Single Malt Whiskies are the product of individual distilleries. Each one is unique, different from even its closest neighbor. These differences result from many variables: the quality of the local water; the drying barley's length of exposure to peat smoke; the shape of the copper pot still and if it is heated with an open flame or by steam; and, finally, how long the spirit is aged and whether the cask it is aged in is new or has previously held sherry, bourbon or some other spirit. Regional differences in malt whisky have been traditionally divided into four categories:
- Lowland malts generally are lighter, more delicate.
- Islay malts (and by extension, the other island malts) are heavy, peaty and dry.
- Campbeltown's two distilleries produce spirits that are soft with a touch of brine.
- Highland malts, especially those of the Speyside region, are richer and more complex.
- However, these days exceptions abound.
- Any region's malts can range from the sweet and delicate to ones that will pop the pennies off a dead man's eyes.
C. B. Hannegan's has been a serious promoter of single malt whisky since we opened our doors in 1980. Try one of our single malts. You will be rewarded with a full, rich flavor, one that "keeps the warmth and not the fire".