Drinkers of Scotch whiskey are very dedicated and know exactly what they like. One can find lovers of Scotch that swear by a particular region or distillery and tend to only consume whiskeys that come from them. If new to the world of Scotch whiskey, this may seem confusing or overwhelming, but it isn’t. Here are some tips from a Liquor Store.
* When it comes to Scotch, there are three main types. These would be single malt, single grain, and blended. Single malt refers to a whiskey that has been made at a single distillery and is made exclusively from malted barley and not blended with other distilleries’ whiskeys. Single grain refers to Scotch that includes an extra type of grain but was only distilled at a single distillery. By law, Scotch must include malted barley even if mixed with other grains. Blended refers to Scotch that has been blended with whiskeys from other distilleries even if it only includes malted barley.
* Different regions use different peat and smoke processes that alter the flavor profile of the whiskey. Some are smoother or stronger and completely dependent on what the individual taster enjoys from their Scotch. There four regions where Scotch is malted: Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, and Islay. Many drinkers find the Islay region produces the most robust of Scotch whiskeys.
* By law, Scotch whiskey must be aged at least three years. Scotch is typically aged in used barrels that have previously contained bourbon, wine, or sherry. Generally speaking, the older the Scotch, the higher the quality of the whiskey. These types of significantly-aged Scotch whiskeys can be found at a high-end Liquor Store and tend to be on the pricier side, although they are much loved by their respective fan base.
If the world of Scotch whiskey sounds enticing and interesting, ask a professional connoisseur such as one that works at Towne Cellars Wines & Liquors Inc. They can guide the beginning Scotch drinker through the learning process so that they, too, can become well-learned in all of the subtle nuances that this most-loved and mysterious of all the whiskeys can offer.
