Single Malt Whisky

Single malt is where whisky gets interesting - one distillery, one style, no blending it out. We've picked through Highland, Speyside, Islay and beyond to bring together bottles with real character, from long-standing names to smaller distilleries worth knowing about.

What is single malt whisky?

Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery, as opposed to blended whisky, which mixes malt and grain whisky from several distilleries. That single-site rule is what gives single malt its distinct, distillery-specific character: the water, the stills, the casks and the location all leave their mark.

Shop by region

Scotland's whisky regions each have a character of their own. Explore:

• Highland whisky - broad and varied, from light and floral to rich and full-bodied
• Speyside whisky - Scotland's most concentrated whisky region, known for fruity, elegant malts
• Islay whisky - smoky, peaty, coastal - not for the faint-hearted
• Isle of Arran whisky - island-made single malt from Arran and its sister distillery, Lagg
• Isle of Raasay whisky - one of Scotland's newest distilleries, small-batch and distinctive
• English whisky - including The Lakes Distillery (Cumbria) and Forest Distillery, distilled just down the road in Macclesfield

Looking for a gift?

If you're buying for someone else rather than yourself, our whisky gift sets are built for exactly that: tasting sets, miniatures and glass packs ready to give as they are.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between single malt and blended whisky?
Single malt comes from one distillery and is made entirely from malted barley. Blended whisky combines malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries to hit a consistent house style. Neither is "better" - they're different approaches, and price isn't a reliable guide to which you'll prefer.

What are the main single malt whisky regions?
Scotland's whisky is traditionally grouped into Highland, Speyside, Islay, Lowland, Campbeltown and the Islands. Speyside has the highest concentration of distilleries and tends towards fruity, elegant styles. Islay is known for peat smoke and coastal character. Highland covers the widest range of styles, from light to rich and sherried.

Is single malt whisky always from Scotland?
No - single malt just describes the production method, not the country. We stock single malt from England too, including The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria and Forest Distillery in Macclesfield.

Do you sell whisky gift sets?
Yes - see our whisky gift set collection for tasting sets, miniatures and glass packs.