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Scotch can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. This guide is for beginners, and by the end, you’ll know all there is to know about Scotch whisky—including what to order next time you’re at the liquor store.
Scotch is made from malted barley, water, and yeast. It’s then distilled in copper pot stills and put into oak casks for ageing. The distillation and ageing process gives Scotch its distinctive flavour profile and aroma. All Scotch must be made in Scotland and aged in oak barrels for at least three years. There are two types of Scotch: single malt and blended.
Single malt Scotch comes from 100% malted barley, distilled in pot stills. The drink is then aged in oak barrels for at least three years. Blended Scotch is made from a blend of malt and grain scotch. The grain alcohol is made from wheat, corn, and rye.
Now that you know a little about Scotch see how to drink it. The most popular way to drink Scotch is neat, which means you drink it straight from the bottle or glass. You can also add a little bit of water to help open up the flavours.
Different Types Of Scotch
There are many different types of Scotch, but the main ones can be broken down into five categories: Single malt, Blended malt, Single grain, Blended grain, and Vatted malt.
Single malt Scotch comes from 100% malted barley and is made at a single distillery. The blended version is a blend of single-malt Scotch whiskies from different distilleries. Single-grain Scotch is made from 100% grain (usually corn) and distilled in a column still. Blended-grain Scotch is a blend of single-grain Scotch whiskies from different distilleries. Vatted malt Scotch is a blend of single malt from multiple distilleries, but it must contain at least 50% malt.
How To Taste Scotch?
Now that you know a bit about the different types of Scotch, it’s time to learn how to taste them.
When you taste the liquor, you want to swill it around your mouth and then spit it out. Don’t swallow—this is not a drink; it’s a tasting! By swirling the drink around and then spitting it out, you can taste all the different flavours and aromas in the spirit.
Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue. Then, start to swish it around your mouth. As you do, pay attention to the different flavours and aromas you’re experiencing. Finally, spit it out and give your palate a few minutes to reset before moving on to the next drink.
The Difference Between Single Malt And Blended Whiskies
Now that you know the basics of Scotch, you might wonder about the difference between single malt and blended whiskies.
Single malt is made from 100% malted barley and distilled in pot stills. The result is a drink with more depth and character since it hasn’t been diluted by other grains.
Blended liquor, on the other hand, is made from a blend of different grains (malted barley, unmalted barley, wheat, and sometimes rye) and distilled in both pot and column stills. The result is a lighter liquor with a more consistent flavour.
Conclusion
When starting with this alcoholic beverage, it’s essential to know some basics. Scotch is made in Scotland, and it’s a type of whisky that is made from malted barley. It’s often enjoyed neat or with a bit of water or ice added. There are many different types of Scotch, each with its unique flavour. If you’re starting, try various types to find the ones you like the best. Scotch is a great beverage to enjoy with friends and a great way to learn about the available different types of this beverage.
