A Toast To Scotch: The Classic Connoisseur’s Choice.
As the chill of winter approaches, few drinks can compare to the warmth and distinct flavor of a fine Scotch whisky. Whether you’re a fan of single malts or the smoky peaty flavor of blends, Scotch whisky has become a firm favorite amongst connoisseurs the world over.
Scotch whisky has been produced in Scotland since at least the 16th Century and its unique flavor is due to a combination of the physical landscape, production methods, laws regulating the production and of course hundreds of years of history. There are two legal categories of Scotch whisky, single malts and blended Scotch.
Single malts are whiskies made from barley at one distillery and the whisky is made according to the natural processes for malting and distilling outlined by law. Blended Scotches are a combination of malt whiskies from more than one distillery blended with grain whisky to give the drink greater smoothness and character.
Regardless of the type of Scotch you choose, the unique flavor of a fine Scotch comes from a combination of regional ingredients, production methods and the whisky’s age in the barrel. Very often, Scotch whisky is aged for many years in oak barrels, imparting complex nuances of color, taste and texture.
Unlike other types of whisky, which are often made with a blend of several grains, Scotch is made entirely of malted barley and is typically peated – that is – smoke dried over a peat fire to give the whisky its characteristic smoky flavor. The distilling techniques used to make Scotch have had quite an influence on modern styles of whisky production around the world.
Today, Scotch whisky is enjoying a period of massive growth both globally and in its native Scotland. It’s an enormously popular spirit both among connoisseurs and novices alike. The range of Scotch styles and quality available today also means that there’s a Scotch for every palate and pocket.
So why not raise a glass and join the pantheon of whisky connoisseurs in toasting the classic drink – Scotch. Here’s to a long and wonderful enjoyment of fine Scotch whisky!