When it comes to the subject of whisky, most people know of two different styles of whisky that are produced: single malt and blended whisky. Scotland actually produces four different types of whisky: grain whisky and blended malt whisky being added to the already mentioned two. Another popular misconception is that it is only the malt whisky that produces a top-notch whisky, but the truth is any of the four types are more than capable of producing a whisky that a connoisseur can enjoy.

Below we will take a brief and introductory look at the four different types of whisky that are produced in Scotland.

Malt Whisky

Malt Whisky is made using only malted barley, yeast and water, its production is usually always in batches. The process for making malt whisky involves the fermenting of the malted barley and water into a wash. This is then distilled in a pot still. The spirit that is left over is collected and matured in oak casks.

Although whisky can be made from other grains, malted barley is the grain that ferments the easiest with yeast. As such, it produces the most flavoursome alcohol. That is why malt whisky is renowned for being the top type of whisky.

(Malted barley - image source)

Grain Whisky

Different types of grain can be used to make whisky; including unmalted barley, corn, wheat and rye. In the production of the whisky, the grain is mixed with differing amounts of malted barley which ensures successful fermentation.

One of the other differences between malt whisky and grain whisky is that malt whisky is made in batches, whereas grain whisky doesn’t need to be. As such, grain whisky can be produced quicker and more easily. With large quantities being able to be produced quickly and the use of grain whisky in creating blended whisky, it was no surprise that Scotch has become the worldwide success story it is today.

Blended Whisky

Blended whisky is mass produced and can often be very bland as a result. Blended whisky is a mix of malt whiskies with whisky made from another grain. Blended whisky does suffer from a bad image, although it should be noted that there are some top quality ones out there. Two of the reasons for such a bad image are, firstly, they can contain a poor quality grain whisky which has been matured for only 3 years. Secondly, the proportion of grain whisky to malt can be high.

(A whisky still, where the magic happens - image source)

Blended Malt Whisky

Blended malt whisky is a relatively new phenomenon whereby different single malts from different distilleries are blended together to create a harmonious whisky. Blended malt whisky (also called vatted malt whisky) can include anywhere between three different single malts to over twenty different ones.