Scotch

Question 1

What is Scotch

Answer 1

• Made of only water and malted barley, plus other cereal grains (optional)
• Matured in oak casks not exceeding 700 liters for a minimum of 3 years
• No additives or caramel coloring
• Any age statement on the bottle must reflect the age of the youngest whisky used in that product
• NAS is no age statement (only guarantee is its a minimum of 3 years)

Question 2

Speyside

Answer 2

• Over half of Scotland’s distilleries
• Known for being frugal with peat and lavish with nutty fruit flavors
• Known to age in sherry cask

T.N. - honey, vanilla, caramel and ripe green fruits like apple and pears with floral aromas. On occasions can have a pronounced smoky character

Ex.’s - Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Aberlour

Question 3

Highlands

Answer 3

-Seas and landscape create a breeding ground of peaty drams, while still floral and elegant

Ex.’s:
Northern - Glenmorangie and Dalamore that are spirited with honey, vanilla and apricot
East - Ardmore where fruit marries smoke
West - Oban which is citrus and smooth sweetness with oak and a touch of peat

Question 4

Lowlands

Answer 4

• Just above England
• Makes soft smooth malts that are gentle and elegant
• Known to make the most “feminine” whiskies

T.N. - grass, honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toffee, toast and cinnamon

Ex.’s - Auchentushan, Glenkinchie

Question 5

Islay

Answer 5

• Peat, smoke and salinity (pungent)
• Peat is a spongy material that is compromised of decayed plant matter-mostly moss
• Peat is used to heat the stills and gives scotch its smoky flavor because it influences the barley makeup thats in the mash (basically smoking the barely with the peat)

T.N. - pungent peaty, smoky and oily flavors with a hint of salty sea air with figs dates, sherry and vanilla

Ex.’s - Lagavulin (35PPM), Laphroaig (45PPM), Ardbeg (55PPM), Octomore (169)
*phenol parts per million will convey the level of peatiness