types of scotch
Types of Scotch
Whiskey that is distilled and matured in Scotland at least for three years in oak casks is called scotch whisky. Types of scotch and popular scotch brands are described in this article. Scroll down to know what is the difference between normal whiskey and scotch whisky...
Historians have found proof which confirms the fact that there existed a distillery in Scotland in 1494! This explains why 'scotch whisky' produced in Scotland is known as the best whiskey in the world. A whiskey is called scotch whisky only when it is produced in Scotland and it is produced by following some distinct norms. In Britain, whiskey means 'scotch whisky' unless you specify some other type. It should be kept in mind that all scotch is whiskey but all whiskey is not scotch. Have you noticed that the whisky in 'Scotch Whisky' is always spelled without an 'e'?
Types of Scotch Whisky
Only water and barley are used to make scotch whisky. Ingredients, often malted with a dash of peat and the typical procedure of producing and storing the whisky; are responsible for the fine taste and wonderful aromas of scotch whiskies. Scotch contains 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). There are two basic types of scotch whisky, namely 'single malt scotch' and 'blended scotch'.
Single Malt Scotch
Scotch that is made from water and malted barley only and is distilled at a single distillery only is known as single malt scotch whisky.
Blended Scotch
One or more single malts are skillfully blended with one or more single grain whiskies to make blended scotch whisky. Blended scotch is also known as 'vatted malt' or 'pure malt'. Every single malt or blended scotch has a distinct, identifiable character. Skilled master blenders produce exceptional and unique blends. Blended whisky is also produced by blending malt whiskies of various ages from the same distillery. Blended whisky is the most popular type of scotch.
A single grain whisky is produced at one grain distillery only and it is usually made from water and whole grains of malted or unmalted wheat, corn or barley. A blended scotch may contain a combination of malt whiskies and grain whiskies. The percentage of grain and malt used determines the quality, flavor, smoothness of taste and aroma of the whisky. The age of the youngest scotch whisky used to produce the blend is usually mentioned on the bottle. A scotch that comes with an age statement is referred to as guaranteed age whisky.
Popular Scotch Brands
Scotland produces different types of scotch whisky. The Speyside region of north-east Scotland has maximum number of malt whisky distilleries. Highland, Lowland and Islay are also known as malt whisky producing areas. No two whiskies can be identical. Isn't it surprising that the distilleries standing side by side and both producing scotch whiskies cannot produce two identical malts? Here follows scotch brands list.
Grain Scotch Brands
Single Malt Scotch Brands
Blended Scotch Brands
Some blenders label their products as liquor as it conveys the message that it is a high quality whisky. You are expected to savor the whisky rather than hastily gulping it. And please, do not think about calories in whiskey, just enjoy it! How to drink whisky depends upon personal taste. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' way of drinking scotch whisky. As tap water contains a high amount of chlorine which may destroy the distinctive aroma and flavor of the whisky, you may use mineral water (if you want).
•
North British Grain•
Cameron Brig•
Aberfeldy•
Aberlour•
anCnoc•
Ardbeg•
Ardmore•
Arran•
Auchentoshan•
Aultmore•
Balblair•
Balmenach•
Ben Nevis•
BenRiach•
Benromach•
Bladnoch•
Bowmore•
Brackla•
Bruichladdich•
Bunnahabhain•
Caol Ila•
Cardhu•
Cragganmore•
Craigellachie•
Dailuaine•
Dallas Dhu•
Dalwhinnie•
Deanston•
Dufftown•
Eradour•
Fettercairn•
Glen Elgin•
Glen Garioch•
Glen Grant•
Glen Moray•
Glen Ord•
Glen Scotia•
Glencadam•
Glenfarclas•
Glengoyne•
Glenfiddich•
Glenkinchie•
Glenmorangie•
Glenrothes•
Glenturret•
Glenugie•
Glenury Royal•
Highland Park•
Inchgower•
Isle of Jura•
Kilchoman•
Kinclaith•
Knockando•
Knockdhu•
Lagavulin•
Laphroaig•
Little Mill•
Loch Lomond•
Longmorn•
Mannochmore•
McClelland•
Millburn•
Miltonduff•
Mortlach•
Oban•
Old Pulteney•
Port Askaig•
Port Charlotte•
Port Ellen•
Royal Brackla•
Royal Lochnagar•
Scapa•
Speyburn•
Springbank•
Talisker•
Tamdhu•
The Balvenie•
The Dalmore•
The Glenlivet•
The Macallan•
Tobermory•
Tomatin•
Tormore•
William Grant•
Bailie Nicol Jarvie•
Ballantine's•
Bell's•
Black and White•
Black Bottle•
Buchanan's•
Chivas Regal•
Cutty Sark•
Dewar's•
Dimple•
Grand Macnish•
Grand Old Parr•
Grants•
Haig•
Hankey Bannister•
Iotay•
J and B•
Johnnie Walker•
Long John•
Monkey Shoulder•
Morriston Gold•
Old Smuggler•
Passport•
Pinch•
Queen Anne•
Royal Salute•
Something Special•
William Lawson's•
Te Bheag•
Teacher's Highland Cream•
The Famous Grouse•
Vat 69•
White Horse•
Whyte and Mackay•
Stewart's Cream of the Barley