Single Malt Scotch Whiskies have been made for centuries from malted barely grown in fertile areas of Scotland. Because of the geographical differences, the makers of malt whiskey are divided into distinct regions - Speyside, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Campbeltown. All have their own character.
Blended Scotch Whiskies were largely introduced in the 1930's to satisfy America's post-prohibition palate. Lighter grain whiskey was blended with several single malts. While blending is an art in its own right, the result is a softer, less aromatic whiskey, with a different character than the prized single malts.