what is single cask whisky?

Single cask whisky. Similar in many ways to single malt whisky but with a very distinct difference.

What is single cask whisky?

Single cask whisky is bottled from one solitary cask, unlike single malt whisky which is typically a blend of several casks from the same distillery.

Are you saying that single malt whisky is actually blended?

Yes, sort of. The process is normally referred to as ‘vatting’. Blenders mix different casks from the same distillery together to ensure a consistent flavour profile from batch to batch, year to year.

Why produce single cask whisky though?

Each cask preserves the unique characteristics of that particular batch, providing a whisky profile that can never been replicated again – a snapshot of time and place.

And because it can only be produced in a limited quantity, it is highly sought after.

Why does every cask produce different whisky?

Because wood is a natural substance, only answering to the wonders of nature and not science, it means that every cask matures in a slightly different way.

Who produces single cask whisky?

Most large whisky brands produce a single cask whisky at some stage, but there are specialist producers known for sourcing single cask whisky such as The Single Cask, Douglas Laing & Co and Weymss Malts.

Is it worth trying?

Absolutely!

Single cask whiskies tend to be at a higher price point than their single malt cousins, but they have a unique flavour, a higher alcohol content, and lack colouring or filtration.

Best serve?

It’s up to you. Neat, with a splash of water or with ice. Although I recommend trying neat for the first time so that you can appreciate the nuance of flavour - and taste what you’ve paid for!

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