Scotland Flashcards
Is adding enzymes to the barley during the germination phase of malting legally allowed in scotland?
No. While enzyme additives are allowed in other countries to enhance the conversion of cereal starches into consumable sugars, in Scotland all the enzyme must come from what is in the barley naturally.
How many times is the barley steeped in scotland?
Typically the barely is immersed 3 times over 2-3 days to activate enzymes and raise/maintain moisture levels of the grain between 12-46%
During the germination phase of malting barely, what is “Turning the piece”?
“Turning the piece” is when the germinating barley grain is turned to prevent root clumping.
What are Cas Bhic or gaelic for “little feet”
Cas Bhic are the pyramid shaped stacks of fresh cut peat.
How long is Cas Bhic left to dry before it can be used?
At least 1 year.
Prior to Mashing, what is “Culm”?
Culm is the whithered roots and shoots from the malting process. It is removed or “dressed” prior to further processing by the malsters.
What is the maximum moisture content allowed on Malted barely prior to Mashing/Fermentation?
12%
What is the ratio of flour, husk, and grist for milled barley to begin Mashing?
10% Flour
20% Husk
70% Grist
How many times is the “worts” washed in the mash tun?
3 times.
What is done with the final wash or “water”?
Its used as the first water on the next mash
When a distiller pumps the wort slowly through the mash tun, what is the result?
A “clear wort” or, a spirit with little cereal character.
When a distiller pumps the wort through the mashtun quickly, what is the result?
A “Cloudy” Wort. This spirit will have a distinctly malty characteristic, as it pulls some of the solids from the grist/mash through the mash tun.
What temperature is the water run through the mash tun?
146.3 F or 63.5 C
What are the cooled worts pumped into for frementation?
Washback
What are Washbacks made of?
Wood or Stainless Steel
How long is a short fermentation, and how does this effect the spirit?
~48 - 55 hours for a short ferment. This will result in a pronounced malty characteristic of the final spirit.
How long is a long ferment, and how does it effect the resulting spirit?
55+ Hours. This increases esterification, and produces lighter, more complex, and fruitier spirits.
What is the ABV of the wash after fermentation in the washbacks?
8%
What is the spirit called that comes from the first run in the “wash still”. What is its abv?
“Low wines”. ~23% ABV
What is the name of the second still or run of the spirits?
“Spirit Still”
What are the three distillates of spirit out of the “Spirit still”?
Foreshots
Heart
Feints
What is done with the foreshots and feints from the spirit run?
Reused into the low wines of the next batch through the spirit still.
When a still is tall, with a slender neck, or when a still is run slowly, how does this effect the resulting spirit?
This creates a “long conversation” with the copper, meaning the final spirit will be lighter.
What do small stills or faster distillation cause in the resulting spirit?
A “Short Conversation” with the copper, creates heavier, and often more oily spirit characteristics.
What two condensing systems can a distiller use on their still?
Shell and Tube
Worm Tubes
What is the condensing system that has multiple smaller tubes surrounded by cold water?
How does it effect the resulting spirit?
Shell and Tube
Because of larger surface area/contact with copper, the resulting spirit is often lighter
When the still has one long copper pipe coiled in a tank of water, what is this condensing system?
How does this effect the resulting spirit?
Worm Tub
The more traditional method, because of lower surface area/contact with copper the resulting spirit tends to be heavier.
What is the container called where the spirits come out of the spirit still on the second run?
Spirit Safe
If the distiller cuts the hearts off early ( or begins the feints sooner) how will this effect the final spirit?
The early parts of the hearts are lighter and more delicate. Cutting the hearts short results in a lighter, more fragrant whisky.
When a distiller allows the hearts to run longer, (or extends the hearts section) how will this effect the final spirit?
The aromas deepen as the hearts/distillation run longer. Longer or later cut points in the hearts will result in more oily, rich, and smoky profiles in the spirit.
What is the new spirit called?
White dog or new make
What ABV is the spirit typically adjusted to for barreling in Scotland?
63.5%
What three cask types are used for primary maturation of scotch whisky?
Ex-Bourbon
Ex-Sherry
Refill Casks
What do Ex-Bourbon Casks impart on the new make scotch?
Made from American Oak, and having stored Bourbon for at least 2 years, these casks impart flavors of vanilla, creme brulee, pine, eucalyptus, spice, coconut, dill, and tropical fruits.
What do Ex-Sherry Casks impart on the new make scotch?
