How Single Malt Whisky Is Made - Step by Step

Ever wondered how whisky is made? 🥃 Whether you’re into Scotch, bourbon, or Irish whiskey, understanding the whisky-making process changes the way you enjoy it. In this video Rob walks us through whisky production step by step—from malting and mashing to fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Giving us the simplified beginner's guide and 101 on how whisky/whiskey is made. Here’s what you’ll learn: how single malt whisky is made (and how it differs from bourbon & Irish whiskey). Why barley, yeast, and oak casks matter. What really happens during aging—and how it shapes flavour. If you've ever wondered "how is whisky made?", "how is Scotch made?", or even "how is bourbon whiskey made?"—this is the video for you. Cotswolds Distillery @cotswoldsdistillery2999 Go follow Rob!: Instagram: thecotswoldsrob 00:00 How Whisky Is Made 101 00:56 Barley - from the farm 01:37 Malting - waking up barley 03:11 Milling & Mashing - extracting sugar 04:33 Fermentation - yeast turning sugar into alcohol 06:22 Distillation - concentrating alcohol 08:24 The Cut (Heads, Hearts & Tails) 10:00 What is New Make Spirit? 11:01 Maturation (casks explained) 13:09 What are STR Casks - explained 15:29 Casks Explained - continued 16:30 Decoding Whisky Bottles Before You Buy Get my Whisky Flavour Tree Poster & Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FirstPhil Instagram: Instagram: firstphilwhisky Patreon (bonus content & Support): Patreon: firstphilwhisky Discord Community: Discord: discord JOIN to be a member and get perks & unique emojis: @firstphilwhisky Any enquiries? Email me at firstphilwhisky at gmail dot com or visit www.firstphilwhisky.com ═════════════════════════ 🥃 ESSENTIAL WHISKY TOOLS ═════════════════════════ 📍 FLAVOUR MAP - Find Your Next Bottle 100 whiskies organised by taste in a spectrum diagram in a hand-drawn old map style. Shop: https://etsy.me/48u6Gjg 🌳 FLAVOUR TREE POSTER - Identify notes in your glass Flowchart-style guide to whisky flavour to help understand what you're tasting. Dark: https://etsy.me/4pqTEJ4 Light: https://etsy.me/4pArJqd 📝 TASTING CARDS - Flavour Tree To-Go Pocket-sized 10-pack. Take to mates house, tastings, bars, etc US & CA: https://etsy.me/4hOefVa Rest of World: https://etsy.me/47XXh3c ═════════════════════════ AFFILIATE LINKS POSTER: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FirstPhil WHISKY: Whisky glass I use: https://amzn.to/36sPr24 Fancy version: https://amzn.to/3JE61i6 Whisky glass 4 pack: https://amzn.to/4biOHuG 2 Pack, but great for gifts!: https://amzn.to/3JHI1L5 Whisky water jug: https://amzn.to/3o6pz1U Whisky caps (important!): https://amzn.to/3OX0Fip My favourite Tumbler: https://amzn.to/3zjcyZY Large Ice Cubes (great for old-fashioned cocktails): https://amzn.to/3Q7zWAB Put your whisky in small bottles to stop it going bad when low: https://amzn.to/3Ula3ku My favourite whisky books: Malt Whisky Yearbook 2024 (I buy this every year, and you should too): https://amzn.to/40QdB17 Whiskypedia by Charlie Maclean: https://amzn.to/2TqOGlP Whisky cabinet light strip: https://amzn.to/3PKMWMK My Everyday Carry: My watch: https://amzn.to/3Ypstls Epic Watch Display Case: https://amzn.to/3VVfyWJ GEAR: My Camera: https://amzn.to/3qkGXli Lens I use: https://amzn.to/36sWxU3 My Audio Microphone: https://amzn.to/3vLTtin Audio Recorder: https://amzn.to/3S9PsxK Best vlogging mic: https://amzn.to/3JdLgbX *Disclaimer: The content on this channel is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. All opinions expressed are personal, subjective, and should not be interpreted as factual assertions. Criticisms are based on personal viewpoints and publicly available information. Viewers are encouraged to independently verify all information. Alcohol consumption is intended only for those of legal drinking age in their jurisdiction and should be done responsibly. No liability is accepted for any consequences arising from the use of this content, including any impact on the brands mentioned.*