As they are not really a separate category of whisky, I can understand if you do not want to include it, but I just wanted to mention it, to make your guide more complete. Japanese whisky was created to taste as close to the scotch style as possible and uses similar distilling methods. A splash of water is all that is needed to elevate your dram. While a taste for it can be developed over time, typically the most common palate development occurs amongst gentlemen who already enjoy the taste and simply grow to appreciate the varieties. In order to successfully malt barley, the grains are soaked in the water which causes the starch to convert into a type of sugar called maltose which feeds a process known as Germination. Originally called the “Dock Glass” it was developed in the 17th century for merchants to nose the spirit or wine at the dock before accepting the shipment. Scotch Whisky. As you know, your thoughtful comments are always appreciated, and we welcome your challenge. That way you can save the premium whisky for those who will truly enjoy it. The reason for shortening the name to fit the tune instead of writing a tune to fit the name is lost in the mists of time. Alexander, A single grain, then, is a grain whisky made by a single distillery, while a blended grain whisky is one made from grain whiskies from several different distilleries. Thanks, […] funny how something as simple as a drink can evoke a feeling or emotion. It sounds like the tour guide at the distillery you visited is very wise. As the barley mixture steeps in the hot water, the mashing tun separates the solids from the sugars and the process is repeated at least twice more. The Exchequer Rolls were records of all royal income and expenses. The next step is the actual distillation of the whisky. What are some common terms in the scotch vernacular? What about blended scotch? Although Scotch is a type of whisky it varies from the American whiskey's such as bourbon. Since wine and brandy were considered two of the most popular drinks of the day, when the phylloxera bug began to destroy vineyards across France, wine and brandy production came to an almost immediate halt. Bravo on the article. Swirl and pour down the drain? The title of “Scotch” is defined and regulated by a document created on November 23, 2009, called the “Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009” or SWR. Your national anthem is too mournful. Entirely made in Scotland, Scotch is … 4449145). As to tasting, I would generally advise tasting a very small amount neat before adding water, even for cask strength whiskies. What justifies the price difference other than age and rarity? It may not contain any added substances, aside from water and plain (E150A) caramel coloring. Regardless of how long you keep it the flavors, colors and aromas will stay the same. A grain whisky is a whisky made out of any other grain than malted barley (wheat being, as far as I know, the most common in Scotland, while corn and rye are popular over in North America). Here’s my honest opinion when it comes to taste: It’s very unusual, a far different flavor profile than anything else on the market. For a more a complete guide about Scotch Whisky click here. It has the aroma of citrus fruits, chocolate and notes of aromatic spices. However, a spirit that is cloudy tends to offer an enhanced element of flavor and should be regarded as such. other articles in our spirits and cocktail guide. Thanks for this interesting article and for mentioning the Caol Ila Moch which was my “biginner’s favorite”. Nice article though. Once the yeast is added to liquid, it begins to rapidly multiply using up the oxygen in the washback and creating carbon dioxide. The water source is again introduced and the mixture is poured into a vessel called the Mash Tun. That’s a GREAT question. Greetings from France! I drink two drams just about every evening and I enjoy a wide variety of whiskies from all of the various regions in Scotland. While people like you and I may easily be able to enjoy a dram undiluted, this article was intended as a primer to introduce newcomers to the world of Scotch whisky. Some require more water than others, and some are arguably best left entirely undiluted. A perfect introduction to Scotch whisky), The Macallan 12 Year (while there are many incredible, older bottles, the 12 year is my nightly dram), Scotch & Cigars go well together  – although most scotch enthusiasts won’t drink it with ice, some prefer it that way, Aberlour 12 Year (probably the best bottle in its low price point), The Balvenie Doublewood (the first Scotch I ever tried and one I keep going back to), Lagavulin 16 Year (one of my favorite bottles from Islay). But, yes, my real question is about whether there is an actual improvement of whisky due to his stay in the bottle, as for wine (the aging one), or if it is unnecessary waiting. Previously called a “vatted malt” or a “pure malt” it is when the blender takes two or more single malt Scotch whiskeys from at least two separate distilleries and blends them together to create one batch of whisky. I do have interesting tid-bit if you wish, about tasting a dram. However, a fourth distillery has recently opened called Daftmill, but its first release is still in production and is not expected to be released to the public until sometime in 2015. Evolving from a Scottish drink called uisge beatha (meaning “water of life”), whisky began to circulate throughout the country, causing policymakers to begin taxing it come the year 1644. I enjoyed it and learnt a great deal from it. Therefore, unlike many of my other articles on spirits, I’ve chosen not to provide cocktail recipes in this particular guide. While some believe it to be an investment piece, my thought is that in 20 years it will be forgotten. I am not one of them. Scotch whisky must retain the color, aroma, and taste of the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production and maturation. Next, swirl the whisky in the glass and examine its appearance. The Scotch Whisky Association: the name says it all – contact them if you want to find more sources to buy, Master of Malt: UK based online store, ship to many countries, The Whisky Exchange: UK based online store, ship to many countries, The Whisky Barrel: U.S. based ships worldwide, Love Scotch: U.S. based online store specialized in Scotch, Scotch Whisky Auctions: the name says it all, Alexander & James: German online store with gift service. For most cask strengths, though, I do find that I need water, but even if it is an old friend, I tend to give it at least one little sip before diluting it. By the final nose, you should allow the rim of the glass to pocket your nose and with your mouth closed, breathe in as the spirit engulfs your