In addition to the brands mentioned, the most famous whiskey brands in Scotland are: Teacher's, Ballantine's, White Horse, Highland Park, Dewar's, Cardhu, Cutty Sark, Sovereign, Lord Kingsley, Peat Chimney, The Tweedale, Hazelburn, The Hive.

Scotch whiskey tasting

Tourists enjoy visiting whiskey museums in Scotland. There are two such institutions in the country: in Edinburgh and Dufftown, a small town. The museum in the Scottish capital is called The Scotch Whiskey Experience. Here you can not only learn the secrets of production, but also sit in a restaurant, take part in a tasting and buy a bottle of whiskey you like.

Another great opportunity to try the best brands is to visit whiskey festivals in Scotland. The most famous of them are organized in five places:

• in Edinburgh (June);
• Ivernisse (April);
• Islay (May);
• in Glasgow (November);
• Speyside (May).

The magic of whiskey, among other things, is based on the fact that the drink is endemic to the land in which it is produced.

Five Traditions

Streams and rivers flow along the Scottish munro slopes, feeding the mountain sucker lakes and providing crystal clear water to the fertile lands of Scotland, generously producing malted barley. All of these ingredients combine to create a mash that, through the alchemy of distillation, will become much more than the sum of the whiskey's ingredients.

Scotland is divided into five main regions, each of which leaves its own unique imprint on the product created there. These areas, defined by legally defined geographical boundaries, can be seen as terroir regions in France where a wine, say Burgundy, can be produced exclusively in Burgundy, because the local soil and microclimate are so unique that a recognizable " stigma."

Lowland

The area was once teeming with distilleries (the 18th century register lists 215 distilleries) and no one knows exactly why Scottish whiskey production has fallen so dramatically. Many point to the successive acts of the British Parliament, which contributed to the increase in the production of English gin, which deprived local producers of their largest market. Other reasons cited are a change in consumer preferences - they prefer stronger Highland flavors.

The low-lying regions are located south of the invisible border, which stretches from Greenock on the west coast to Dundee in the east. There are currently three major whiskey distillers active here: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie, with two more beginning to operate at Daftmill and Aisla Bay.

The region is famous for its light and soft scotch tape with no aftertaste of smoke. Writer Charles McLean spoke of the local whiskey as the perfect aperitif. This is a great option for those who are just starting their acquaintance with this drink, as well as for experienced connoisseurs - triple distillation is more common in the lowlands than in any other region of whiskey production.

Scotland is divided into the Highlands and the Lowlands by the producers of scotch tape, as the border between them was determined by a law of 1784, according to which different duties were established for the north and south. The purpose of the act was to encourage legal distillation in mountain regions and to reduce illegal distillation. Smaller industries north of the dividing line were subject to lower tax rates.

• Lowland's typical scotch style is light, floral and fruity.
• The main active producers are Bladnoch and Glenkinchie.
• Closed or mothballed distilleries: Inverleven, Littlemill, Rosenbank and St Magdalene.

Auchentoshan

The distillery was organized in 1823. Since that time, six owners have changed, who carefully kept the unique production technology. The taste and aroma of whiskey is revealed here in the process of triple, and not double distillation, as is usually done in Scotland. Produced single malt Auchentoshan 10-year-old has a golden color, soft freshness with hints of oak. A clear, fruity taste ends with a delicate sweet aftertaste.

Bladnoch

The distillery was founded in 1917 by the McClelland family and has since changed hands several times, closing from time to time until it opened in 2000 to produce limited quantities of outstanding single malts. Bladnoch 15 Year Old has a deep yellow hue with soft buttery, herbal, lemony and fruity aromas with floral undertones. Long licorice aftertaste. There are tones of melon, raspberry, strawberry and citrus.

speyside

The largest number of whiskey manufacturers and two-thirds of all malt production is located in the most densely populated region of the country - in the Spey River Valley, or Speyside. Charles McLean described the scotch here as "sweet, with pronounced notes of esters, fragrant with pear drops, cloves, Parma violets, roses, apples, bananas, cream soda and lemonade." In recent times, the region has grown to produce many different varieties of classic malt whiskeys, and it's not uncommon to see highly peaty drinks side by side with traditional ones. Speyside Scotch has an incredible range of flavors, from sherry-aged Aberlour and Mortlach to smoky Benriach and Benromach.

