Malt whisky is a distilled spirit made primarily from malted barley, with production methods varying by region. It typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of no more than 80% and is often aged in oak barrels.
How it is made
Malt whisky is produced from malted barley, yeast, and water. The process includes malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging. Phenolic compounds form during barley malting, while copper pot stills affect sulfur compounds. Oak barrel aging extracts and absorbs various flavor compounds, including removing sulfur compounds.
Types and styles
Single malt whisky is a sub-type with its own page. Other styles include blended malt whisky and brands like Monkey Shoulder. If non-barley grains are used in production, the original grain type must be indicated on the label. Irish malt whisky is distilled from 100% malted barley and typically aged in previously used wooden barrels.
How it is served
Malt whisky is often enjoyed neat to appreciate its complex flavors. The taste generally features notes of caramel, oak, and toasted vanilla, with some varieties having peaty, smoky characteristics, particularly Scotch whisky. The smoothness comes from the distillation process enhancing these flavor profiles.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Солодовый виски, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of malt whisky
Other styles
- Blended malt whisky
Well-known brands
- Monkey Shoulder (Scotland)