Boozy Basics: What One Needs To Know About Drinking Scotch

Many drink scotch because it makes them look cool, which is partially true, but a true scotch drinker is so much more than that. If you love a good glass of scotch on the rocks, here’s some basic things you need to know about the art of drinking scotch. Cheers!

Scotch Means Scotland

Scotch is not just the signature spirit of Scotland, it’s in fact, the only country where scotch is made. Scotland boasts of 115 licensed distilleries, so if you are drinking scotch, it’s from Scotland.

Drinking Scotch
Photo Credits: scotlandnow.com

Region Matters

The easiest classification of scotch is based on the region they come from. For instance, whiskeys from the Islay region seem to have a strong peat flavor. The single malts from Speyside taste sweeter. A true scotch master can look at the region of origin and tell us the nature of that scotch.

Also Read: Best Scotch Whiskey Brands Available In India

Types Of Scotch

There are five major types of scotch, as follows. Single malt, which is made from malted barley and water at a single distillery using pot stills. Single grain is made with water, malted barley, and one more kind of grain. This is also made in a single distillery. Blended malts are basically the mixture of more than one single malt while blended grains are a combination of multiple grain whiskies. Blended scotch whiskey is a cross between a single malt and a single grain.

Drinking scotch whiskey bottle
Photo Credits: caskers.com

Also Read: Gold Isn’t Old Yet: Cocktails That Use Edible Gold

Aging

Every scotch is aged for at least 3 years. But aging isn’t the most crucial factor when it comes it picking scotch. If you like a particular spirit from a distillery, even if it’s not aged for too long, you will do just fine.

Scotch barrels
Photo Credits: vinepair.com

Scotch In A Cocktail

Purists like their scotch unadulterated. Some like it on the rocks. The strong flavor makes it infamously hard to mix scotch in a drink, but with some sweet vermouth and bitters, you can mix a few really, class cocktails. Try a Rob Roy for starters.

Drinking Scotch cocktails
Photo Credits: liquor.com

Also Read: 5 Things That Make Scotch and Bourbon Different

Summing Up

Just when you’ve got your hands on the latest scotch bottle, remember to keep these things about the famous drink in mind. Drinking scotch might sound like an intimidating experience, but worry not! Just sip and swirl to the robust taste of this ionic Scottish drink. Also, take a moment in between your scotch-sipping rounds to thank the Scottish for their groundbreaking invention!

FAQs

What Are The 5 Types Of Scotch Whiskey?

Scotch whiskey is divided into five distinct categories: single malt Scotch whiskey, single grain Scotch whiskey, blended malt Scotch whiskey (formerly called “vatted malt” or “pure malt”), blended grain Scotch whiskey, and blended Scotch whiskey.

How To Drink Scotch?

Scotch whiskey can be consumed neat or over ice. This lets the consumer taste the whiskey’s original flavor and taste its highlighting notes. You can also add mixers if that’s your style.

Which Scotch Is Tasty?

Scotch whiskey comes in different taste notes and smoothness which opens a wide palette to its consumers. Depending on your preference, you can choose the one that suits your taste.

Is Scotch And Scottish The Same?

Scotch is an adjective in English, meaning “of or from Scotland”. The modern usage in Scotland is Scottish or Scots, and the word Scotch is now limited to refer to food and drinks, like Scotch whiskey. 

Is Scotch Stronger Than Beer?

Yes, it is stronger than beer. Beers have an ABV of about 4 to 6% for most varieties. On the other hand, whiskey usually has 40% ABV, though the percentage can vary depending on the brand and variety.

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