Single Malt vs Blended Whisky: What’s the Difference?

Single malt and blended Scotch whisky are two of the most common whisky styles — but the difference between them is often misunderstood.

Neither is inherently better than the other. The distinction lies in how they’re made and what flavour experience they offer.

What Is Single Malt Whisky?

Single malt Scotch whisky is made at one distillery using only malted barley and water. It must be distilled in pot stills and matured in oak casks in Scotland.

Single malts often showcase the character of a specific distillery, region, and cask type.

What Is Blended Scotch Whisky?

Blended Scotch whisky is made by combining malt whiskies from multiple distilleries, often alongside grain whisky. The aim is balance, consistency, and harmony.

High-quality blends can still be complex, characterful, and flavour-led.

Which Should You Choose?

If you enjoy exploring distinct distillery character, single malt whisky may appeal more. If you prefer balance, approachability, or smoky-sweet harmony, a well-made blend can be just as rewarding.

At Dream Drams, we select both single malts and blends based on flavour, not labels.