Education

Whisky Flavours Explored

Nearly all of the taste of whisky comes from the type of casks used in the process. Though every whisky has its peak maturation point, the general rule is: younger whisky has more distillery character, older whisky more cask influence. There is, however, much more to it than that. From the first drop to the finishing notes, everything you taste in a glass of whisky is the end product of the entire process.

The Malts Team

6 min read

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June 20, 2024

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Fruity whisky

The perceptions of fruity flavours differ slightly around the world, but can often be split into four areas; tropical fruits such as mango and banana, orchard fruits such as apples and pears, citrus fruits such as grapefruit and lime, and dried fruits such as raisins and dates. A great example is The Singleton of Glendullan 14 Year Old Special Release from 2023. Flavours of juicy golden apples and pears are evident, along with sweet hints of ripe, rich yellow fruit.

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Smoky whisky

To some, smoky flavours all taste the same. To others, smoky flavours can be split into two different areas; fresh woody flavours, and more earthy flavours such as peat smoke, dark roast coffee and cigars. When we think of smoky whisky, we think of the Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release from 2023. Bottled at natural cask strength, it boasts intensely bright herbal smoke which creates a heady aroma.

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Spicy whisky

Spicy flavours generally fall into two areas: sweet, aromatic warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, and burning spices such as bird's eye chillies and jalapeño peppers. A great embodiment of a spicy whisky is the Talisker Storm. A more brooding member of the Talisker family, Storm combines notes of wood, brine and spice to create a malt which feels sweet and spicy on the palate, while cranberries and blackcurrants dance alongside notes of black pepper.

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Sweet whisky

Sweet flavours typically fall into three areas; confectionary sweetness such as honey, chocolate and pie crust, caramelised sweetness such as toffee apples, golden syrup and fudge, and vanilla sweetness such as custard, marshmallows and vanilla ice cream. When wanting a sweet dram, we like to reach for the Mortlach 12 Year Old. A nose of charred toffee and red berries is an excellent companion to the palate notes of demerara sugar, dark chocolate and cherry jam.

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How does whisky get its flavour?

Virtually every stage of the production process influences the final product. The location, people, cask and more all have a say in what the resulting bottle tastes like when you pour a dram at home.

Distilleries

The stills, the location and even the shape of the rooms all contribute to a distillery's character and therefore the whisky's flavour.

Peat

Whether the distillery burns peat to dry its barley will have one of the most dramatic influences on the final flavour.

Fermentation

The length of time the liquid is fermented for affects the final flavour. For example, a fermentation lasting under two days creates a very nutty, spicy character once the liquid is distilled.

Maturation

Was it stored in a European or American oak cask? Was another liquid matured in that same cask before? Was the cask toasted for reuse beforehand? All these factors play their part. As for time – each whisky has its peak point, and older isn’t always better.

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Craftspeople

The skills of blenders and distillers allow brands to hold true to traditional flavours, and offer new, exciting expressions.

The final word

Together we've covered the different flavours available in the wide world of malts, as well as all the variable factors that go into creating exquisite drams. Our journey through flavours ends here, but yours doesn't have to so consider branching out with a bottle of something new. If you're usually partial to a sweet malt, why not dip your toe into fruity varieties? For smoky fans, give a spicy palate a go. We don't think you'll be disappointed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most popular questions relating to the different flavours of whisky.

What is the best peat whisky?

Peat whisky is what makes certain whiskies so unique. A flavour that no other spirits have, it’s not just smoky or salty, it’s something else entirely. And peated whiskies often evoke something of the whiskies heartlands - a sip and you experience the windswept islands of Scotland, or the remote, ruggedness of a mountainside town. The best peat whiskies depend on your expectations. A Lagavulin, for example, is known for its intensity. A lighter peat, though, can be found in the likes of Caol Ila. Blended Scotch whiskies, like something from the Johnnie Walker portfolio, also use peat, but blending different flavours can make them more accessible

What is meant by a Maritime whisky?

A Maritime whisky is one that is known for its saltiness, brininess or other flavours typically associated with coastlines. Some of the most popular Maritime whiskies include the likes of Talisker and Lagavulin, made in the heart of islands like Skye and Islay respectively.

Why does some whisky taste like smoke?

Many whiskies will be celebrated for their smokiness. This flavour of smoke comes from the peat, and how it’s used during the whisky making process. As the peat burns, it releases phenolic compounds that are absorbed by the grain, giving a whisky like Lagavulin or Caol Ila its smoky, earthy quality.

What whisky should I start with if I like sweet flavours?

While whisky can be celebrated for its smoke and fire, there are plenty of honeyed, floral and toffee-like whiskies for a sweet-tooth to enjoy. Dalwhinnie 15 is known for its light, honey flavour, and a Cardhu has toffee, dried fruit notes.

If you want to find a sweet whisky, pay attention to the details on the label. Sweeter whiskies will use wheat instead of rye (as is the case with a bourbon, for example), and anything made with sherry casks often hold fruitier, lighter flavours.

Can I add water to my whisky to change the taste?

Unlike many other spirits, whisky really can change and evolve. Even adding a few drops of water to a dram can open hidden flavours and aromas. A few drops of water to a sweeter whisky can open the compounds up even more, and adding water to a smoky or peaty whisky can lower the ‘burn’ for a smoother taste.

What is meant by the finish of a whisky?

When discussing whisky flavours, you might hear of its finish. This refers to the aftertaste, something left on the palate that might be distinct and could even add different to the initial tasting notes. When considering a whiskies finish, the cask and how it's made plays a role. Sherry casks often imbibe finishing notes of dark fruits and spice, where rum casks leave caramel and sweeter aftertastes.