Buy Single Malt Whisky Online in NZ

Speyside is well represented with Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, The Macallan, Balvenie and Aberlour. From further afield come Highland malts such as Dalmore and Old Pulteney, and Islay's Lagavulin and Laphroaig for smoke lovers.

What Single Malt Whisky Tastes Like

Flavour comes from the distillery's stills, the casks and the time in oak. Ex-bourbon casks bring vanilla, honey and fresh fruit, while sherry casks add raisin, chocolate and spice. Lowland malts like Glenkinchie are usually light and grassy, while many Islay malts are big on peat smoke. For several distilleries in one bottle, try a Blended Malt Whisky or the smooth Blended Whisky range.

How to Choose Single Malt Whisky

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old is a rounded, fruity Speyside, Dalmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is rich and orange-tinged, and Laphroaig 10 Year Old is intensely smoky and medicinal.

Single Malt Whisky FAQs

What does single malt mean?

Single malt means the whisky is made entirely from malted barley at one distillery, using pot stills. It does not mean a single cask: most single malts are vatted from many casks of that distillery's whisky to create a consistent style before bottling.

Should I add water to single malt whisky?

Adding a few drops of water to single malt is a matter of taste, but it often helps. Water can open up aromas and soften the alcohol, especially with cask strength whiskies. Taste it neat first, then add water a little at a time.

What is a cask finish?

A cask finish is when a whisky spends most of its life in one type of cask, then a final period in a different one, such as sherry, port or wine casks. The finish adds extra layers of flavour, like dried fruit or berry notes.

Is single malt better than blended Scotch?

Single malt is not automatically better than blended Scotch, just different. Single malts show one distillery's character, while blends aim for balance and consistency. Choose by the flavour you enjoy and how you plan to drink it, rather than the label.