Scotch combines centuries-old craftsmanship with great taste. These Scottish-distilled and aged bottles exhibit master distillers’ ability and whisky-making tradition. You’ll find peaty and smoky single malts to smooth and delicate blends – it doesn’t matter if you’ve been surrounded by whisky for many years or have never had a sip. Scotch offers an experience to all!
How is Scotch made?
Five Scotch classifications exist. Each bottle of Scotch whisky must clearly display the correct category under the 2009 Scotch Whiskey Regulations. The five Scotch varieties are as follows:
- Single malt Scotch whisky is made from water and malted barley, without additional cereals, at a single distillery. Batch distillation in pot stills and bottling in Scotland are required.
- Single-grain Scotch whisky is distilled from water and malted barley, with or without whole grains of additional cereals, at a single distillery.
- Blended Scotch whisky is an amalgam of spirits, occasionally with neutral grain spirits, colouring, or flavourings. You’ll often find high-quality straight or single malt whisky mixed with a cheaper alcohol for this one.
- The goal with Blended Malt Scotch whisky is to mix single malt whiskies from a range of distilleries – you lucky thing.
- Blended Grain Scotch whisky is a mix of separate-grain whiskies from many distilleries.
What distinguishes Scotch from other whiskies?
First, Scotch is a “whisky” rather than a “whiskey,” unlike its relative bourbon. American and Irish spirits are spelled “whiskey,” while other countries—such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and Scotland—omit the “e.” The primary resemblance between the two varieties is that all whiskies or whiskeys have to be distilled to an alcohol by volume (ABV) of at least 40% and up to 94.8%; there aren’t many consistencies below that point. There are highly tight guidelines for the production of Scotch whisky like a Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch whisky. It has to be distilled in Scotland using malted barley, water, and yeast. Scotch makers may add other cereal grains for colouring purposes. The spirit must be matured in oak barrels for at least three years and have an ABV of 94.8%.
Scotch tastes distinct from other whiskies. Smoky, burnt flavours are obtained differently than bourbon. Peat is burnt during barley malting to give Scotch its smoky flavour. Few Scotches feature peaty flavour; just two of the five primary production areas do. You may also smell baked bread, nuts, cereal, and vanilla in Scotch. About 13 Scotch flavours rely on distillers’ components.
Is there a “proper way” to sip whisky?
Generally speaking, there is no right or wrong method to consume any spirit. Personal preference should always be the final decision. According to experts, the easiest way to savour Scotch is to rinse your tongue with cold water between each sip. A few drops of water added to whisky by certain consumers enhance the taste when the liquids mix. Professionals argue about Scotch on the rocks a lot. Although it is customary to dilute spirits with water, others claim that adding ice will dilute flavour. You’re advised to select a huge ice cube that will melt more slowly if you want your Scotch to taste cooler. If you dislike straight spirits, try it in a mixed drink. Scotch and soda are a traditional and colourful beverage with plenty of taste that is low in calories. Additionally, Scotch may be substituted for various whisky drinks while maintaining its taste profile.
Scotch whisky’s expertise, purity, and flavour attract consumers worldwide. Scotch whisky is a treat for both beginners and experts. Celebrate Scotch whisky’s unique qualities!