Current Trends and customer wants in single malt scotch

[Quaich1]

When I think back 20 years to the trends that existed in single malt whisky, it is clear that the "whisky terrain" has changed an awful lot these days. The types of single malt whisky that folks are looking for in such a huge variety market in my view has changed alot. I for one have been moving more towards integrity single malts produced in Scotland, i.e., at least 46% abv, no color added and non-chillfiltered. I think that part of this relates for me to value for money in terms of the drinking experience and the quality of smell and taste. That is not to say that some lower abv whiskies are substandard but a 40% abv whisky with colorant added and that is chillfiltered just doesn't do it for me.

The other trend which has exploded in recent years of course are the NAS offerings (without age statement). Part of this is no doubt due to dwindling older whiskies in some distilleries and part of this is trying to use advertyising and hype to get high prices for younger whiskies in my view.

A positive trend is the excellent whiskies now being produced by a number of distilleries in Scotland, many of them smaller than the megalithic huge distilleries and promoting integrity single malts or at least NCF and NCA.

What do you see in terms of trends and what motivates you when considering what single malt whiskies to buy?

Cheers,
Murray
_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[RN Rob]

There is defintely a trend for young way overpriced NAS whiskies but there are a few brands such as some of Whyte & Mackays single malt brands that offer pretty decent choice of single malts and blends at a decent price, namely Tamnavulin, Jura and Shackletons blend.