Single Malt Whisky

What is Single Malt Whisky?

Blended whisky, crafted by combining various single malt and grain whiskies sourced from different distilleries, offers a unique flavour profile. On the other hand, the production of single malt whisky is restricted to a single distillery, utilising a single type of malted grain, usually malted barley. However, it may surprise you to learn that single malt whisky does not necessarily originate from a single whisky cask. In fact, it is often a harmonious blend of whiskies carefully selected from multiple casks, as long as they are all sourced from the same distillery.  

This blend of flavours is still considered a single malt. Distilleries employ this technique to ensure their whisky maintains a consistent flavour profile that consumers associate with their brand. If they were to use whisky solely from one batch or barrel, the taste could fluctuate dramatically, leading to an inconsistent experience. Hence, to establish their signature collections, they rely on the art of blending. Reserve single cask and single batch whiskies are usually reserved for exclusive releases, allowing the brand to freely experiment with unique flavour combinations.  

Dartmoor Whisky, an English Single Malt Whisky Distillery 

Dartmoor Whisky Distillery takes great pride in its role as the sole producer of single malt whisky in the beautiful region of Devon. By harnessing the natural resources available to us, we carefully choose locally grown barley and utilise only the finest all-natural ingredients to craft our extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Adding to their distinctive allure, we incorporate the pristine spring water sourced from Dartmoor National Park, a key ingredient that truly embodies the essence of our serene rural surroundings. The unique climate and granite geology of the area also play a significant role in shaping the character of our whiskies, making them truly one-of-a-kind.  

The seamless union of nature and expertise is what sets Dartmoor apart, resulting in an unparalleled level of quality that perfectly captures the essence of the region. Guiding our team of skilled artisans is the esteemed Master Distiller, Frank McHardy, whose invaluable contributions, and vast knowledge have made him a revered figure in the whisky industry. With an illustrious career spanning over five decades at renowned distilleries such as Springbank and Bushmills, Frank’s expertise shines through every stage of our meticulous process, ensuring that each bottle of Dartmoor Whisky exemplifies his mastery.  

Central to our collection are three exceptional expressions of our whisky: Ex-Bourbon, Bordeaux, and Sherry. Distilled in our traditional Alembic copper still, these precious spirits are carefully aged in unique casks, infusing them with distinct flavour profiles and captivating nuances that are sure to tantalize the palate.  

What is English whisky? 

It is important to acknowledge that the current regulations for this specific category do not provide any explicit guidelines in English. At present, the only regulations that govern this category are the EU whisky laws. These laws primarily focus on the distillation process of grain or cereal-based mash, the addition of yeast for fermentation, one or more distillations with an alcohol content below 94.8%, the maturation period in wooden casks for a minimum of 3 years, and the restricted use of additives, except for caramel colouring.  

Moreover, the final product must have an alcohol content that exceeds 40%. While these regulations may appear significant, they are considerably less comprehensive compared to the extensive guidelines followed by Scotch producers in the northern regions. This is partially responsible for the diverse range of whisky styles produced in England, encompassing single malts that are nearly indistinguishable from Scotch, as well as various mash bills such as rye, corn, and numerous others. This remarkable array of options becomes evident even before considering the distinct production processes and influences from different casks.  

Is Single Malt Whisky More Expensive?

The pricing of a specific whisky bottle is typically influenced by two primary factors – the production costs associated with crafting the whisky and the level of demand for it. When considering production costs, it is logical to assume that the longer a whisky matures, the higher its price will be, especially when accounting for the evaporation loss during ageing, known as the Angel’s Share.  

In most cases, brands tend to age their single malt whiskies for longer durations compared to their blends, which often lack an age statement on the bottle. Consequently, this practice can result in an increased price for single malt whiskies. Furthermore, single malt whisky holds a significant allure for collectors and connoisseurs, which further drives up the demand and subsequently raises the price.  

Our production processes  

Dartmoor Whisky is a true embodiment of the Southwest region, capturing the essence of its local flavours by sourcing ingredients from the nearby surroundings. Our distillery, nestled in the heart of Dartmoor, is fortunate to collaborate with Tim Cox, an exceptional barley grower from Preston Farm, which is just a stone’s throw away.  

However, due to the unfortunate closure of Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot, we have entrusted the renowned Warminster Maltings in Somerset to expertly malt our barley. With a commitment to traditional methods, the skilled artisans at Warminster Maltings employ time-honoured methods such as germination floors and meticulous manual labour to handle and turn the barley with the utmost care. This ensures that quality is maintained at every stage.  

The crucial step of brewing our beer wash is entrusted to local cask ale producers who faithfully follow our carefully crafted recipe, which has been meticulously crafted by our esteemed Master Distiller, Frank McHardy. Through a meticulous primary distillation process, the beer wash undergoes an extraordinary transformation, elevating its alcohol content from approximately 9% to a remarkable 25% ABV. After three primary distillations, the “low wines” are reintroduced to the still, resulting in the creation of our exquisite “water of life” with an impressive 70% ABV. The maturation process of our carefully crafted spirit begins with a meticulous transfer into specially selected barrels.  

Dartmoor Whisky takes great pride in utilising three distinct types of barrels to curate our three core expressions. The richness of American oak Bourbon barrels, the refined influence of French oak wine barrels, and the captivating notes imparted by Spanish sherry barrels all contribute their own unique character to the final product. Some bottles showcase the individuality of a single barrel type, while others are thoughtfully curated by our esteemed Master Distiller’s discerning selection. Each barrel adds its own touch, making every bottle of Dartmoor Whisky a truly distinctive experience.  

Our English Single Malt Whiskies 

• Our Ex-Bourbon whisky is aged in an American barrel, providing its light golden colour. The bourbon cask results in notes of vanilla, toffee, and subdued flavours of aged oak. 
• Hand-selected from one of the best wine regions in France, our red wine cask from Bordeaux balances delicate and rich aromas. When aged in this cask, the single malt whisky finishes with a distinctive sweetness and floral complexity. 
• Aged in a single Oloroso sherry cask, this was the first expression from Dartmoor Whisky Distillery. With distinctive sherry aromas and rich, fruity notes, the high strength and full body of an Oloroso provide its characteristic roundness and sweet flavours. 

Ex-Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Single Malt