to find your single malt whisky brand of choice, whether for yourself or as a gift for a friend - all at duty-free prices!

 

If you’re travelling, you may place your orders 30 days in advance or up to 12 hours before your flight, and collect your purchases at any of our collection points across the terminals at Singapore Changi Airport. Not travelling? Don’t worry - you can shop at exclusive tax-absorbed prices on iShopChangi without flying! Simply filter the products available to non-travellers and opt for delivery in Singapore.

 

Both travellers and non-travellers can also enjoy free delivery to any residential address with a minimum $59 spend. Do check out our latest promotions for some of the best alcohol deals you can find in Singapore!