Metro Cigar News Spring 1998: Single Malt Scotch

Popularity of Single Malt Scotch
Whiskies Continues to Increase
Once the well-kept secret of Scotland and a handful of aficionados, single malt Scotch whisky is now the drink of choice for a growing number of discerning Americans. In fact, single malt sales continue to rise as sales of blended Scotch decline.

"Currently, the majority of single malt drinkers are fine wine drinkers," observes Karla Varley, Aberlour brand manager, Austin, Nichols & Co. Inc.

"Single malts, like fine wines, are selected and valued for their flavor and age. Like a fine wine, where it's produced and who produces it influence the character of each single malt. Each of these factors appeals to fine wine enthusiasts."

SINGLE MALT WHISKY In Scotland, the natural characteristics of each region lend a hand in the mysterious process of distilling single malt whisky. The ancient alchemy of air, fire and pure water casts a spell over the distilling process, making single malts differ vastly in style, depending on the part of Scotland in which they originate.

Rather like a French wine map, Scotland has distinctive whisky regions, broadly four in all. They cover the Lowlands, Islands, Highlands and Speyside -- a small area teeming with distilleries on the edge of the Highlands. In much the same way that chateau-bottled wines from the same family of grapes vary enormously according to sun and soil, premium single malts can leave memories of salt, heather, honey or a dozen other flavors.

The single Malt, sometimes called the pot still malt, is a most subtle and delectable form of whisky to drink. Although almost all malt whisky is used in blending, there are nevertheless almost 100 single malts available.

A single malt Scotch whisky, for the record, is the product of one unique distillery at a specific age. It is, therefore, the result of a single distillation and can be compared directly with the finest chateau-bottled wines. Every single-malt distillery produces its own distinctly flavored whisky depending on its location, water source, type of barley, size and shape of still and style of maturation. Two distilleries 400 yards apart in the same region can produce entirely different malts. Single malts in Scotland vary according to the regions in which they are produced:

Lowland Malts are generally found in a line running from Greenock to Dundee and include the major urban areas of Edinburgh, Glasgow and the South. Overall, this style of whisky lacks an emphatic malty taste. Their light, sometimes sweet and more delicate character makes them popular for use in blending.

The Island Malts can be recognized by their peaty smell. The taste is an acquired one and perhaps best exemplified by Laphroaig and Lagavulin. If they originate from Jura or Mull there can be a hint of saltiness, even a kippery flavor in the after-taste.

Highland Malts come from one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland, where a gentle blend of altitude and mountain water imparts a depth of flavor and quality. The Edradour - acclaimed as the jewel in the crown of Highland malts - Glenmorangie is a fine example of this smooth heather-honey style.

Speyside Malts are acknowledged as perhaps the most outstanding of the single malts. Classic malts, such as Aberlour, are the result of a combination of natural elements that have set the region apart from all others.

Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky is imported into the United States, Ricard, France. Aberlour is the only single malt to ever win three Gold Medals and the coveted Pot Still Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.