The book says: Made from European Oak, while the 7 different sherry types can effect the resulting flavors on the scotch, generally, the european oak will impart dried fruit aromas, clove, incense, walnut, and baking spice. European oak will also impart a richer color, and more mouth drying tannins.
In accuracy, most sherry casks are made of American oak.
How do Refill Casks effect new make scotch during maturation?
Refills, or Casks of any type that have been used a number of times with new make scotch, will reflect significantly less, or no nature of either the first spirit (Bourbon/sherry) or the specific profiles of the oak species. Also referred to as “Neutral Casks”, these barrels are used to help reduce the overall impact of oak on the spirit, as well as showcase the the distiller’s specific style, and less adulterated new make.
What is Cask Finishing?
Cask Finishing is where an aged spirit will spend a shorter period in a secondary oak, or cask from a different spirit to impart additional flavors (sauternes, madeira, sherry, port, other wine, etc)
What is the minimum ABV for bottling scotch whisky?
40% or 80 Proof
What is it called when spirit caramel is added to a finished scotch?
Caramel Adjustment, A coloring agent used to standardize the spirit color
What year was the Excise Act Passed in Scotland?
1823
Who started Glenlivet?
George Smith
When did George Smith start distilling?
1817
Where did George Smith start distilling?
Upper Drumin Farm in the wilds of Glen Livet
Who produced the first legal whisky in Glen Livet?
George Smith, Later rebranding their whisky from Old Drumin distillery to “THE Glenlivet”
When did George Smith Close the old Drumin Distillery?
1858, where they moved to their current location.
How many stills does The Glenlivet run?
7 pairs
Does The Glenlivet run a short ferment or long?
Short, ~48 hours.
According to record, what flavor character did George Smith want to target in his spirits?
Pineapple.
What year did The Glenlivet get is license to distill?
1824
In what area of Speyside is The Glenlivet located?
Southern Speyside
Where is Glenfarclas located?
Lower slopes of Ben Rinnes - Speyside
Who has the largest stills in Speyside?
Glenfarclas
What year did Glenfarclas begin distilling?
1836
Where are all of Glenfarclas’ whiskys aged?
in Dunnage (low slate roofed earth floored warehouses)
What is the predominant wood used at Glenfarclas?
First Fill Sherry Casks from Jose-Miguel Martin
What family runs Glenfarclas?
The Grants
What effect does the onsite dunnage aging of Glenfarclas have on their spirit?
A very low annual loss of 0.05%, (industry average is 2%) which allows the whisky to mature very slowly.
When was The Macallan founded?
1824
What are some of The Macallan new make flavor notes?
Oily, Malty, Deep, and Sweet
What size stills does The Macallan use?
Very Small Spirit Stills
Does The Macallan use direct fire or steam to heat their stills?
Steam
What casks does The Macallan use?
Ex-Sherry Casks made of a mix of European and American Oak
Where is The Macallan located?
The Ben Rinnes Cluster - Speyside
Where is Glenfiddich located?
The Dufftown Cluster - Speyside
What was the first Scotch distillery to open to the public?
Glenfiddich - 1969
When was Glenfiddich Founded?
1886
Who built Glenfiddich in 1886?
William Grant
Which Scotch Distillery used a Solera method for their 15 YO line?
Glenfiddich
Which Speyside distillery has a cooperage, coppersmith, and does all their bottling onsite?
Glenfiddich
How many stills does Glenfiddich run?
28 - Small Stills (Similar to Macallan)
Where is Glen Moray located?
Elgin - Northern Speyside
Which Eglin Group distillery was originally a brewery?
Glen Moray
When did Glen Moray reopen after closing in 1910?
1923
What is a distinct flavor profile of Glen Moray?
A buttery soft quality to the whisky.
Who previously owned Glen Moray?
Glenmorangie / LVMH
Who currently owns Glen Moray?
French distiller La Martiniquaise
Where is Glengoyne located?
Southern Highlands, between Killearn and Glasgow
What is the minimum ferment time for Glengoyne whisky?
56 Hours
Does Glengoyne run a slow distillation or a fast distillation?
Very slow, to maximize copper contact, increasing estery notes.
What are some of Glengoyne’s defining flavor characteristics?
Nutty
Fruity
Grassy
Which distillery is located under the volcanic plug of Dumgoyne and the west end of Campsie Fells?
Glengoyne
Which distillery has copper pipes all the way to their spirit safe?
