My World of WhiskeySingle Barrel vs. Single MaltMix-Up
Two different ideas that sound alike: one is about the barrel, the other about the grain and distillery.
Single BarrelOne barrel
Every bottle comes from one barrel.
- Any style: bourbon, rye, Scotch
- Each barrel tastes a little different
"Blanton's is a single barrel bourbon."
Single MaltOne distillery, malted barley
100% malted barley from one distillery.
- Usually blended from many casks
- A single cask single malt is both
"Glenfiddich 12 is a single malt."
Why It Matters
A single malt is rarely a single barrel; a single barrel bourbon is never a single malt.
Related Terms
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