The Emerging Market of Single Malt Whisky

Updated at: 2 July 2024

Whisky remains a widely favored spirit worldwide. As craft and whisky-based alcoholic beverages lead to sizable demands, we can expect to see a shift in the coming years––starting with Single Malt Whisky. Global markets predict the spirit will grow $4.06 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.09%.

However, external factors like last year’s barrel shortage have put pressure on production and prices over the past six months. Large distillers are running out of stock or looking to buy, and whisky producers are experimenting with their stock.

Sasma BV, one of the world’s largest bulk alcohol suppliers, is thrilled to announce the availability of Single Malt Whisky from Europe.

What is Single Malt Whisky?

Single Malt Whisky is a premium alcohol valued for its flavor complexity and depth. Production rules require the spirit to be created from malted barley and produced in a single distillery. The process is the same as for other whiskies: malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling.

Although Single Malt is most commonly associated with Scotland (Scotch Whisky), it’s a misconception that other countries can’t produce the spirit. Single malts are available in other countries, namely within Europe. Scotch is protected geographically by European law, meaning it’s illegal for distillation outside Scotland.

While the restriction of Scotch is not new, it has impacted whisky quantities in the market. According to The Spirits Business, India is one country that has established state-controlled alcohol laws and import tariffs, making it harder for Scotch brands to establish themselves in the country. As the second largest importer, we can expect taxes to lower significantly if India and the UK reach an agreement post Brexit. India would become the number one importer of Scotch, making the inventories even more scarce.

However, we have the solution at Sasma! Discover the ideal scotch whisky for your business from our assortment of matured whiskies and blends.

What Exactly Makes For A Good Single Malt?

Single Malt Whisky is distinguished from Blended Whisky, Blended Malt Whisky, and Single Grain Whisky by classifications and rules. It boils down to distillation and the grains used.

Single Malt: “Single malt” refers to whisky made at one distillery. Malted barley is the base ingredient for this spirit.
Single Grain Whisky: Like Single Malt, this alcohol is produced at one distillery. The ingredients include more than one grain (ex, corn, wheat).
Blended Whisky: The term “blend” refers to combining two or more single malts from more than one distillery. Blended whiskies have a base of malted barley and grain. Blended Malt Whisky is a mix of malt whiskies (excluding grain).

To achieve the perfect single malt, the spirit must age for a minimum of three years in oak casks. Oak barrels impart over 60% of its notes into the whisky.

The spirit evolves as it ages; however, climatic changes have considerably affected stock. As temperatures rise worldwide, whisky is maturing faster than in cooler climates. Distillers aim to avoid substantial losses by experimenting with new profiles or purchasing in bulk from suppliers.

The Varieties of Whisky/Whiskey

Each whisky we offer in bulk at Sasma has specific characteristics that set them apart, ranging from light in body to sweet, smokey, and spicy. The following are available upon request.

RYE WHISKY

Rye Whisky is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash. American Rye and Canadian Rye are the most known, with natural, bold flavors.

BOURBON WHISKY

Bourbon Whisky is a variation of our American Whiskey. The alcohol is mainly derived from corn, although it may sometimes contain significant proportions of other grains like rye.

JAPANESE WHISKY

Japanese Whisky has a distinct profile, ranging from citrus to spice overtones. The malted barley whisky is distilled twice in pot stills before maturing in wood barrels.

IRISH WHISKY

Irish Whisky, like Single Malt, is dominating the spirits category. The triple-distilled whiskey, only native to Ireland, is made from malted and unmalted barley.

SCOTCH WHISKY

Scotch Whisky can only be produced in Scotland. Malt and grain are two distilling components that generate two types of whiskies: Malt Whisky and Grain Whisky.

ORGANIC WHISKY

Sasma’s Organic Whisky is distilled using only organic grains and has no added flavors or colors.

Sasma's guide to whisky flavors

Step into the world of Whisky exploration with Sasma’s Whisky Flavor Wheel. Within these circles, we unravel the complexities of Whisky flavors, from category and type to grain and origin. This wheel serves as your guide through Sasma’s diverse Whisky collection. Discover the nuanced flavor profiles and inquire with our team to learn more.

Sasma has an extensive selection, including rare older-aged whiskies, ready to ship in bulk. We also specialize in whisky blending, delivering customized spirits that cater to your preference.

Whisky flavor wheel