Blends and Single Malts

Blends and Singles

After singing the praises of blended Scotch, I don't want to seem biased or overly stuck in my ways. So, the other day I picked up a bottle of Single Malt. I had heard that Scotch aged in sherry oak casks was something to try, so I tried it.

First, we should talk about the Single Malt experience. It is very much a different experience than drinking blended whisky. First of all, let's get one thing straight, you cannot compare blends to singles. I won't say that it's like comparing apples and oranges, really, its more like comparing a night out with the boys and a night out with one of the boys. You like going out with the gang because their is a certain comfort and familiarity, but when you and a buddy go out there is a certain connection - a unique experience that cannot exist when you are out with the gang. The difference between singles and blends is comparable, in my humble opinion.

The Single Malt

The Single Malt has that unique edge to it. It has personality and qualities that you don't see everyday. You probably don't want to drink Single Malt everyday. As far as I'm concerned, the great strength of a blend is that you can drink it everyday. It is a something that you won't get tired of, it's something you can rely on. A Single Malt, however, has to fit the occasion. You can't put it in the decanter, like you can a blend, no, the individuality of a Single Malt is ruined if it leaves the bottle. Single Malts must be kept distinct, in their bottles, as part of a collection. The true Single Malt lover keeps the tube or cylinder that the bottle comes in.

Single Malts, by definition are at least three years old, forty per cent alcohol, from malted barley, aged in oak and distilled in a pot still. Most importantly they must have been produced from one single distillery. Naturally there are many varieties of Single Malts out there. The peculiarities of the region, land, water and distillery all help to fashion the unique taste of each malt. Hopefully, as my collection expands, you will see many of the Single Malt varieties reviewed here.

It is hard to know just how the reviews will go. There are many fine Whiskys out there and many of the characteristics are unique and special making it hard to judge deficiencies and qualities. Further, Single Malts are harder to sample than wines. In order to sample the singles you have to buy relatively expensive bottles of Scotch, and I'm cheap! Nonetheless, in the interest of saving you from the scourge of poor taste, I am determined to let the world know what is good and what is bad so that you don't have to find out on your own. I will rate and I will judge so that you will know what is Chris' Choice.