Hit Me With Your Best Scotch!
A whisky that was originally distilled by monks for medicinal purposes and farmers who were trying to make a little extra money in the winter, Scotch whisky has had a glow-up in the last 500+ years turning into a multi-billion dollar global empire. Now considered a drink of luxury, Scotch whisky can be fun to get into especially when you understand how it differs from other whiskies.
At its most basic, Scotch whisky is made from malted barley. To get more in-depth, Scotch whisky must meet a few requirements made by the UK Parliament in 2009. For whisky to be considered Scotch it must be distilled in Scotland from water, malted barley, and other whole cereal grains. It must be aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. While Scotch whisky shares similarities with American whiskey, Japanese whisky, and Irish whiskey, what makes it distinctly unique is its origin, regulations, and spelling.
While there are many aspects that can influence whether or not someone likes a certain whisky, age, flavor, and region play a significant role. Age determines the amount of years the spirit has been in oak, which can influence the flavor profile. The longer the whisky spends in oak, the more complex and fuller bodied the spirit will be. Meanwhile, Scotland is split into five whisky regions that can produce anything from more fruit-forward and mildly smoky whiskies to heavily peated, smoky, and medicinal whiskies.
Scotch whisky is divided into five classifications by law:
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Made at a single distillery exclusively from malted barley.
Aberlour Distillery Double Cask 12Yr Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
GlenDronach Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin Distillery 8Yr Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Laphroaig 10 Yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Macallan Double Cask 12Yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Made at a single distillery from malted barley and one additional whole grain (ex: wheat or rye).
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Made by blending two or more single malts.
Copper Dog Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
Made by blending two or more single grains.
Blended Scotch Whisky
Made by blending one or more single malts and single grains.
