Pure Malt

Malt Whisky is made from a malted grain type and it comes on the market as the single malt whiskey malt whiskey or two which is also called vatted malt. These single malt whiskeys are the best because it uses a single type of malt as it may seem. Double malts are not as expensive as single malt whiskey, but they use multiple malts to produce a mixture.

The ingredients used for making malt whiskey is water, barley and yeast. The production begins by mixing the barley with water and is kept for some time to germinate. The enzymes that are released into the malting process help to break down the starch in the grain and result in converting them into sugars. Once germination is complete, the malted barley is dried. Famous distilleries such as The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Bowmore, Springbank and Highland Park have specialized their brewery, but produce only a small amount.

Next, the malted grain is carefully examined for stones or other items before they are milled. The malt goes through the milling machine and let the grain powder at the bottom of the milling machine. This is a powder called flour is then mixed with hot water. The flour is mixed with water for about six hours, until it produces a thick porridge. The humidity, heat and movement, then extract the sugars or maltose flour which is now called wort. Next the yeast is added to the wort in a large container or vessel that is manufactured in stainless steel. These large vessels usually contain thousands of liters. When yeast is mixed, it feeds on maltose and turns it into raw alcohol.

The raw alcohol which contains a very low alcohol strength following through boiling. The vapor is collected in a container that is submerged in cold water while returning to its liquid form. This liquid is distilled twice or three times which finally contains 60-70% alcohol. This new spirit is then stored in oak casks until it matured. The longer it is kept, the more flavor from a wooden barrel in it. For best results the newly malted whiskey is kept for a minimum of three to four years. Finally, the malted barley produced in one distillery is designated as the single malt whiskey, while others will be called vatted malt, malt, double malt or blended malt.

Malt whiskey must be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid evaporation. It is recommended that the closed bottles must be stored upright to prevent contact between the cap and spirit, for the taste of alcohol can be ruined by mixing with cork.

Each malt whiskey is different in taste from each other and now there is a wide selection of malts on the market. Some people are obsessed with the collection such as whiskey malt whiskey of the Highlands that are more aromatic malts such as Talisker or Lagavulin Glenmorangie. Although malt whiskey comes with a price people today are willing to spend more money for a good malt whiskey.