Whisky

Scotch on the rocks

Whisky refers to a group of alcoholic beverages (liquors) distilled from fermented cereal grains such as barley, rye, wheat or maize. The word derives from the Gaelic uisge beatha - water of life. (c.f. eau de vie for French spirits, aqua vitae in Italian, aquavit or akvavit in Scandinavian and okovita (vodka) in Poland and the Ukraine). The conventional spelling is whisky for spirits distilled in Scotland (Scotch), Wales, Japan and Canada while whiskey is used for spirits from Ireland and the USA.

Scottish Whiskies

Known as "Scotch" there are two main types, Malt and Grain.

Malt Whisky

Malt whisky is made from malted barley and distilled in a pot still.

Malt whiskies may be single and come from one distillery (such as Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie or Highland Park) or vatted - a blend of malts from several distilleries (Johnny Walker Blue Label). Single malt whiskies are normally the choice of whisky connoisseurs with different regions of Scotland producing notably different styles and a range of complex flavours.

Grain Whisky

Grain whiskies are made from unmalted cereals and fermented in a continuous distillation process.

Generally grain whiskies are blended with unnamed malts to supply the cheaper end of the market (Bells, Teachers, Famous Grouse, Johnny Walker Red Label). Blended whiskies are mostly used in mixed drinks, for example a "Scotch and American" (Whisky and dry ginger ale).

Drinking Scotch

Connoisseurs of fine malt Scotch will drink their whisky in a heavy based glass (usually lead crystal) either neat or with a very small splash of cold still water to help release the flavours. The addition of ice ("Scotch on the rocks") is frowned upon as it destroys the flavour.