Understanding Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky simply means a whisky that has been wholly matured in oak casks in Scotland, for at least 3 years, by someone who has a licence to distil.
The information contained here will help you understand the differences between the different types of Scotch whisky, as well as those from Ireland, Canada and the USA.
You won’t be surprised to see that we start with Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
SINGLE GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY
The product of a single distillery but different from a malt whisky in three ways: Grain whisky is made from other grains as well as barley. It is made in a continuous still and has a lighter, more subtle flavour making it ideal for blending.
There are very few Single Grain Scotch Whiskies available but, if tempted, you might want to try Cameron Brig™.
You might also come across Blended Grain Whiskies. No prizes for working out that this means a blend of two or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries.
BLENDED MALT WHISKY
This means a blend of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from different distilleries.
Try Johnnie Walker Green Label™, a mix of several Single Malt Scotch Whiskies including Talisker, Caol Ila, Linkwood™ and Cragganmore.
BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY
Defined under the Scotch Whisky Regulations as “a combination of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies”. These might include J&B™, Johnnie Walker Black Label™ or Bell’s™.
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
This means a Scotch Whisky that is produced from only water, malted barley and yeast at a single distillery. It is distilled in batches and examples include the Classic Malts such as Talisker, Dalwhinnie and Lagavulin.
For those considering travelling further a-field, you can also find Single Malt Whiskies that have been produced in England, Wales, Ireland and even Japan.
IRISH WHISKEY
Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whisky because it is typically distilled three times and, although Ireland is literally covered in peat, it is uncommon for peat to be used in making Irish whiskey. This is thought to make a smoother, more approachable drink than many Scotch whiskies.
Bushmills™ produces a family of Irish malt whiskeys and blended Irish whiskies.
CANADIAN WHISKY
In 1875 the Canadian government specified that Canadian whisky must be distilled in multiple column stills (or continuous stills) and aged in oak, in Canada, for at least three years.
Canadian whisky uses different combinations of rye, barley, corn and wheat, and ageing is in barrels of new oak, or those previously used for bourbon, sherry or brandy.
US WHISKEY
While Scotland has had hundreds of years of uninterrupted distilling, the US industry was decimated by Prohibition (1920 to 1933). It destroyed many of the States’ individual whiskey styles, and afterwards left the market wide open to foreign competition.
Two of the more well known whiskey styles are Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey.
Approximately a third of all American whiskeys produced can be called bourbon. Bourbon must contain at least 51% American corn. The balance is made of a combination of malted barley, wheat or rye. It must be aged for a minimum of two years in new charred American white oak barrels. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the USA but it is in Kentucky that it has been perfected.
Tennessee whiskey is a separate style from bourbon. The main difference is that Tennessee whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal.
