Scotch

Origins

Scotch has been around since the 15th century and was mostly likely introduced to locals by the Irish who had been making whiskey from barley for almost two centuries earlier. Scotch caught its big break when King James IV was visiting Scotland and got to experience the spirit and acquired a taste for it. From then on, it was a favorite and small quantities were shipped to the royal household. King James IV even granted a seal to the Guild of Surgeon Barbers of Edinburgh that granted them a monopoly on making this aqua vitae (remember that during this time barbers were also doctors and were held in huge esteem in society).

When it comes to the growth of Scotch, one major aspect can be tied to it - taxes. People hate taxes, especially when it comes to the production of alcohol. When the Crown issued a tax on whiskey distilled in its territories, the majority of whiskey production went underground illegally. Things got so out of hand that by the time government had figured things out, there was no way that it could be ever be enforced. However, in 1823 an Excise Tax was levied on the distillation of Scottish whiskey. This tax was much more reasonable than others in the past and many of these illegal distilleries saw the chance to make their business endeavors legal and jumped on the bandwagon. By 1825, there were 263 licensed distilleries in Scotland who were able to produce any amount of quality whiskey they chose. A huge win for Scottish distillers!

The other huge events that helped with the growth of Scotch and allowed it to become an international success were the creation of the Coffey/Continuous still and phylloxera bug that decimated the French wine and brandy markets. The ability to produce smoother and more consistent products combined with making them more quickly greatly impacted the growth of Scotch on these new stills. Plus, with the international market suffering from the decrease of grape based spirits from France - Scotch was able to make its grand entrance onto the world stage and runaway with its popularity and amazing expressions.

What Makes it Scotch?

As a category, Scotch has some legal definitions that are all encompassing to it. Scotch also has other definitions attached to it that are important to look out for as they expand upon its initial definitions.

Standard Legal Definitions:
● It must be produced in Scotland
● It is made from malted barley (may contain other cereal grains)
● It’s sugar conversion must come from the use of natural enzymes in the malted barley
● It is aged in Scotland in oak casks for at least three years
● The oak casks can be no larger than 185 gallons (700 liters)
● Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof
● It has no added substances other than caramel coloring

Single Malt
● Can be made from only water and malted barley
● Must be made at a single distillery
● Must be made in pot stills

Single Grain
● Can be made from water, multiple grains (malted or unmalted), must include malted barley
● Must be made at a single distillery

Blended Malt Scotch
● A blend of two or more single malt Scotch whiskeys from different distilleries

Blended Grain Scotch
● A blend of two or more single grain Scotch whiskeys from different distilleries

Blended Scotch
● A blend of one or more single malt Scotch whiskeys with one or more single grain Scotch whiskies

Tasting Notes & Popular Expressions

Smokey and full of peat - you’ll either come to love Scotch or stray away from it. Like other heavily smoked spirits (think mezcal!), Scotch can definitely be packed full of that flavor. However, Scotch also has some great nuances to it is as well lending to the fact that it has five very different regions in the country that produce it (Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islay, and Campbelltown). Each region has its own flavors, styles, and ways to create this flavorful spirit. Common flavors you’ll be able to taste are dried fruits, vanilla, oak, breakfast cereal, smoke, citrus zest, fresh flowers, and honey.

Suggested Brands by Region
Islay - Caol Ila, Lagavulin, & Laphroaig
Highlands - Clynelish, Aberfeldy, & Oban
Lowlands - Glenkinchie & Auchentoshan
Speyside - Glenfiddich, Glenrothes, & Balvenie
Campbelltown - Springbank & Glengyle

Suggested Cocktails - Penicillin, Rob Roy, Bobby Burns, Oakenshield, & Velvet Old Fashioned