Discover the types of whisky
Whisky types explained
What's the difference between a Single Malt Scotch Whisky and a Blended Scotch Whisky? Or between a whisky, a whiskey, a bourbon, a Tennessee whiskey and a rye? Let’s start by what they have in common. In its widest definition, whisky is a drink distilled from the fermentation of malt – that’s any grain that has been allowed to germinate, particularly barley or rye, then dried.
Whether it’s spelled 'whisky' or 'whiskey' usually depends on where it’s made. In Scotland, Canada, Japan and other parts of the world, it’s without the 'e', while in the US and Ireland it’s normally spelled with an 'e'. The key differences between the main types of whisky are down to four things: the grain used, how it’s made, where it’s made and how long it’s matured for.
Different Scotch Whiskies
Know your Scotch Whisky types
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![Close of up grain used in whisky]()
![Close of up grain used in whisky]()
Single malt whisky 01/03
This is a whisky from a single distillery made using only malted barley, water and yeast. Single Malt Scotch Whiskies come from four regions across Scotland: Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay. The different areas are known for their unique characteristics like fruitiness, freshness, maltiness and smokiness.
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![Close up of whisky being poured into a glass]()
![Close up of whisky being poured into a glass]()
Grain whisky 02/03
The main ingredient of these whiskies is maize, wheat, or both, rather than barley. They can come from a single distillery or be blended from different distilleries across Scotland. Grain whiskies have a lighter, creamy flavor, which make them ideal in whisky blends, where they bring together the flavors of single malts.
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![Machines inside a whisky distillery]()
![Machines inside a whisky distillery]()
Blended whisky 03/03
A Blended Scotch Whisky is made by mixing together Single Malt Whiskies and Single Grain Whiskies. This creates a broader depth of flavour and allows the flavour and quality of the whisky to stay the same time after time. When a Blended Whisky states its age, this refers to the youngest whisky used in the blend.
Whiskies around the world
Scotch
To be called Scotch (like us), the whisky must be made entirely in Scotland. A Scotch Whisky has to be made from malted barley or grain and aged in oak casks no bigger than 700 litres, for no less than three years.
Irish
This is any whiskey made in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Any malted cereal grains can be used in any proportion. Like Scotch, it must be aged in wooden casks for at least three years.
Japanese
Japanese whisky is usually made in the same way as Scotch whisky. It’s been produced since the 1920s, but it’s only become widely available outside of Japan in the last decade.
American
These can be made from any cereal grain including rye, corn, barley and wheat. Around a third of American whiskies are bourbons. Other types include Tennessee Whisky, Rye and whisky liqueurs.
Johnnie Walker Core Range
Johnnie Walker Core Range
Black Label
Red label
Double Black
Gold Label
Green label
Aged 18 years
Blue label