• The typical style of Speyside Scotch is rich and fruity, although the use of peat is becoming more common.
• The main active distilleries are: Benromach, Balvenie, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenfarclas and Mortlach.
• Closed or mothballed enterprises: Dallas Dhu, Caperdonich, Coleburn, Banff, Convalmore.

Glenlivet

Glenlivet is perhaps the region's most famous single malt scotch whisky, and the name has been so popular that many other distilleries have begun to appropriate it. When J. G. Smith, the owner of the distillery, tried to claim ownership of the name, he was only partially successful. The court's decision to give him the right to the name also allowed other manufacturers to use the name "Glenlivet" next to the name of their plant. It can still be seen on some old bottles from this region.

The founder of the enterprise, encouraged by the Duke of Gordon, first applied for a license in 1824. He went against the public sentiment of the time. Illegal producers, not happy with this act of Smith, threatened him with death, and Duke Gordon even gave him 2 pistols for protection, which can still be seen in the visitor center at the distillery. Legalization gave Smith an edge that propelled the brand into the lead. Today the company is owned by the Chivas and Glenlivet group, acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2001. The factory closed only during the Second World War due to a shortage of barley. Glenlivet is used in top blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute.

12-year-old single malt whiskey with a light golden hue has a floral aroma and notes of sherry, spices and vanilla. The palate is slightly smoky, delicate, slightly sweet and fruity, clean and well balanced. The finish is long, but soft and warm, with traces of peat at the end.

Campbeltown

Campbeltown is located towards the end of the Mull of Kintyre on the west coast of Scotland. There were once more than 30 whiskey distilleries here, of which only three are currently in operation: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank.

Springbank Campbeltown Malt Scotch is rich, complex, full of flavor with hints of sea salt and soft peat. Hazelburn from Glen Scotia and Springbank is triple distilled and is an easy alternative for those who prefer more freshness. When beverage historian Alfred Barnard visited the area in 1885, he named Campbeltown "Whiskey City". At the time, there were 21 businesses operating there, and it took him two weeks to inspect them.

Demand at the beginning of the 20th century increased production at Campbeltown so much that impurities began to penetrate the final product, which inevitably led to a decrease in product quality. Because of this, the whiskey had a fishy smell, and buyers accused the manufacturers of using herring barrels to mature the drink.

• The typical style is strong, rich and marine.
• Major active businesses: Springbank, Glen Scotia and Kilkerran.
• Closed and mothballed distilleries: Ballegerggan, Dalaruan and Glen Nevis.

Glen Scotia

The distillery was founded in 1832. In 1979-82. almost £1 million was spent on its modernization, but in 1984 it was closed. Having opened in 1989, the enterprise was mothballed again in 1994. But recently trial batches of whiskey have been distilled. The quality of the alcohol was so good that regular production is planned. So far, Glen Scotia is open 3 months a year thanks to the employees of the nearby Springbank distillery.

A 12 year old amber golden scotch has a very spicy, peppery aroma with hints of sherry. The taste is spicy, with chocolate and plum hints and a warm pleasant finish.

Springbank

Founded in 1828 by Archibald Mitchell, it is the oldest independent whiskey distillery in Scotland and remains under the control of the founder's descendants to this day. 3 different brands are made here - Springbank, Longrow and Hazelburn. Springbank is distilled 2.5 times. Germinated barley is dried over burning peat for only 6 hours, and then for 24 hours with warm air. The result is a less smoky whiskey than typically made in Campbeltown. Springbank is one of two distilleries that bottle whiskey at the source, using the original water to reduce the strength of the drink. Another such manufacturer is Glenfiddich. All whiskey made in Springbank is sold as single malt. The 10-year-old drink has a light golden hue, aromas of citrus, pear and peat. Taste of smoke, vanilla, nutmeg, slightly salty. The finish is full, rich, long, warm, slightly salty.

highland and islands

This region, which also covers the islands, probably has the widest range of flavors, from light Glengoyne and Deanston to brackish coastal varieties like Old Pulteney and Oban.

Island malt whiskey also has its own styles, ranging from the lightness of Arran to the sweetness of Jura and Tobermory, the rich, complex flavors of Highland Park Whiskey.

• The typical style is varied.
• The main active distilleries are Highland Park, Glenmorangie, Dalmore, Jura, Tobermory and Oban.
• Closed or mothballed plants: Brora, Glen Mhor, Millburn and Glenugie.

highland park

Founded in 1798, the distillery is the northernmost in Scotland. The enterprise is independently engaged in the extraction of peat for drying malting barley. The result of the production process is a malt whiskey with a heather aroma and a delicate smoke that allows it to remain a favorite drink of enthusiasts. Approximately 60% of the production of the enterprise is single malt scotch, and the remaining 40% goes to the production of single-barrel and mixed drinks. Highland Park no longer sells its products to independent bottlers.

