The term in question describes a specific type of Scotch whisky (or whiskey, depending on origin). It signifies a product made entirely from malted barley at a single distillery. This contrasts with blended malts, which combine malt whiskies from multiple distilleries, and grain whiskies, which use other grains in addition to barley.
This category of spirit is often associated with quality and craftsmanship. The origin from a single location allows for a unique and identifiable flavor profile dependent on the distillery’s water source, barley type, and distillation techniques. Historically, these spirits were often produced in smaller batches with significant attention to detail, contributing to their prestige and the perception of a more complex and nuanced character.
