Whisky makers: Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Talisker for starters (4)
I believe the answer is:
malt
'whisky' is the definition.
(malt whisky is a kind of whisky)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for malt that I've seen before include "Grain product used in beer and whisky" , "strong drink" , "Cereal grain for distilling" , "Pre-soaked kiln-dried cereal grain" , "Ingredient of beer" .)