There are very few other brands of single malt scotch that have been so consistently praised by connoisseurs and pundits for their 12, 15, 18, 25, 30, and 40 year versions.

The 30-year-old has a copper-amber hue, a spicy, nutmeg aroma with hints of dark chocolate. Taste of toffee, dark chocolate, orange and peat. The finish is long, rich, smoky and surprisingly sweet.

Whiskey connoisseur, columnist and pundit Michael Jackson once called Highland Park "the biggest all-rounder in the whiskey world."

Dalmore

The distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. Located on the banks of the Cromaty Firth opposite Black Island. The scotch produced here has full flavor and body. The long, generous finish makes it a classic Highland whiskey. Today, 62-year-old Dalmore is the most expensive scotch in the world. In May 2005, a bottle of whiskey was purchased for £32,000. 12 year old Dalmore has a deep golden mahogany undertone. The aroma is intense and persistent, well structured with smooth malt tones - oloroso sherry, orange, marmalade and spices. Elegant taste of aged sherry with a generous aftertaste.

isle of islay

Islay currently has eight whiskey distilleries. Scotland is famous for the world-famous varieties produced here. It's fair to say that Islay lives on scotch, as most of the local population is involved in its production in one way or another, either growing barley, or distilling whiskey, or distributing it. It is even believed that the island was one of the first places where monks started smoking Uisge Beatha in the early 14th century. This was due to an almost perfect combination of several factors: excellent soil for growing barley, peat for fuel, and a constant source of clean water.

The island itself has a great influence on the flavor of the drink produced here. The soil here is mostly peat, and most of the water is brown due to its excess, while winter storms often carry sea salt far inland, adding a brackish note to the smoky flavor. However, not all local whiskey is massively smoked. For example, in the production of varieties such as Bunnahabhain and Bruchladdich, peat is used very little or not at all.

• Islay's typical scotch style is smoky (with the exception of Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich).
• The main active distilleries are Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.
• Closed or mothballed distilleries: Port Ellen.

Laphroaig

The distillery was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alex Johnston. About 10% of production is single malt whisky, with the rest being sold to make famous blends such as Long John, Black Bottle and Islay Mist. Laphroaig can either be loved or hated. Its distinctive character may seem redundant to some. For beginners, it is better to try easier options, such as Bowmore. But if whiskey is to your taste, then you definitely won’t find another like it. 15 year old Laphroaig has a rich bright golden hue, a mild smoky aroma and a pleasant sweetness of fresh hay. Tastes of oak, peat smoke, nutmeg, roasted almonds, salty. The finish is long, resonant, juicy and expressive.

Bowmore

The distillery was founded on the Isle of Islay in 1779 and is one of the oldest in Scotland. It is located on the seafront, which is essential for defining the character of a single malt whiskey, as it adheres to traditional technology. It is one of only five distilleries that still makes their current barley malt. The production uses water from the Laggan River, which has absorbed the aromas of local peat, which is also used in the drying of barley. Whiskey matures in damp cellars located below sea level in Spanish and American oak barrels. Peat, barley, water, wood, people and tradition combine to create the robust, warm and smoky character of Bowmore Islay single malt.

Bowmore Dusk has the color of polished teak wood, aromas of apricot, honey melon and lychee. The taste of claret, the peaty warmth of the island are replaced by tones of dark chocolate and liquorice. There are notes of tangerine, Caribbean cane sugar. The finish is long, juicy, smoky and sweet.

Lagavulin

The distillery was founded in 1816 by local farmer John Johnston. It was the first local legal whiskey distillery. The drink created here has received many prizes, including 9 gold medals at the IWSC International Competition. The 16-year-old Lagavulin is considered the island's finest single malt whiskey due to its balanced taste - some iodine, some smoke, moderate earthy notes and a long, smooth, elegant finish full of peaty, salty tones with hints of seaweed.

Blends

There are several categories of whiskey. Scotland has legislated five types of this drink. Single malt is produced only from water and barley malt at one distillery in batch distillation apparatus. Single grain can include malted and regular grains. Blended scotch whiskey is a blend of one or more types of single malt and one or more types of single grain scotch. Before the adoption of the new rules, any mixture was called that, regardless of the material of its manufacture. A distinction is also made between blended malt and blended grain Scotch whisky.

