Scotch

Single malt is 100% malted barley from one distillery — more complex, usually pricier. Blended Scotch mixes malt and grain whiskies from several distilleries for a smoother, more affordable, mix-friendly style.

Peat smoke used to dry the barley leaves a smoky character. Islay is famous for bold, peaty Scotch — but most Scotch isn't smoky at all.

Scotland's main regions each lean a certain way: Speyside is fruity and honeyed, Islay peaty and smoky, the Highlands robust, the Lowlands light. The region hints at the style in the glass.

It's the age of the youngest whisky in the bottle — a '12 Year' spent at least 12 years in oak. Older statements usually cost more, but older isn't automatically better.