Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky is in all regards the most dignified of all whisky types. It often embodies an image of elegance and sophistication. In fact, for a whisky to earn the right to be referred to as “Scotch Whisky” it must adhere to specific guidelines. According to the Scotch Whisky Act of 1988, the following criteria must be met for a whisky to be classified as scotch.

• The spirit must be distilled in a Scottish distillery.
• Must contain a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume.
• The spirit must be aged in an oak barrel for at least 3 years.
• To be classified as scotch it must be distilled with water and malted barley.

Scotch whisky is grouped into two categories; single and blended. To be considered a single Scotch, it must have been distilled in only one distillery. Single Scotch whiskies are sub categorized as single malt and single grain. Single malt whiskies are generally more sought after by scotch connoisseurs making them more expensive.

Common single malt scotch whiskies include Glenfiddich, Aberfeldy, Dufftown, and Craganmore.

As with single Scotch whiskies, there are several types’ classifications referring to blended Scotch whiskies. A Scotch can be classified as blended if it contains several grain whiskies from more than one distillery, if it is a mixture of both malt and grain whisky, or if it contains more than one type of malt from more than one distillery.

The majority of Scotch whisky produced falls into the blended classification. In fact, more than 80% of all Scotch whisky distilled is blended. Generally, a blended whisky will contain between 60-85% grain whiskies.

Common blended scotch whiskies include Chivas Regal, Dewar’s, Johnnie Walker, and J&B.

Labels for Scotch whisky will often include information including type, age, and occasionally the distillery.