Scottish malts are peculiar not only to their region of origin but also to their individual distillery. IAN WISNIEWSKI samples three classics  Generating the most knowledgeable and devoted following is an amazing distinction for any spirit, though achieving this so rapidly makes malt whisky even more remarkable. It was essentially in the 1980s that a few pioneering malts became more available beyond specialist retailers in Scotland. As interest among connoisseurs grew, more single malts (made from 100% malted barley in one distillery in Scotland, which it is usually named after) became easier to ï€nd. Being such an innovative category, various styles of malt whisky are continually released, typically ranging from 10 to 50 years old. Younger and older malts aren't more or less superior to each other, they simply offer a different balance of influences. Ageing sees the oak of the barrels in which the whisky is matured become progressively more influential, adding vanilla and oak flavours. Meanwhile, the character of the original spirit, which is individual to each distillery, gradually becomes mellower. The best balance of these two aspects is a matter of personal preference. Prices can reach hundreds, even thousands of euros per bottle, depending on rarity, though what ultimately matters is how much you value the flavour. Peated malts, which have a smoky character, have been the fastest-growing style of malt for several years. With numerous malts offering different degrees of smokiness, and plenty of others delivering various characteristics excluding smoke, there really is a malt to suit every palate. And however specialised the category, there's no need to have any prior knowledge, as ultimately it's all about avour. | €€€ Highland Park There's plenty of variety among peated malts, with Highland Park 12-year-old offering an individual smokiness. Distilled on Orkney, and recently repackaged in a very stylish manner, honeyed sweetness on the palate is joined by vanilla and a waft of smoke, garnished with fruit. | | | €€€ Talisker A prime example is Talisker 10-year-old at 45.8% ABV, distilled on the Isle of Skye. A silky smooth texture is laced with distinctive smoke, accompanied by vanilla, and some fruity sweetness emerging midway. | 
| | €€€€ Glenmorangie Glenmorangie, located in the Highlands of Scotland, is a relatively small distillery offering an extensive portfolio. This includes The Glenmorangie 18-year-old at 43% ABV. A delicate texture delivers a rounded character, beginning with plenty of vanilla, before fresh citrus really animates the palate, while subtle underlying dryness adds balance. | | |