Single malt alcohol is made in a single distillery from a single primary malt ingredient, resulting in unique flavors. The process involves germination, mashing, and fermentation, with high alcohol content. Prices vary widely depending on age and distillery, with some rare varieties costing thousands of dollars.
Single malt alcohol, such as single malt whiskey or scotch, is a type of liquor that has been produced in a “single” distillery, from a single primary malt ingredient. Like vintage wines, single malts are unique to their maker and can display a wide range of flavor characteristics depending on the region, process and ingredients. Although single malts are believed to have originally come from Scotland, they are now brewed around the world, gaining popularity in many countries including Ireland, Japan and New Zealand.
Creating malt beverages begins with a germination process. Water is added to a grain, heated, and left to sit for several days, allowing the grain to produce the enzymes needed for fermentation. Most single malts use barley as a malting ingredient, although other grains, such as rye, may also be used.
After the malting process is complete, the grain is mashed and mixed with more hot water, which breaks down the grain into sugars that will ferment. The fermentation process of a single malt beverage takes at least three years, but many high-end varieties are stored in oak barrels for much longer.
Single malts are unique in that they are produced by only one distillery. If a bottled malt drink uses grains from other sources or blends two or more single malts from separate distilleries, it is called a vat, double, or blended. This allows distilleries to create signature drinks with unique tastes and preferences. Many single malt connoisseurs are fans of specific distilleries or regions, just as a wine drinker favors specific wineries or appellations.
Due to the high amount of sugar created in the brewing process, single malts typically have a very high alcohol content. While the amount varies by vintage and age, most single malts are 40-60% ABV. Whereas wine and beer range between 7-18% ABV and other spirits, such as vodka, usually reach around 35-50%, single malts may seem to contain too much alcohol for the casual drinker. However, single malts are typically served plain in very small quantities and are usually meant to be slowly sipped rather than sliced.
If you’re interested in trying single malts, there are several websites and books that offer guides to this spirit realm. Prices for this sought-after variety of beverage can be quite steep, but vary widely depending on age and distillery. For a 12-year single malt whiskey, expect to pay between $20-$40 US Dollars (USD). Usually, the older a malt gets, the higher the price. Some 40- or 50-year-old varieties can cost thousands of dollars, making finding and drinking a rare experience.
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