10 Important Facts about Scotch Whisky


Nick S from Osseo writes:

"I was looking at some bottles of Scotch and noticed that "whiskey" was spelled differently on various bottles, some included a E some just a Y and even more included both, what is correct? Is there a simple way to get to know Scotch?"



There really is no way to "simply" get to know Scotch, there are too many flavors and complexities that even some experts get baffled The best way to learn about Scotch is to try bottles and flavors from the different regions, exploring is the only way you will find what you like and develope a love for this libation. We think guide may would help as a spring board to learning about  Scotch Whiskey:

10 Important Facts about Scotch Whisky

1. All Scotch whiskies go through to chemical processes in their creation: first, fermentaion of the grain mash to make beer, then distillation of the beer into high-alcohol spirit.

2. Genuine Scotch whiskies are produced only in Scotland. Legalities stipulate that the label should clearly state “Distilled in Scotland” or “Produced in Scotland.”

3. Maturing whiskies in wood barrels didn’t become popular until the 18th century. Evaporation is responsible for the loss of 2% to 3% of Scotch whisky as it is maturing each year. Distillers call these whisky vapors that evaporate “the angels share.”

4. The three basic ingredients of Scotch whisky are grain, water, and yeast.

5. By Law every Scotch whisky must age in wood barrels for a minimum of three years.

6. Single malt Scotch whiskies are comprised of 100% malted barely and are distilled in copper pot stills in small batches at individual distilleries, hence the moniker “single (distillery) malt (barley).” Single malts are usually more complex than grain whiskies.

7. Whisky? Or Whiskey? When one is referring to the world’s greater, all-inclusive whiskey category or the whiskey’s of Ireland and the U.S., the “e” is always used. When the whiskies of Scotland or Canada are at issue, the “e” is dropped.  Also the accepted plural for whiskey is whiskeys while for whisky it is whiskies.

8. Scotland’s grain whiskies are produced from a maize or wheat in continuously running, large-volume column stills. They are less complex then single malt whiskies.

9. Blended Scotch whiskies are carefully arrived at combinations of both single malt and grain whiskies. Master blenders say that grain whiskies lend foundation and volume while single malts provide power, grace and character.

10. Blended malt whiskies are Scotches that are made up of at least two single malt whiskies, each from a different malt distillery.