The most popular blend in the world is Johnnie Walker, first produced in Kilmarnock in 1820. Black Label contains up to 40 types of malt and grain scotch, each of which is aged for at least 12 years. The mixture is soft and very high quality, with a rich taste and a slight peaty aroma.

Produced since 1801 in Scotland, aged 12 years) is one of the finest blended scotches in the world. A warm amber color drink with aromas of wild herbs, honey and greenhouse fruits, with the taste of ripe apples, vanilla, hazelnuts and toffee. Contains 40% malt scotch, of which at least 4% is Strathisla Speyside.

An example of a blended whiskey is White Horse, one of the best-selling brands in the world. Contains over 40% malt scotch based on the unique taste of Lagavulin from Islay. Other brands that influence the final character of the drink the most are Talisker and Linkwood. The individuality, the quality of the ingredients and the care with which White Horse is produced have made it a symbol of quality and centuries of tradition.

The second most popular whiskey in the world is Speyside's finest J&B single malt scotch blend, the favorite of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Light, balanced, fragrant style with a long heather aftertaste and a delicate, soft finish.

Another popular blended Scotch whiskey is Long John. The mixture was created in the twentieth century at the Tormore plant in Speyside. The Long John blend features 48 malt whiskeys, including Laphroaig and Highland Park. The last two varieties determine the special taste of the exquisite drink.

In Russia, the Mount Keen blend is widespread - whiskey, which is produced by Distillers Co. from Edinburgh.

The history of which can be traced back to 1827, today is one of the ten largest brands in the world. This drink is light golden in color, with deep spicy notes and well balanced tones of chocolate, apple and vanilla, and a floral finish.

Highland Cup scotch produced by Glasgow Whiskey is bottled in Belarus at Minsk Crystal OJSC.

Scotch whiskey is a traditional Scottish drink, which is not only the national alcoholic product, but also has a special status protected by the state law of the WTO, as well as the entire European Union and the UK itself.

The name "whiskey" is a modernized Gaelic word, the translation of which literally means "water of life". In the past, the Scots considered whiskey to be a healing elixir that could prolong years of life, keep the body healthy and even treat certain ailments, such as smallpox or paralysis.

History of Scotch Whiskey

It is not known exactly when the ability of the Scots to distill liquid was born, there is no mention of the first production of an alcoholic drink in the country. However, there is accurate evidence that the possibility and properties of distillation were known to the ancient Celts who inhabited the territory of modern Scotland.

The distillation process has changed, improved and reached the level that is used today in the production of Scotch whiskey, known throughout the world. Today, this drink has become a symbol of Scotland and one of the most popular spirits around the world.

The history of Scotch whiskey is rooted in the distant past. The first mention of the preparation of this type of alcohol is found in the tax reports of the Scottish Treasury from 1494. The report contains a record that a certain monk named John Kor was to be given about 200 kg. barley malt to make whisky.

According to approximate calculations, it turns out that out of 200 kg. of barley malt you can get about 24,000 bottles of distillate. This huge amount of monastic distillate production shows that at that time the monasteries had already practically put on stream the distillation of malt for the production of whiskey.

Types of Scotch Whiskey

By law in the UK, there are five different types of Scotch whiskey:

(Single Malt Scotch Whiskey) - a drink that is necessarily produced within a single distillery and contains only malt and water. It is distilled twice according to a strict and time-honored procedure. The occasional single malt whiskey has been distilled three times, but this is generally rare. No other grains are added to this whiskey. This whiskey is produced only in Scotland.

Grain whiskey (Single Grain Scotch Whiskey) - is made within the same production and bottled in the same place. Such a drink is prepared from malt, water, and various grains. The nuances and technological principles of the production of grain whiskey differ from the production features of single malt whiskey.

(Blended Scotch Whiskey) - a drink made by mixing different single malt whiskeys, or single malt with grain. Blending different whiskeys for a unique, special taste.

Malt blended whiskey (Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey) - this whiskey is obtained by blending several single malt whiskeys that were made in different industries.

Grain blended whiskey (Blended Grain Scotch Whiskey) - this type of whiskey is obtained by mixing several grain types of whiskey that were produced at different distilleries.

Scotch whiskey has a long history. The technology for making the drink is the same, but some subtleties of production differ in each region.

