Whisky: What it is and how to drink it

Canadian Living had the opportunity to interview Global Brand Ambassador for The Balvenie, David Mair, who'd been visiting from Scotland.

David shares his knowledge on whisky such as the differences between a single malt and blended whisky, when whisky is called scotch and answers common questions on whisky etiquette.

CL: What is scotch distilled from and what gives it its flavour?
Mair: We make The Balvenie from malted barley, spring water and yeast. Flavour sources come from a number of areas: barley, water, yeast, copper pot still shape, and oak casks.

CL: What is the difference between a single malt and blended scotch?
Mair: Single malt is only made from the cereal barley and is malt whisky produced from just one distillery. Blended whisky is a mix of single malts blended into a base of grain whisky - grain often being wheat. Grain whisky is produced in a much more modern method, is cheaper to produce, and has a bit less flavour than single malt whisky.

CL: Is a single malt better than a blended whisky?
Mair: Single malts are known to have very individual flavours, some more complex than others, some sweet, and a few which are smoky. Some would say that single malts are the best, while others may not. Blended whiskies are different because they all have one element in common. This is the base of grain whisky which is often made from wheat and has a bit less flavour than single malt whisky. There is nothing inferior however and nothing is being hidden. Grain whisky is less expensive to produce and should in many situations make the bottle price lower. Blends have different flavours to single malts and will vary, depending on which single malts have been used in the blend 'recipe'.

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