Scotch Whisky
Scotch is the renowned whisky variety hailing from Scotland. Although it can be made with the addition of other grains or cereals, the original Scottish whisky has to be made with a base of water and malted barley—barley that has been soaked and allowed to germinate.
The grains are fermented only by using yeast, and no artificial additions can be added, apart from the plain caramel coloring. All Scotch whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks, and the age is dictated by the youngest whisky in the blend.
The minimum requirement for bottling is 40% ABV. While many defining factors can influence the final flavor and taste profile of Scotch such as distilling tradition, climate, grain composition, and age, all varieties will have a distinctive and rich malt flavor, while other elements typically include smoke, vanilla, and fruit. Read more
Officially, the production of Scotch is divided into five Scottish regions, and the basic division of Scotch types includes single malt (only made from malted barley), blended Scotch (mix of grain and malt), blended malt Scotch (combination of two or more single malts), grain whisky (made from grains other than malted barley that includes single grain varieties that are made from one distillery).
Scotch whisky is best served in a tasting (nosing) glass, and although many believe that the best way to appreciate good quality Scotch is to serve it neat, it is often also recommended to combine it with water, which helps to bring out malty flavors, or over ice, which makes Scotch more approachable.
Scotch can also work well as a cocktail ingredient.