Glengoyne
Name all three distilleries in the Garioch trio.
Glen Garioch
Ardmore
The GlenDronach
When was The GlenDronach built?
1826
When did The Glendronach get sold to the Teacher’s blending house?
1960
Which distillery has a muscular, buttery, weighty new make?
The GlenDronach
Who bought The GlenDronach in 2006?
Billy Walker of The BenRiach
Which distillery in the Garioch trio still uses a rake system in their mash tuns?
The GlenDronach
Does The GlenDronach use wood washbacks or steel?
Wood
Does The GlenDronach run long or short ferments?
Long ferments and slow distilation
Where is The GlenDronach located?
Eastern Highlands, part of the Garioch Trio, east of Speyside
Where is Tomatin located?
Northern Highlands - West of Speyside
When was Tomatin built?
1897
What distillery in Scotland did Takara Shuzo buy?
Tomatin
Which Northern Highland distillery has small, long necked stills?
Tomatin
How many stills does Tomatin currently run?
6 pairs
Where is Glenmorangie located?
Near Tain - Northern Highlands
What is the source of Glenmorangie’s Signet Trademark?
The bottom panel of the Cadboll stone, the largest pictish carved stone ever found.
Which distillery uses hard spring water from the Tarlogie Spring, rich in magnesium and calcium, that is believed to effect the flavor of their whisky?
Glenmorangie
Which northern highland whisky located near Tain was once a brewery?
Glenmorangie
Which Scotish distillery has the tallest stills in the industry?
Glenmorangie
Which northern highland distillery is known for fresh, citrus, banana, melon, fennel, nail polish, and cucumber notes in their new make?
Glenmorangie
Which distillery only uses their mostly American Oak barrels twice?
Glenmorangie
Who owns Glenmorangie, and at one time owned Glen Moray?
LVMH
Which Northern Highland Distillery is located near Wick?
Old Pulteney
Which distillery is the northern most mainland distillery in Scotland?
The book answer: Old Pulteney
Currently, Wolfburn in Thurso is the furthest northern mainland distillery.
Which distillery takes its name from a town built by Thomas Telford?
Old Pulteney
Who was Pulteneytown named after?
William Pulteney MP, who lobbied for the creation of new fishing ports in the remote north.
Which Northern highland distiller has a new make of top end esters, leather, and linseed oil as a result of massive reflux?
Old Pulteney
Who started Old Pulteney?
James Henderson
Where is Oban located?
On the Firth of Lorne - West Highlands
What year did Oban become a licensed distillery?
1794
Who founded Oban?
John and Hugh Stevenson
Which distillery is situated on the west end of the road between Glasgow and Western Isles?
Oban
What shape are Oban’s stills?
Small onion shaped stills
Where is Auchentoshan located?
Near Clydebank - Northern Lowlands
Which lowland distiller exclusively triple distills their whisky?
Auchentoshan
Which scottish distillery is well known for working closely with bartenders to create a whisky suited for mixing?
Auchentoshan
Which 3 distilleries make up the Kildaltron Trio?
Ardbeg
Lagavulin
Laphroaig
Where is Ardbeg located?
Farthest east of the Kildaltron Trio - South Coast Islay
Which Islay distillery was shut down in 1982 during the Whisky Loch?
Ardbeg
Who bought Ardbeg in 1997 for $10.5 Million?
Glenmorangie
Where is Lagavulin located?
Middle of the Kildaltron Trio - South Coast Islay
Which Scottish distillery is located near Dunyvaig Castle, the final destination of Aine O’Cathain’s Wedding flotilla in 1300?
Lagavulin
Which Islay distillery was originally two distilleries, established in 1816 and 1817?
Lagavulin
When did Lagavulin become a single plant? Also the largest in Islay?
1835
Which Islay distillery has the only Diageo “Classic Six” stills without a worm?
Lagavulin
Where is Laphroaig located?
Farthest West of the Kildaltron Trio - South Coast Islay
Which Islay distilleries still operates its own malting floor?
Laphroaig
Bowmore
How much of Laghroaig’s barley requirement is produced by its own malting floor?
~20%
Which Scotch distillery uses only American Oak barrels from Maker’s Mark?
Laphroaig
Where is Bunnahabhain located?
Northeast Islay
Which Islay distillery was built with the purpose of providing spirits for blends?
Bunnahabhain
Which distillery is Islay’s most remote distillery?
