What's the difference between single malt and blended Scotch?

Single malt is 100% malted barley from a single distillery. A blend combines malt whisky with lighter grain whisky from multiple distilleries. Neither is 'better' — single malts show more individual character, blends prize balance and value.

What does 'peated' mean?

Peat is compressed plant matter burned to dry the malted barley, infusing the grain with smoke before fermentation. The result ranges from a whisper of campfire to full medicinal smoke-bomb, measured in ppm of phenols. Islay malts are the classic example.

What does the age statement actually mean?

The number is the youngest whisky in the bottle — a 12-year-old may contain older stock. Whisky only ages in the cask, so it stops maturing the day it's bottled.

How should I drink Scotch?

Start neat in a tulip-shaped glass, then add a few drops of water — it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol. Ice is fine too; it's your whisky. For cask-strength bottlings, water is practically mandatory.