Facts You Must Know Before You Buy Single Malt Whisky

In the whiskey realm, single malt is often considered one of the most elite drinks. However, even some of the finest connoisseurs have their misconceptions about this beverage. No doubt, single malt whiskey is one of the most refined alcoholic drinks for only the classiest people, yet there are some core facts about the beverage that can help you buy and enjoy it better.

Single malt is synonymous with single cask

Unlike what most people think, single malt whiskey does not mean your drink comes from a single cask. The world single malt means the whiskey is sourced from a single distillery. As a result, this whiskey can be a blend of diverse casks from the same distillery. If you wish to buy single malt whisky, which is from one cask, look for a spirit that mentions single cask whiskey.

Age is not always the main parameter

Age makes a whiskey smoother, and varieties without correct aging are more vibrant. The age factor is one of the principal determinants that differentiate between an elite and a mediocre whiskey. You can buy single malt whisky from top online platforms, where you will find seasoned and old whiskey brands and varieties. However, at this junction, you must understand that age is often not the only criterion to buy quality in your spirit. In single malt whiskey, if the aging is prolonged, the spirit can taste of wood and can lack freshness. It, after all, depends on the taste of the person having the spirit, which decides how vital the age for your single malt is.

Single malt can come from other places, and not only Scotland

Traditionally, single malt whiskies originate from Scotland. Some of the most revered single malt whiskies in the world come from Scotland. However, this tradition is a thing of the past. Nowadays, you can source quality single malt whiskey from various countries such as Ireland, Japan, India, Taiwan, and Sweden. Single malt means a whiskey from one distillery and nothing else. As a result, they can come in from any country or continent.

Single Malt can come in different strengths

On many occasions, single malt whiskey after maturation is mixed with water. In these cases, early 40 to 45% of the whiskey is water dilution. However, in other cases, the single malt whiskey from the cask is pure. These varieties have more depth and character and are stronger whiskey varieties. People beginning their whiskey drinking must not try pure whiskey without any water dilution.

Whiskey preparation

There is another myth that single malt tastes best with ice or on the rocks. This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Ice can kill the taste and flavor of whiskey. Experts and connoisseurs often opine that whiskey is best prepared with room-temperature water. Since water is tasteless, colorless, and odorless, it does not overpower the authentic whiskey taste and flavors. Hence, room temperature water is best for preparing single malt whiskey.