Single malt whiskeys are a journey of flavour exploration and this is why whiskey tasting and heritage has persevered for so long over the years. Many single malt whiskeys are often produced in places with hotter climates because they often taste as though they are more aged. For instance, India is one huge producer of single malt whiskeys. However, you can also enjoy single malt whiskey from Scotland and our very own New Zealand whiskeys. These spirits are built around flavour nuances that are achieved through malting, fermentation, distillation and maturation. If you are new to single malts, then prepare to enjoy your drinks and learn about them as well.

“Single malt” means that the whisky comes from one distillery and is brewed from 100% malted barley.  When aged for a long time, the whiskey is smoother and of a higher quality. Here are some of the best Indian, Scottish or New Zealand single malt whiskeys to enjoy:

• “1988” Cask Strength Single Malt – The New Zealand Whisky Collection

This single malt whiskey is made by the Willowbank Distillery and has been aged for 225 years, The whisky is popular with whiskey lovers due to its flavour and notes of nuts, malt, citrus, and tannins. It also carries hints of peat smoke with a subtle spicy taste. It is a great single malt whisky for beginners and regulars alike and we guarantee you will enjoy it.

• The GlenDorach

This is a Scottish single malt whiskey focused on sherry cask maturation, The GlenDorach is smooth and with a flavour that is sweet with hints of baking spices. It is aged using PX and Oloroso sherry casks and has had limited editions released as well such as The GlenDorach Kingsman Edition 1989 Vintage that is tied to the movie, The Kingsman. Best part is that there is no colouring added hence, what you see is what was brewed and aged.

• Rampur Single Malt Whiskey

This Indian whiskey from the Radico Khaitan Distillery in Uttar Pradesh is a great drink that is handcrafted and made specially for export. It has a rich fruity flavour of honey, spices and dried fruits with a floral aroma and hints of toffee. Rampur Single Malt Whiskey is amber gold in colour and has a great finish balanced with malty and creamy vanilla with tones of apple and apricot.

• Paul John Edited Single Malt Whiskey

This is another Indian single malt whisky that is brewed using Indian barley and peated Scottish Barley. Created by Michael John, it is distilled in Goa and bottled at 46% alcohol by volume. It is great for whisky lovers and those new to whiskey as well and has grassy flavours with subtle peat notes and a finish consisting of spicy and chocolate mint hints It is amber gold and great for lovers of single malt whiskeys.

• Manuka Smoke “Progress Report” Single Malt – Thomson Whisky

This single malt whiskey is by the New Zealand’s Thomson Distillery and made with 100 percent New Zealand malted barley and smoked over Manuka wood before being distilled through a hand-beaten copper pot. The whiskey has flavours of cinnamon, smoke and clove and is a great whiskey to enjoy alone or with company.