Buy Single Malt Scotch Whisky Online

Scotch whisky has similarities to vodka and a number of other alcoholic spirits since it is made of grain, but that's where the similarity ends. The unmistakable characteristic is that whisky is aged in oak barrels and depending on the style the whisky can be aged in plain new oak or in barrels that have previously been used to age sherry, port, madeira, red or white wine and even other types of spirits such as bourbon.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky only qualifies if it has been distilled at a single distillery using a pot still distillation method and only using malted grain, the grain in Scotland being barley. The whisky must be matured in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, but often the well known quality producers mature their whiskies for a much longer period, some 25 years or more and its reflected in the price.

Single Malt Scotch Whiskies have six clearly designated whisky producing regions developing flavours and aromas in many cases unique to a particular region,

"Highlands" is Scotland’s largest producer of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, probably the region with the largest variation of styles, although typical flavours would include dried fruit, sweet grass and often the taste of oak comes through in abundance.

"Speyside" is way up in the north east of Scotland with many distilleries following the flow of the River Spey. Many people find this regions whisky much sweeter than Highlands and within it hints of vanilla and nutmeg and these flavours tend to be long lasting.

"Lowlands" is the second largest producer of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Lowlands produces the lightest tasting whisky of all the regions and with no peatiness, this often allows the taste of fruit to come through. The nose will pick up spices especially cinnamon.

"Islands" distilleries are spread over a very wide area, thus flavours can vary from one distillery to another, but not on too large a scale. Smoke and sweet honey tend to be the most dominant flavours.

*Islay" is famed for its powerful peat style flavours. Other flavours include sea salt and lots and lots of smoke. This unique strong flavour has a huge following around the world.

"Campbeltown" located close to the Mull of Kintyre produces whisky of varying styles, depending from which of the regions three distilleries. Their styles and tastes can vary from light flavours similar to Lowland right up to heavy smoke similar to Islay.

Alexander Hadleigh Wine Merchants, Southampton, Hampshire, UK have a very large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whisky covering in depth all six regions and with prices to suit most budgets.