A large, stacked pile of wooden barrels fills the frame.

Discover Types of Whisky

WHISKY & SCOTCH TYPES EXPLAINED

What's the difference between a Single Malt Scotch Whisky and a Blended Scotch Whisky? Or between a whisky, a whisky, a bourbon, a Tennessee whisky and a rye? Let’s start by what they have in common. In its widest definition, whisky is a drink distilled from the fermentation of malt – that’s any grain that has been allowed to germinate, particularly barley or rye, then dried.

Whether it’s spelled 'whisky' or 'whiskey' usually depends on where it’s made. In Scotland, Canada, Japan and other parts of the world, it’s without the 'e', while in the US and Ireland it’s normally spelled with an 'e'. The key differences between the main types of whisky are down to four things: the grain used, how it’s made, where it’s made and how long it’s matured for.

Different Scotch Whiskies

KNOW YOUR SCOTCH WHISKY TYPES

Whiskies around the world

Extra Whisky Knowledge