Islay Malts Islay malts are the easiest malts s to recognise. They are the most pungent and most heavily peaty These malts take their characteristics both from the peat used to dry the barley and their closeness to the sea. These factors give them what is often described as a seaweedy, medicinal taste and a distinct peaty flavour. Whisky Scotch can only have this name if it has been distilled and matured in Scotland. It is protected under international law in the same way that Champagne and other regional specialities are protected.
Scotch comes in two varieties, grain and malt .
Single Grain whiskies are blended with single Malt whiskies to make a blended product - the branded products you buy in the shops. The characteristics of single Grains are as individual as those of Single Malt whiskies. And if you want to brew some yourself, this is Whisky, how to make it Click here to return to Scotland Calling Front Page .