Know your Whisky: Scotch

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, whisky evolved from a Scottish drink called uisge beatha, which literally means "water of life". This heady brew was being distilled on a large scale as early as the 15th century in… you guessed it… Scotland. Over the past 500 years the original water of life has spread across the world, and given rise to a (relatively) new breed of dark malted goodness.

Often simply called Scotch, Scotch Whisky is malt or grain whisky made in Scotland. Much like the German Reinheitsgebot law which regulates the purity and ingredients of German beer. Scotch whisky must be made in a manner specified by Scotch Whisky Regulations Act (SWR) to ensure purity and quality.

The SWR define "Scotch whisky" as whisky that is:

●      Produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (to which only whole grains of other cereals may be added) all of which have been:

●      Processed at that distillery into a mash

●      Converted at that distillery to a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzyme systems

●      Fermented at that distillery only by adding yeast

●      Distilled at an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 94.8%

●      Wholly matured in an excise warehouse in Scotland in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres for at least three years

●      Retaining the colour, aroma, and taste of the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production and maturation

●      Containing no added substances, other than water and plain caramel colouring

●      Comprising a minimum alcoholic strength by volume of 40%

There are five types of Scotch Whisky which are allowable under the SWR, with the difference being the production method and ingredients used.

Single Malt

Traditionally, Scotch was made from only malted barley, which is first dried over fires that have been stoked with dried peat (a form of compacted grass and heather compost that is harvested from the moors). The peat smoke adds that distinctive smoky tang to the taste of the malt whisky. This production method creates Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Single Grain

If other grains are added to the water and barley, the Whisky is a ‘Single Grain’. This can be confusing, as the ‘Single’ in single grain actually refers to the use of a single distillery, and not that only one type of grain was used. 

Blends

When single Malt Scotch from different distilleries are combined, a ‘Blend’ is created, of which there are three categories:

●      Blended malt Scotch whisky: two or more single malt Scotch whiskies from different distilleries.

●      Blended grain Scotch whisky: two or more single grain Scotch whiskies from different distilleries.

●      Blended Scotch whisky: one or more single malt Scotch whiskies with one or more single grain Scotch whiskies.
 

Scotch has a long and storied history in Scotland, and not only because it’s the national drink of choice. This makes ordering Scotch the right way a must if you travel to that part of the world, so here are a few tips to make sure you fit right into the Highlands.

Ordering Whisky in Scotland

Rule 1: The first rule of ordering whisky in Scotland is to never call it Scotch. It's whisky when it's blended and malt when it's single-malt. This is important when interacting with the locals.

Rule 2: When ordering malt, it's a poor form to order it on the rocks, as ice numbs the tongue and doesn’t let you appreciate the flavor of the whisky. You can drink malt neat or with a drop of water. Ordering it with Coke or any mixer is, of course, also a terrible idea.

Rule 3: Show no fear. Whisky can be a strong drink full of hearty flavours, so get ready for the burn. And if you’re only a casual connoisseur, try to play it cool and remember to breathe..

Rule 4: Sniff before you sip. Before taking a sip, you’ll want to nose, or smell, the whisky. Richard Paterson from TIME magazine has a great video on the specific of sniffing your Scotch.

Our team  here at Best Bars In like rule 3, simply show no fear, chin up and enjoy!