Production

Scotch whiskey is produced in the regions:

• Highlands (Highland);
• Campbeltown;
• Speyside (Speyside);
• Orkney and Hebrides (Island);
• the island of Islay;
• Plain (Lowland).

More than 2,000 brands of whiskey are produced in Scotland at more than 100 distilleries. This type of alcohol is considered a "national" product and is protected by state laws.

There are traditions about how to drink Scotch whisky. Many consider the drink to be optimal for a low-drinking male company.

Single malts

Single malt whiskeys are based only on water and malt - malted barley. Other crops are not used. The taste of alcohol is formed by the smoke that is used for barley sushi, the water used and the barrel where another drink used to be. For example, if whiskey is aged in a rum barrel, then the finished product will have rum notes in taste and aroma.

Single malt whiskeys are shown in the table.

Whiskeys are divided into two separate categories: Cask Strength and Non-chill filtred.

Cereals

Whiskey "Single Grain Scotch Wiskey" is produced within the same distillery, as are single malts. The basis of the drink is water and grains - barley or other crops, malted or unmalted. The production technology is different from the preparation of single malt whiskey.

Blended

Whiskey Blended Scotch Whiskey"is the result of blending single malt whiskeys with grains that were produced at different distilleries. The number of ingredients to be mixed and the proportions between them are individual for each manufacturer.

Whiskey Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey" are made from several single malts from different distilleries, and " Blended Grain Scotch Wiskey"- similarly, but from grain alcohol.

Leaders of ratings in Russia

Not all types of whiskey are widely used in Russia. The most popular of them are shown in the table.

Scotch whiskey is a world famous alcohol that has become the national pride of the people. Similar drinks are produced in many countries, but whiskey from Scotland is of the greatest interest to consumers.

Scotch whiskey is an amber and aromatic strong alcohol (40-50%), legally assigned to Scotland. Only here they make real scotch, protected by the EU and the WTO. Of course, whiskey is also produced in other countries, but the label "Whisky Scotch" appears only on bottles with the original drink from Scotland.

History of Scottish Scotch

You can read about how whiskey appeared in general in another article. Now we will talk about scotch, which from the medicinal "water of life" has turned into a gentleman's drink of aristocrats.

The first manufacturers of the prototype of modern adhesive tape were the Celts who lived on Scottish soil. They treated them with smallpox, paralysis and colic. In written sources, the "water of life" is mentioned much later - in 1494.

At first, monks were engaged in distillation, in the 16th century - aristocrats, but by the 17th century everyone was engaged in distillation.

Modern legislation in Britain allows only whiskey to be called scotch:

• made from malted barley and water in Scottish distilleries;
• distilled with preservation of the taste of primary raw materials and 94.8% strength;
• diluted not lower than up to 40% fortress;
• matured for at least 3 years in an oak barrel with a capacity of not more than 700 liters;
• not containing aromatic, flavoring or other additives.

Thus, no whiskey produced outside of Scotland can be called scotch. This also applies, the cooking technology of which is extremely close to the Scottish version.

The word "whiskey" is like a paradox. It is used both in the masculine and in the neuter gender. Therefore, know that at the bar it is quite appropriate to say not only “my whiskey”, but also “my whiskey”.

Scotch whiskey production technology

Especially for those who believe that the best Scotch whiskey, we will tell you about the main stages of making scotch in a production environment.

Stage 1. Cereal preparation. Barley is selected, dried and germinated for 7-15 days. Then they are dried again (with hot smoke). Peat, charcoal and beech shavings are burned for smoke. This treatment gives the alcohol a “smoky” flavor in the future. Peat smells differently in every locality. It can be the smell of algae and iodine, honey and heather. Therefore, each Scottish scotch is unique.

Stage 2. Wort preparation. The malt obtained after drying is crushed and poured with boiling water, insisted for 12 hours. Next, they are combined with yeast and allowed to ferment.

Stage 3. Distillation. Barley mash is distilled mainly three times, getting 20, 70 and 95% alcohol. The product of the last distillation (more precisely, its "heart") is diluted with water to obtain 50-65% alcohol.

Stage 4. Excerpt. The taste, color and aroma of Scotch is acquired in oak barrels. They are not sealed too tightly and alcohol has the ability to absorb not only woody shades, but also the aromas surrounding the barrel. The time that the distillate spends in casks (and not in bottles) determines the age of the whiskey.

