Scotch Whisky: The Basics

The Basics | The Full Story | Reviews | Distilleries | Spirits Home

What You Need To Know

In order to simplify things we should dissect Scotch Whisky in to three categories: Single Malt, Blended, and Blended Malt (sometimes called Pure Malt or by its former moniker, Vatted malt). All Scotch Whisky is required to be at least three years old (aged for three years in wood barrels) and made in Scotland. Single Malt is best understood by a literal interpretation. Single refers to the Whisky being produced at a “single” distillery while “malt” refers to the exclusive grain product used, malted barley. Blended Scotch Whisky is a blend of any number of malt Whiskies with any number of grain Whiskies. Those who don’t understand them often malign grain Whiskies. Don’t be in that crowd. Grain Whisky like any other spirit can be carefully produced and aged or made in a shoddy manner. Blended Malt Whisky is a blend of any number of malt whiskies.

The Experts Rap

There has never been a better time for the Scotch Whisky enthusiast to be alive than right now. So be happy. Blenders are more quality minded than ever producing tasty blends. A new breed of blenders approaches their work, as does a master chef carefully choosing each ingredient and thoughtfully marrying them to create whiskies like we have never seen before. Distillery owners are now making more Malt Whiskies available than ever before and independent bottlers are bringing us the rest. For the curious consumer that is willing to search, it is possible to find Whisky from nearly every operating distillery and many that have been closed for years. Bars and restaurants are now “required” to offer a varied selection of Scotch Whiskies to satisfy a clientele that is becoming more knowledgeable each year. Do a lot of tasting to discover what styles you best enjoy.

When and How

There is no other spirit that inspires such a heated debate regarding its proper service. Add water or don’t add water. Add ice or don’t add ice. Do you use a tumbler or do you serve it in a snifter? We do a lot of tastings and seminars for industry professionals and curious consumers alike. I have never conducted a tasting in which the question of service did not arise. So without further adieu, here is your answer. Drink it however you would like. I know that’s a cowardly answer so I’ll tell you what rules I like to follow. I like to add spring water or good filtered water especially if I am drinking a high proof (over 80 proof) or “cask strength” whisky. Water often helps the Whisky open-up becoming more generous in regards to both aroma and flavor. I don’t like ice as it cools the whisky subduing aromas and numbing the palate. If the weather is hot and the whisky is warm an addition of an ice cube or two can cool the whisky to a better temperature while dosing it with water. Mixers are another matter. I have had some great Whisky based cocktails However, if you are fond of three parts Coke & one part Whisky, please use a cheap blend or we will find you. Get the full rap on Scotch.