![THE WHISK[E]Y PROJECT](http://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fbd4d355a91ac12bdcd3c4c/1606246214494-EZTN3AVKVC2H417EGZB9/logotest.PNG?format=1500w)
What is Scotch Whisky?
The main difference when we look at Scotch compared to other Whiskies is mostly geographic, but also pertains to ingredients and regulations. Scotch is exclusively distilled in Scotland coming from one of the five regions of whisky production. Scotland is divided up in whisky production regions known as Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. These regions all have a different take on how Scotch should taste but all share the same production and aging practices. Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories. Single Malt Scotch whisky, Single grain Scotch whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (Vatted or Pure Malt) Blended grain Scotch whisky and Blended Scotch whisky.
REGIONS
Speyside is the most densely populated whisky region in not only Scotland but the whole world. Speyside is famous for its glens and the River Spey. These whiskies are known for being less peaty and more prodominiant with full fruit flavours of apple, pear, honey, vanilla and spices. Generally these scotches are matured in Sherry casks. A Scotch distilled in Speyside can be labeled Speyside or Highland as Speyside region is completely in the Highland region.
Highland region (draw an imaginary line from Dundee in the east to Greenock in the west. Everything above is in the Highland region.) The Highlands are made up of a large part of Scotland and the islands and boasts a huge diversity of flavours and characters. From lighter profiles all the way through some of the saltier costal malts, the Highlands have a whisky for every palate.
Lowland region (draw an imaginary line from Dundee in the east to Greenock in the west. Everything below is in the Lowland region.) The Lowlands are more known for soft and smooth malts generally offering a gentle flavour on the palate. Tastes of grass, honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toffee, toast, cereal and cinnamon are present. These whiskies are usually lighter in character and great for pre-dinner drinks.
Campbeltown region made up of the Campbeltown peninsula on the west coast, have a large number of full flavour scotches where you will experience robust and rich hints of salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee.
Last but not least we look at Islay (pronounced ‘eye-luh’) This is a magical island where almost all of its population is involved in whisky production and you can find Scotches that are fiery, heavily peated and not for the faint of heart.
CATEGORIES
Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be made in one distillery, in a pot still by batch distillation, using only water and malted barley.
Single Grain Scotch Whisky is made with water and a malted barley, but the distillery then adds other grains or cereals, wheat, corn or rye. Must be from a single distillery and is often used in making blended Scotch. Single grain whiskies are usually not distilled in pot stills but with column stills.
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (Vatted Malt or Pure Malt) is the least common type of Scotch. A blend of single malts from more than one distillery. Blended Malts contain only Single Malts from two or more distilleries. They must contain no grain whisky and can not use the word Single on the bottle. The age of the vat is that of the youngest whisky.
Blended Scotch Whisky is about 90% of the whisky produced in Scotland. Blended Scotch Whiskies contain both malt whisky and grain whisky. Producers combine the various malts and grain whiskies to produce a consistent brand style.
Blended Grain Scotch refers to whisky that contains at least two single grain Scotch whiskies from at least two distilleries, combined to create one batch of final product.
All Scotch Whisky produced in Scotland follow the same legislation spending a minimum of 3 years in oak casks no bigger than 700 liters, however it is the practice of the trade to mature for substantially longer than the legal minimum. Any Scotch labeled with a numeric age represents the youngest whisky contained in the bottle or blend. A whisky with an age statement is known as a guaranteed-age whisky. A whisky without an age statement is known as a no age statement whisky. If the label does not specify an age we can assume that it is a minimum of 3 years old which is the minimum amount of time whisky must spend in the barrel. The whisky can be finished in multiple casks that have been used to age other wines or spirits. Any cask used for finishing must be completely drained of all other liquid before being used for scotch. This will ensure that any change in the spirit is a result of how it interacts with the wood of the cask. Spirit is filled into casks at a strength of 63.5% with a minimum bottling strength of 40% alcohol by volume.
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