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 how the rest of the clue works.
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" .)