Bunnahabhain
Which two distilleries merged to form Highland Distilleries?
The Glenrothes & Bunnahabhain
Where is Caol Ila located?
Near Port Askaig - Northeast Islay
What year was Caol Ila built?
1846
Who built Caol Ila?
Hector Henderson
Which distillery is the largest on Islay in terms of capacity?
Caol Ila
When was the old Caol Ila distillery demolished and the new one built?
1974
Where is Bowmore located?
East coast of Loch Indaal - Central Islay
Who purchased Islay in 1726?
Daniel Campbell
Who built Bowmore?
Daniel Campbell’s son - Daniel the Younger
How much of their malting needs does Bowmore do on their own malting floor?
~40%
When was Bowmore built?
1779
Where is Bruichladdich located?
West coast of Loch Indaal - Western Islay
When did Bruichladdich reopen?
2001
Who now owns Bruichladdich?
Remy Cointreau Group
Which Islay distillery gets 25% of its barley from farmers growing it on Islay?
Bruichladdich
Where is Kilchoman located?
Inland Western Islay
Which is the smallest and newest Islay Distillery?
Kilchoman
Which Scotch distillery produces Botanist Gin?
Bruichladdich
Where is Jura located?
The island of Jura - Islands of Scotland - East of Islay
Which island distillery was closed in 1910 but reopened in 1962
Jura
What are all the names Jura has gone by?
Caol nan Eilean
Craighouse
Small Isles
Lagg
Jura
Where is Talisker located?
The Isle of Skye - Islands of Scotland - Northwest of the mainland
Who built Talisker?
Hugh Mac Askill
How many springs feed Talisker distillery?
21
What is unique about the shape of the Talisker Stills?
The Lyne arms on their tall pot still have a dramatic U bend.
What is a distinctive flavor of Talisker?
A sulfery peppery note
Which is the farthest north distillery in scotland?
Highland Park
Where is Highland Park Distillery located?
Hill above Kirkwall, Orkney Islands - Islands of Scotland - North of Scottish Mainland
When was Highland Park Distillery established?
1798
How much of its barley needs does Highland Park malt?
20%
Which Orkney Island distillery is part of the Edrington Group?
Highland Park
Which scotch distillery gets their peat from an area where winds reach more than 100 mph 80 days a year, resulting in heather/salt spray peat unique to their product?
Highland Park - Orkney Islands
Where is Springbank located?
One of 3 distilleries located in Campbeltown, South west Scotland
Name the 3 Campbeltown distilleries currently operating
Glen Scotia
Glengyle
Springbank
How many Scotch distilleries closed in the 1920’s?
50
How many pot stills were operational in scotland in 1933?
2
What is a distinct characteristic of Campbeltown whisky’s?
A Smoky/Oily Style
Which Scotch distillery has the longest example of being owned by the same family?
Springbank - Campbeltown -Since1828
Which is the only Scotch distillery to malt, distill, mature, and bottle on site all their products?
Springbank - Campbeltown
How long are Springbank ferments?
100 Hours
What is unusual about Springbank’s wash?
its very low ABV. ~4.5-5% vs industry standard of 8-9%
What kind of fermenters does Springbank use?
Boatskin Larch
How many stills does Springbank run?
3, 1 direct fire wash still and 2 low wine stills
Which Campbeltown distllery has one of the most complex new makes in the industry?
Springbank
When was the Royal Commission on Whisky and Potable Spirits established?
1908
When did the first Grocer’s License get issued in Scotland and why did it effect the industry?
- This enabled a wider range of retailers to sell directly to the public.
When was the first blended whisky made?
1853 - “Old Vatted Glenlivet” - Andrew Usher
What percentage of scotch sold in the world is blended?
90%
What is required to call a scotch a “Malt” whisky?
100% made with barley
What does it mean when a scotch whisky is labeled “Grain whisky”
When any amount of any other cereal is used in the mash. (Corn, wheat, rye, etc) Often done in the lowlands.
How long must the new make be in an oak barrel before legally being called a “Scotch whisky”?
3 years in oak minimum
Does the new make spirit have to be aged in Scotland to be called a Scotch Whisky?
Yes. by law, the spirit must be aged 100% of the time in Scotland to bare the name Scotch Whisky
What is the maximum size of oak barrel allowed to age Scotch whisky in?
The maximum barrel size Scotch Whisky can be aged in is 700 litres. (~ the size of a sherry “Gorda”)
