Final answer:
A "vatted whiskey" is a blend of different single malts, which is different from bourbon or whiskey from a single cask. It is an example of how distinct malts can be combined to create a unique product, a process distinct from the geologically influenced bourbon production of regions like Kentucky and Tennessee.
Step-by-step explanation:
A "vatted whiskey" refers to a blend of different single malts. This type of whiskey involves mixing various single malt whiskeys from different distilleries. The process allows for the creation of a unique flavor profile by combining the distinct characteristics of each malt. This practice is common in the blending of Scotch whiskies, where producers can create a consistent brand flavor from various single malts. Vatted whiskey should not be confused with bourbon, which has its own specific aging and production requirements, or with single cask whiskey, which comes solely from one cask of a single distillery.
Speaking of whiskey production, the unique geology of places like Kentucky and Tennessee, featuring limestone bedrock, contributes to the high-quality whiskey and bourbon produced in these regions. The limestone filters the water naturally, changing its chemistry in a way that's ideal for whiskey making. Despite local restrictions such as being in dry counties, distilleries like the one producing the world-famous Jack Daniels continue to operate there successfully.