Small batch whisky is a term used to describe whiskies produced from a relatively small number of selected casks, blended together to create a specific style or profile. Unlike single cask whisky, which comes from just one barrel, small batch releases aim to combine the individuality of limited casks with the balance and consistency of blending.
Although “small batch” has no strict legal definition in Scotland or most whisky-producing nations, within the industry it is generally taken to mean a carefully controlled production using a limited number of casks, often chosen for their complementary flavours.
The Meaning of Small Batch in Whisky
In Scotch whisky production, small batch can refer to single malt or blended whisky. For single malt, it means the vatting together of a handful of casks from the same distillery. For blends, it can mean combining a reduced selection of malt and grain whiskies.
Because the term is not legally regulated, it is sometimes used loosely for marketing purposes. True small batch whiskies tend to have verifiable production details, such as the number of casks used, the type of wood, and whether the release is a one-off or part of a series.
A Brief History
Historically, all whisky production was small batch by necessity, as distilleries had fewer stills and less warehousing. The term gained prominence in the late 20th century as the whisky industry sought to highlight more artisanal, handcrafted releases in contrast to mass-market bottlings.
In Scotland, distilleries began using “small batch” to indicate limited, high-quality runs. Outside Scotland, the term became especially popular in American bourbon marketing, where producers such as Maker’s Mark and Booker’s used it to distinguish their whiskies from larger industrial output.
How Small Batch Whisky Is Made
The process begins with cask selection. The master blender or distillery manager will choose a limited number of casks – sometimes as few as half a dozen, sometimes a few dozen – that together achieve the intended flavour balance. The casks may be of different types, such as ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, or wine casks, to add complexity.
The selected casks are married together, often in a marrying vat, for a period that can range from a few days to several months. This allows the whiskies to integrate before bottling. Many small batch whiskies are bottled at higher strengths, sometimes even at cask strength, and are often non-chill filtered and naturally coloured to appeal to whisky purists.
Advantages of Small Batch Whisky
Character – More individuality than mass-produced core range whiskies.
Balance – Greater consistency than single cask bottlings while retaining uniqueness.
Craftsmanship – Involves careful selection and blending by skilled professionals.
Variety – Allows experimentation with different cask types and ages.
Notable Scottish Examples
Aberlour Casg Annamh – A small batch single malt matured in a combination of American oak and sherry casks.
Kilchoman Small Batch – An Islay release blending a few select casks for a distinct smoke and sweetness balance.
Balvenie Tun Series – Casks of different ages and types married in a large vat (“tun”) for distinctive one-off batches.
Glengoyne Teapot Dram – A limited series blended from specially selected sherry casks.
Global Comparisons
United States – The bourbon industry has embraced small batch as a hallmark of quality, with examples such as Booker’s and Four Roses Small Batch.
Japan – Chichibu often produces small batch releases with creative cask combinations.
Ireland – Teeling Small Batch blends Irish grain and malt whiskies with rum cask finishing.
Collectability and Investment Potential
Small batch releases, especially when numbered or limited, can be sought after by collectors. While they may not have the scarcity of single cask bottlings, their combination of individuality and broader appeal often ensures steady demand. Investment potential depends on brand reputation, quality, and release size.
How to Taste and Enjoy Small Batch Whisky
Small batch whiskies often showcase layered complexity. Tasting neat allows the nuances from different cask types to shine, while adding a splash of water can reveal hidden notes. Because each batch is finite, tasting alongside a later batch can be a fascinating exercise in comparing subtle differences.
Risks and Considerations
Ambiguity – The lack of legal definition means “small batch” can be used loosely.
Batch Variation – Flavour differences between batches can be significant.
Availability – Once sold out, the same batch will not be produced again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does small batch mean better quality?
Not automatically, but it often implies more careful selection and blending.
Is small batch the same as single cask?
No. Single cask whisky comes from one barrel; small batch combines a limited number of casks.
Can small batch whisky be peated?
Yes. The term refers to production size, not flavour profile.
Conclusion
Small batch whisky strikes a balance between the singularity of single cask releases and the consistency of larger-scale production. When done well, it offers complexity, individuality, and a clear sense of craftsmanship. Whether from a sherried Speyside malt, a smoky Islay dram, or a finely tuned bourbon, small batch bottlings invite exploration and can be some of the most rewarding whiskies to discover.