European Whiskey Flashcards
Accounts for over 90% of Scotch consumed worldwide
Blended
An ingredient that may be used in single grain Scotch, but not single malt Scotch
Wheat
At least a portion of this grain must be used in all types of Scotch
Malted barley
Declared a separate whisky-producing region as of 2009
Speyside
Define: Blended Irish Whiskey
Two or more different types of Irish Whiskey; allowed to contain whiskey from more then one distillery
Define: Blended Grain Scotch
A whisky produced from the single grain Scotch of two or more distilleries
Define: Blended Malt Scotch
A whiskey produced from the single malt Scotch of two or more distilleries
Define: Blended Scotch
A blend of one or more single grain Scotch whiskies with one or more single malt Scotch whiskies
Define: Single Grain Scotch
A Scotch whisky distilled at a single distillery from malted barley and other grains
Define: Single Malt Scotch
Must be produced at a single distillery from 100% malted barley and no other grains
Explain how malt whisky and grain whisky are aged differently
Malt - generally aged in used barrels for a minimum of 3 years, but often 5+ Grain - generally aged in new American oak
Five islands included in the Highlands G.I.
Mull, Jura, Skye, Lewis, Orkney
Grain bill and distillation requirements for Irish Grain Whiskey
Maximum 30% malted barley with remainder of unmalted cereal grains; continuous distillation required
Grain bill and distillation requirements for Irish Malt whiskey
100% malted barley; pot still distillation
Must be washed
Grain bill and distillation requirements for Irish Pot Still Whiskey
Minimum 30% malted barley AND minimum 30% unmalted barley with up to 5% other grains; batch distilled in pot still
How does the length of fermentation affect the flavor of the finished Scotch?
Short fermentation = more malty flavor Long fermentation = more congeners
Name 5 well-known distilleries from Islay
Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Laphroaig
Name 5 well-known distilleries from Speyside
Aberlour, Balvenie, Benriach, Cragganmore, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan
Name 5 well-known distilleries from The Highlands
Ardmore, Dalmore, Dalwhinnie, Glengarioch, Glenmorangie, Oban, Pulteney, Highland Park, Scapa, Talisker
Name at least 5 distilleries operating in Ireland as of 2018
Kilbeggan, Old Bushmills, New Midleton, Cooley, West Cork, Glendalough, Alltech Craft, Dingle, Echlinville, Tullamore DEW, Nephin, Teeling, Connacht, Boann, Walsh
Name the 5 distilleries currently producing in The Lowlands
Ailsa Bay, Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, Cameronbridge, Glenkinchie
Name the best-known Campbeltown distillery
Springbank
Region known for producing whiskies with a medium to strong peat character
Islay
Region located on Scotland’s Kintyre Peninsula
Campbeltown
Region that has the largest number of operating distilleries in Scotland
Speyside
Region that includes the islands of Mull, Jura, and Skye
Highlands
Source of the ‘leathery’ aroma in some Irish Whiskeys
Unmalted barley
Two sets of laws that define Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey Act of 1980; Technical Standards of 2015
Typical aromas derived from the use of peat
seaweed, tar, smoke, medicinal
Unique style of Irish Whiskey produced by the Cooley Distillery’s Coonemara Brand
Peated (AKA Coonemara Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey)
What characteristics are generally attributed to Scotch whiskies of The Highlands?
‘entry-level’ whiskies w/a sweet, soft finish
What characteristics are generally attributed to Scotch whiskies of The Lowlands
lighter style, with grassy notes, citrus, and a light, dry finish
What characteristics are generally attributed to Scotch whiskies of Speyside?
complex, smooth
What characteristics are generally attributed to Scotch whiskies of Islay?
medium to heavy peat, briny seaweed aroma and flavor
What characteristics are generally attributed to Scotch whiskies of Campbeltown?
slight saltiness due to the ‘mists rolling in from the sea’
Define: POITIN
An Irish version of moonshine made from grain, sugar beet, molasses, and/or potatoes. A clear, clean spirit with a minimum 40% ABV
Which process in Scotch production involves the use of peat?
Kilning