senses. Whenever a bottle of single malt Scotch is referred to as “double malt” or “triple malt” it simply means that it was aged in two or more types of casks. All Rights Reserved. Blended malt scotch whisky: Formerly called vatted malts, these are a blend of single malts from two or more distilleries. There are two main types of Scotch whisky; single malt and single grain. Tour the Virtual Distillery. My point is simply this: it is well known, tried and tested – chilling whisky kills all its character and flavour. […], […] we reported about The Compass Box Whisky Company and presented our Scotch Whisky Guide, we will today focus on the Compass Box Whisky Tasting Set which contains vatted malt […], […] Churchill that was “easily satisfied with the best” in creature comforts ranging from cigars, scotch, automobiles, country homes, food and champagne, right down to his silk underwear and […], […] label their bottles as “Straight Bourbon”, a minimum of four years aging is required and like scotch, the year of the youngest whiskey present must be clearly posted on the […], […] Scotch drinkers in particular, these glasses come highly recommended, and at $40 they are a great investment every […], Many people have heard of a whisky referred to as a “double malt” Scotch. Single grain Scotch whisky is less commonly found on the shelves of your local liquor store. This is why (in the article) I encourage people to add a splash of still water to the dram as it will open it up and allow them to enjoy it without mutilating their senses. There are two main categories that encompass every type of scotch on the market: single grain scotch whisky, and single malt scotch whisky. One final tip for the Scotch connoisseur is to always keep a few basics on hand. Due to the rigorous requirements placed on the distilleries, there is no other spirit as a whole that is as consistently produced as Scotch whisky. Your initial distinction between two kinds of whisky – malt and grain – and the three possible combinations of these are good, as are your definition of a single malt, but the problem lies with your definition of grain whisky. A blended malt Scotch is actually one of the most uncommon types of Scotch that can be found today. Thank you for your reply. I would just like to inform you that your definitions of the different kinds of whisky, at the very start of the piece, are incorrect. In case you shop at amazon and we refer you, prices are the same as normal, as an amazon associate we earn a commission from qualifying purchases. The Hokey Cokey and Knees up Mother Brown would seem to be the strongest contenders until one considers the Virginia Reel which has a caller so that no previous instruction is required and already has royal connections being named after Good Queen Bess, or Good Queen Liza as her father seemed to have preferred. Glenkinchie, Bladnoch, and Auchentoshan produce the lightest and most mild-bodied scotch. If drinking the spirit neat is too much for your preference, add a small amount of spring water of room temperature or warmed. Here is a quick guide to help differentiate between all of these different categories of Scotch. Why? Peat Monster, for example, is a Compass Box whisky that emphasizes the rich, smoky flavor of peat. I hope that answers your question. Taste is extremely subjective and I think people should drink something because they enjoy it, not because someone else tells them it is good. Categorizing the taste is more difficult given the amount of Highland distilleries in operation, but they tend to be light, fruity, and spicy. Not a chance. Dear Mr. Shapira, If you feel you need to learn more about the whisky produced in Scotland, read our blog post Scotch Whisky – Features and Categories. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. It’s lighter and smoother than other types of whiskey because it contains a high percentage of … If you are dead set on drinking Scotch on the rocks, I recommend no more than two ice cubes or else you might as well toss it down the drain. . However, to proclaim oneself a whisky lover and advocate serving with ice or chilling in those elaborate ways cannot be allowed to go unchallenged! Allow it to stream in front of your teeth and touch your gums and the inside of your lips. What makes them special or what is their claim to fame? Checkout our Spirits and Cocktail Guide, © Copyright 2010 - 2019 - Gentleman's Gazette LLC. As such, I have come to not only appreciate the complexity and intricacies of a fine bottle of Scotch, but I’ve developed an adoration, nay, an obsession with Scotch whisky and its continual pursuit of perfection. A very readable guide to a great drink. Like scotch, Canadian whisky must be barrel-aged for at least three years. The Whisky Exchange is the registered trademark of Speciality Drinks Limited. This is when the alcohol is poured into a copper pot still to undergo a series of two distillations, or in some cases, three. I appreciate the argument that a lot of time and energy is put into producing a bottle of Scotch. By 1823 Parliament realized that in order for the legal producers to be able to compete with the pirates, they would have to ease restrictions and this decision is what gave birth to the famous ‘excise act’. However, I still think your description is somewhat misleading, though I do not believe you mean it to be. It’s almost black in color (brown if you hold it under a light), and if you ask me that’s due in part to fairly substantial amount of caramel coloring that was added – but I don’t know that to be factual – just my opinion. With those two main types, there are three subcategories of Scotch: blended, blended malt, and blended grain. blended Scotch, blended malt Scotch, and blended grain Scotch. He’s keen to mention things like acceptable glassware, swirling, tossing scotch down the drain, and then make lists of malts some of which are not commonly available and costing hundreds of dollars. The Scots produce two broad categories of whisky: single malt whiskies (one whisky from a single distillery) and blended whiskies (a mixture of two or more whiskies from two or more distilleries). While enjoying many drams, I’ve heard on numerous occasions that for every year a Scotch has been aged/matured, one should keep the Scotch in their mouth to fully taste all the flavors and complexities the spirit has to offer. So long as it’s being enjoyed and savored, who am I to argue with the way it’s done? Regardless of this matter, I would like to compliment you on a very thorough and well written article. This is the sure way to properly appreciate a fine whisky and to ensure that it doesn’t go to waste and that you get to experience each of its divine and complex aromas. 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