Why does the whisky taste so different if is it blended or single malted?

Question

Why does the whisky taste so different if is it blended or single malted?

Answer 1

Well a Single Malt is an unblended whisky from a single distiller. A Vatted Malt is a blend of different whiskies, all of which are Malt. A Blended Scotch Whisky is a blend of both malt- and unmalted whiskies.

Answer 2

A single malt (usually scotch's) whisky is one made from one batch. It is not mixed. So when it is distilled and aged, the idiosyncrasies in water, peat, and barrels affects the flavor. In most cases certain characteristics in taste will be amplified.

A blended whisky is a mix of these single malts and grain whiskies. A master blender will attempt to create a smooth blend that mutes some of the harsher amplified flavors and tastes in the individual whiskies.

Although blended whiskies are popular (because they're smoother), afficianados of whisky prize single malts because they appreciate and enjoy the unique flavors that are muted when they are blended.