The growing popularity of wine probably has had a great deal to do with the decline of spirits sales. One category of spirits that is selling gangbusters these days is single-malt Scotch. Three years ago, I used to get books listing 200 distilleries. Now I get books listing 800. It has been that kind of explosion.
Single malts are pricey, yet in demand.
Single malts vary in taste and style, which may make it hard to keep up with the market, but they offer a wonderful diversity of experimentation before and after dinner. Malt is barley that has been steeped in water, allowed to sprout and then traditionally dried over peat, which gives Scotch its smoky character. The amount of peat flavor can vary widely. Wood aging also gives Scotch distinctive flavors. Casks previously used to age sherry were the traditional tools for the aging of single malts.