The best whisky ever, or a few words about single malt
Ever since I learned to love the wonderful golden-hued beverage, I know that single malt is the thing to go for!
In my opinion, there is no better whisky than Scottish single malt. Ardbeg, The Balvenie, Laphroaig, Caol Ila… these names are dear to my heart as they bring back many happy memories. Why is malt whisky so special? What is its production process like? Why do some kinds of whisky have a slightly smoky after-taste? Read on to find out!
Single malt is a type of whisky which differs from other alcohols in this category in terms of taste and exquisiteness.This happens for a number of reasons. Firstly, single malt whisky is only made from barley which is a hard grain to grow and a very demanding one. The origin of the grain, the soil where it grew, the weather conditions – all this affects the flavour of the whisky made from it.
Secondly, single malt has to be distilled in a copper alembicat least twice and often even three times. One interesting fact is that even the shape and height of the tube that is part of the distillation still has an impact on the final product.
Of great importance is also the cask where the whisky matures. A respected distillery will never use the same cask more than three times. This is hardly surprising, since the best single malts are those that took more than 10 years to mature, which means that a single cask could be in use for a few decades.
My favourite malt whisky is produced in Scotland (although I will not say no to Japanese malt whisky now and then). Whisky experts name four key production regions: Campbeltown, Highlands, Lowland and Islay. I am particularly fond of whisky made in the latter region since I enjoy its slightly peaty, smoky after-taste.
A lot of information about a given whisky is provided on the label. Usually single malts at different stages of maturity from different casks are blended in a bottle, and the number of years given on the label refers to the youngest of the whisky in the mix. You might also come across the term “single cask”on the label, which means that the beverage inside comes from a single cask and only one year. Keep an eye out for “limited edition”or “special release” markings on the labels – the limited editions usually offer completely new taste sensations.
All images were taken at the Dom Whisky in Warsaw.
