What is a key requirement for Single Malt Whiskeys?

Single Malt Whiskeys are defined by a few key characteristics, one of which is that they must be made from only malted barley. This use of barley is crucial, as it impacts the flavor, aroma, and overall profile of the whiskey. Malted barley provides the sugars necessary for fermentation, and the choice of barley influences the final product’s taste.

Moreover, Single Malt Whiskey must be produced at a single distillery, without the inclusion of grain whiskey from other distilleries, which is why the definition does not encompass any blending with whiskeys from other producers. The distillation process typically employs pot stills, so while this aspect is relevant to many single malts, it is not a definitive requirement as variants can exist.

The requirement regarding the percentage of corn refers to bourbon and not Single Malt Whiskeys, as bourbons must contain at least 51% corn as part of their grain bill, which is a completely different category. Therefore, the emphasis on barley sets Single Malt Whiskey apart, underscoring why it is essential that they are exclusively made from this single grain type.