Simple Guide To Scotch Whisky

First, Scotch whisky is made exclusively from the most elemental domestic ingredients: barley, water, and yeast. Second, only if distilled and matured in Scotland, the whisky is entitled to be “Scotch” - partly because during maturation its flavor derives from the local air, present in genuine Scottish maritime northern climate. Thus, a genuine Scotch whisky cannot be reproduced.

Besides being the favorite beverage in Scotland, it meritoriously conquered the hearts of billions all over the globe. 

What is more, Scotch whisky is a great motive to visit Scotland, which grants wonderful places to stay, a marveling history and culture, exciting scenery, and open, friendly people, proud and passionate of their land and tradition. In addition to whisky tourism, there is always much else to do, see, and try – superb food and drink included.

Scotch whisky is also valuable in the kitchen - as a basic component of varied mouthwatering dishes such as Scotch onions, steaks marinated in Scotch whisky or famous Scottish Whisky Dundee Cake. 

At last, but not least, we must not overlok the colourful collection of world's famous Scotch whisky cocktails. Let me mention notorious Horse’s Neck, Rusty Nail, Highland Special, Flying Scotsman, Whisper, Earthquake, Purple Heather, Tom Collins, to name but a few. (Albeit, if you ask me, why squandering luxurious whisky at all by hiding its taste?)

you have to enjoy it in a decorous practice. 

It is tremendously versatile drink that can be offered straight (on its own), with different quantities of water, or as a refreshment with selected mixer or ice.

In general, there is no right way or wrong way, but it depends mainly on individual preference.

Nevertheless, few optional suggestions may help you get the most of your Scotch whisky experience.    

Just like a good Scotch whisky, a proper glass needs to have a lot of character to please. 

Among various styles of specific whisky glasses, the Glencairn’s representative shape is not only the most common, but also the first one endorsed by Scotch Whisky Association.

Its authentic tulip configuration is founded on the traditional nosing glasses, acknowledged by master blenders for centuries. 

On top of countless accolades, Glencairn glass won the prestigious Queen's Award for innovation.

We have a set at home and I declare it is well worth its price. I never tire of watching playful light beam flashing through engraved logo letters in the chore of thick base. After a dram or two, also the tricky “Glencairn” is not that hard to pronounce anymore. 

Many true Scotch whisky lovers swear on attractive decanter, either engraved or transparent, intended for storing the “water of life” (originally Scottish Gaelic: ui-sge beatha).

Elegant and sophisticated, often breath taking works of art, decanters actually serve only for storage purposes, as esthetic replacement to Scotch whisky bottle. Unlike wine decanters, for example, which not only are necessary to eliminate eventual sediment on the bottom of the bottle, but also permit the wine to breathe for an adequate period before serving.

Yet, there is a well-founded reason to avoid scotch staying in crystal decanter for longer time, as the lead from the glass can leach into the spirit.    

Sipping Scotch whisky alone or in a company is always the most delightful experience. As authentic social lubricant and essential part of social relations, Scotch is foolproof to enliven up the atmosphere.

Furthermore, it has an extraordinary ability to stimulate camaraderie and laughter, turning gatherings friendly and unwind.

To be called a single malt Scotch whisky, the spirit must be distilled from nothing else than yeast, malted barley, and water – any other grain or fermentable product is out of the question.

Furthermore, it is made in a single distillery by batch distillation in a copper pot still.

Single malt Scotch whiskies are typed upon their area of origin. Top distillery-concentrated area is definitely Speyside, followed by four distinctive regions: Highland, Lowland, Campbeltown and Islay. 

My all-time favourite is a peaty,10 years old Talisker. Nevertheless, I also warmly recommend the smoky, coarse Coal Ila, Lagavulin, and Oban, or - as a beginner's choice - clean and velvety  Dalwhinnie.

If you are a curious, fascinated novice, let me teach you the difference between whisky and whiskey.

The first is the original spelling that got a younger brother in the beginning of 19th century, when American distilleries differentiated their brew from the Scottish version by adding the “e”. Since then, universally all whiskies such as Irish, Canadian, or American are spelled with the “e”, except Scotch whisky.  

Scotch Whisky has been defined in United Kingdom law since 1909 and recognised in EU legislation since 1989. 

Whisky connects people and purifies our minds and bodies. In moderation, it is a great companion.