It so happened that distilleries in Scotland produce 2 types of alcohol - single malt Scotch whiskey and blended. Their differences and nuances of production are described in a separate article.

At home, you can prepare an imitation of scotch tape. You can read about other methods of making homemade whiskey here.

Types and brands of Scotch whiskey

The classification of Whiskey Scotch is complex and ambiguous. Here its main criteria are highlighted and the most famous representatives are named. Scotch whiskey can be divided into:

1. By area of ​​origin

Now in Scotland more than 100 factories produce over 2 thousand brands of adhesive tape. The areas of production greatly affect their flavor and aroma bouquet:

• Speyside (speyside). Reference whisky region. Honey and toffee dominate in the light "haze" of its taste.
• Highland (highlands). Strong but soft Whiskey is prepared here. In its taste you can feel a duet of spices and flowers, nutty bitterness and chocolate. The aroma is dominated by the sweet smoke of a pipe or barbecue.
• Lowland (plain). The adhesive tape of this edge is velvety and dry. Instead of smoke, fruits and flowers are felt in it. Due to the triple distillation, it is easy to drink.
• Campbeltown (Campbeltown). The region pleases with a spicy, honey-floral scotch with a slightly salty aftertaste.
• Islay (Isle of Islay). The area is famous for smoky and brackish scotch.
• Island (Hebrides and Orkney Islands). The distilleries of the Scotch Whiskey Association region belong to the Highland region. The region's scotch is a brackish mix of peat and smoke.

1. According to the laws of the Scotch Whiskey Association

• Single Malt (single malt). A double distilled malted barley and water scotch from the same distillery. Representatives: Highland Park, Auchentoshan;
• Single Grain (grain). Scotch made at the same distillery from barley and other cereals - rye, wheat, corn;
• Blended (blended). A duet of malt and grain scotches made at different distilleries (2:1 ratio);
• Blended Malt (malt blend). Mix of single malt scotches from different distilleries;
• Blended Grain (grain blend). A mix of grain scotches from different distilleries.

Scotch Whiskey Association blends (blends) are also divided into types:

• Standard blend. Affordable adhesive tape with age from 3 years. Outstanding representatives:, White Horse, Johnnie Walker Red Labe, Black & White, Dewar's White Label, Teacher's Highland Cream;
• "Deluxe blend". Whiskey that contains at least 35% malt scotch and is over 12 years old. Popular Representatives: Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal 12 years old, Ballantine's Gold Seal, Cutty Sark (12 YO; 18 YO; Discovery), J&B (Jet, Reserve, Ultima), Famous Grouse (15 YO; 21 YO; Old Reserve ), Dewar's Special Reserve;
• Premium Blend. Scotch tapes with an exposure of 12 years plus, available only to millionaires and collectors. Elites: Johnnie Walker Black Label, John Player Special Rare, Hankey Bannister (15 YO; 21 YO), J&B Rare.

In fact, this classification is somewhat more complicated, since:

• In addition to Single Malt, malt scotches also include Single Cask Malt (one distillery, one cask, different malt) and Pure Malt (different distilleries, one cask);
• Grain scotches include Single Grain (pure), Grain Single Barrel (different spirits, one distillery, one barrel), Pure Grain (different distilleries, one barrel).

Each person has their own taste, but when choosing scotch, we recommend that you pay attention to the best representatives - Ballantine's, White Horse, Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal. And this does not mean at all that other whiskeys are bad, just that in order to fall in love with scotch, you need to find your own.

Differences between scotch and whiskey in other countries

Each country has its own whiskey, which, by definition, is not scotch. At the same time, fellow Whiskey Scotch from France and Japan, Canada and the UK can be very interesting. For example, American corn bourbon, whose representative - Jack Daniel's is already known not only as a good alcohol, but also as a component of the sauce.

Irish whiskey has a great taste, which is written in detail here. It is unique in many ways, therefore, like other whiskeys, it differs from scotch in some respects:

How to drink scotch whiskey

Drinking scotch is no different from drinking any other whiskey. How to do it correctly is described in detail here.

However, it is impossible not to mention the special regulations for the consumption of Scotch whiskey, called the "Five S". The rule means that the adhesive tape is needed:

• consider;
• sniff;
• savor;
• swallow;
• drink a sip of water.

Drink scotch cool (18-20 ° C), from special glasses. Sometimes ice is lowered into them or

The best snacks for scotch, as well as ways to drink it, are described in another article. If you are preparing cocktails with whiskey, then you can not eat it at all.