Scotch, also known as Scotch whisky, is a type of whisky that is specifically made in Scotland. It’s a distilled spirit made primarily from malted barley and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, although many scotches are aged much longer. Here are some key points about Scotch whisky:

Types of Scotch Whisky

1. Single Malt Scotch: Made from only water and malted barley at a single distillery by batch distillation in pot stills.
2. Single Grain Scotch: Made from water and malted barley but can also include other cereals, and made at a single distillery.
3. Blended Malt Scotch: A blend of two or more single malt Scotch whiskies from different distilleries.
4. Blended Grain Scotch: A blend of two or more single grain Scotch whiskies from different distilleries.
5. Blended Scotch Whisky: A blend of one or more single malt Scotch whiskies with one or more single grain Scotch whiskies.

Production Process

The production process of Scotch includes several stages:

1. Malting: Barley grains are soaked in water and allowed to germinate. This converts the starches into fermentable sugars.
2. Mashing: The malted barley is ground into grist and mixed with hot water to extract the sugars, producing a liquid called “wort”.
3. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the wort to ferment the sugars into alcohol, resulting in a product called “wash”.
4. Distillation: The wash is distilled, typically twice, in copper pot stills to increase the alcohol content and refine the flavors.
5. Aging: The distilled spirit, now called “new make spirit”, is aged in oak barrels. The interaction with the wood over years adds complexity and flavors to the whisky.

Characteristics

• Flavor: The flavor of Scotch can vary widely depending on the region it comes from, the distillation process, and the aging process. Common flavor notes include peat, smoke, fruit, vanilla, and oak.
• Regions: Scotch whisky is also often categorized by the region in Scotland where it is produced, such as Islay, Highland, Lowland, Speyside, and Campbeltown. Each region can impart distinct characteristics to the whisky.

Regulations

Scotch whisky must adhere to strict regulations set by the Scotch Whisky Association and UK law. These regulations ensure the authenticity and quality of the product, including the ingredients used, the production process, and the aging process.

Scotch whisky is enjoyed worldwide and is often consumed neat, with water, or with ice, and is also a popular component in various cocktails.

Scotch

Scotch is malt whisky or grain whisky made in Scotland.

Scotch whisky must be made in a manner specified by law. All Scotch whisky must be made in Scotland, from malt (some grains and cereals can be added) aged in oak barrels for at least three years.  The majority of the time, Scotch makers age their whisk(e)y in used wooden barrels that have previously held bourbon or sherry. The used bourbon and sherry casks contribute further to the flavor, texture, and aromas of scotch making it one tasty beverage!  The longer a scotch has been aged, the better (and more expensive) the whisky will be.

No additives can be added except caramel coloring.  It must be 40% ABV  There are also specific rules on bottle labeling.  Originally all Scotch whisky was made only from malted barley.

Though Barley is a common ingredient in most beers and whiskey, using 100% malted barley is primarily unique to Scotch.

Scotch whisky is distilled twice (in a pot still)  

Irish whiskey is distilled three times (in a pot still).

Peaty (or smoky) Scotch.

Basically, that means that the scotch has been flavored earlier on in the process with peat smoke. When dehydrating the sprouted malt Peat, which is compressed vegetable matter from the ground, is burned to dry out the malt.

Peat is decomposed vegetable matter that has been compressed in the earth over thousands of years. Essentially, it’s young coal and it’s what gives some scotches their unique smokey characteristic.

FIVE DISTINCT CATEGORIES:

1.  Single malt Scotch whisky, a quality liquor

2.  Single grain Scotch whisky, a quality liquor

3.  Blended malt Scotch whisky (formerly called “vatted malt” or “pure malt”),  The average blended whisky is 60%–85% grain whisky.  Blended Scotch whisky constitutes the most common whiskey, about 90% of the whisky produced in Scotland.

4.  Blended grain Scotch whisky,

5.  Blended Scotch whisky.