Scotch Whisky

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Scotch whisky, or just Scotch, has gained a considerable reputation across the globe and of late there has been a surge in interest in the single malts produced by the various distillers located across Scotland.

In theory Scotch should be a simple drink as the production process is largely a simple matter of distilling spirit and pouring it into a barrel where it is kept for some time. The mystery, however, lies in the wide variation of tastes which result from the storage in a second hand barrel which may have previously held sherry or burbon. How Laphroaig manages to mature to such a strange and amazing taste merely as a result of the simple process I have outlined is beyond me to comprehend, and how it manages to be so totally different from, say, Glenfiddich in terms of taste just highlights the mystery that is Scotch whisky.

As an Irishman I feel that I should also mention that us Irish produce great whiskey with Black Bush being a favourite worldwide. I would (of course) argue that no Scotch can match the smooth taste of Black Bush though its production methods differ little from that of Scotch.

When it comes to tasting I am of the view that more expensive is not always better, it just buys you something different and even less common. Of course it is possible, likely even, that some of the more expensive bottlings will taste better than some of the less expensive offerings to any given person but it is also entirely possible that such a person will find their favourite whisky among the less expensive expressions. With this in mind the only solution is to make every effort to sample as wide a range of whisky as possible and as miniatures are now available representing a very many of the whiskys on the market it is possible to taste and experience a very many whiskys without the expense of purchasing a large number of full sized bottles.

Scotch whiskys have been broken down into a number of (sort of) geographical categories with the whisky of Islay having, perhaps, the most distinctive taste.

History.

Origin of Name

Uisge Beatha: Scots Gaelic for aqua vitae, 'water of life', from the first part of which the word 'whisky' derives. Uisge Beatha [Gaelic] That's whisk - beeth or as we now call it; whisky. 1618 - Early reference to 'uisge', being drunk at Highland chief's funeral. First reference was 1494, where a graindealers ledger stated the sale of barley towards the production of whisky.

The Whisky Trail: A Traveller’s Guide to Scotch Whisky, by Gordon Brown

The Whisky Trail, This is one of the most complete and interesting tellings of the History of Scotch Whisky and the famous, past and current distilleries of Scotland. A real must read for those with an interest in the water of life.

O'fieldstream

Lowland.

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Highland.

Speyside.

Active Distilleries

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Islay.

Active distilleries:

Islands.

Campbelltown.

Resources =