Scotch Q&A

Just thought I would start a thread where people can ask and answer questions and this great beverage, and share our knowledge.

I am by no means an expert, but I have learned a couple of things in the last couple of years and I like sharing my interest with others.

Please feel free to ask anything you want to know. Can't promise I will be able to answer, but hopefully someone else will chime in.

Please feel free to answer any questions, share you knowledge and experiences.

Let's have some fun (and a dram or two).

Thought I would start by giving you my definition/explanation about SMSW. I do it backwards:

Whisky = fermented grain (corn, rye, barley…) which is then distilled, usually aged in oak barrels (eg. rye, malt, bourbon).

Scotch = Whisky from Scotland only, has to be aged 3 years min., and must be distilled, aged, bottled in Scotland.

Malt = barley that has been soaked and allowed to germinate to maximize sugars, then dried, crushed and made into beer, which is then distilled.

Single = whisky that comes from one distillery only.

So SMSW is a Scotch whisky made from malted barley and from a single distillery.

Is that as clear as mud?

[Scottw]

Originally Posted by kayaker

Thought I would start by giving you my definition/explanation about SMSW. I do it backwards:

Whisky = fermented grain (corn, rye, barley…) which is then distilled, usually aged in oak barrels (eg. rye, malt, bourbon).

Scotch = Whisky from Scotland only, has to be aged 3 years min., and must be distilled, aged, bottled in Scotland.

Malt = barley that has been soaked and allowed to germinate to maximize sugars, then dried, crushed and made into beer, which is then distilled.

Single = whisky that comes from one distillery only.

So SMSW is a Scotch whisky made from malted barley and from a single distillery.

Is that as clear as mud?

As I tend to enjoy a single barrel bourbon from time to time. I'd just like to throw my 2 cents in here regarding it.

In order for a Whisky to be called "Bourbon", The primary (at least 51%) ingredient must be corn. The distilled spirit must be aged in NEW charred oak barrels and cannot be distilled at greater than 160 proof. It must be aged at least 2 years to be called a Straight Bourbon Whisky and the spirit must fo int the barrel at no more than 125 proof.

[macpappy]

Originally Posted by Scottw

As I tend to enjoy a single barrel bourbon from time to time. I'd just like to throw my 2 cents in here regarding it.

In order for a Whisky to be called "Bourbon", The primary (at least 51%) ingredient must be corn. The distilled spirit must be aged in NEW charred oak barrels and cannot be distilled at greater than 160 proof. It must be aged at least 2 years to be called a Straight Bourbon Whisky and the spirit must fo int the barrel at no more than 125 proof.

Though I don't remember why, I was told one time that Scotch Whisky is always spelled "whisky" while Bourbon, Sour Mash and others are always spelled whiskey.

Yeah, I'm not fully sure why, but Scotland and Canada leave off the e, US and Ireland use the e.

But it's not carved in stone. Apparently they have appeared in the opposite form in written law in the US and Scotland.

Kevin Erskine talks a bit about it in his book The Instant Expert's Guide to Single Malt Scotch. It's a great little book that you can pick up for $10-12.

[Buena Fortuna]

I recently procured a bottle of Crown Royal Special Reserve as a way to ease into the world of Whiskey & Scotch w/cigars. I know it's blended Canadian, but my was it ever smooth...

My neighborhood store has a gift set of 10yr. Glenmorangie with glasses for around $50. Has anyone had this scotch and how would you rate it for a first timer like myself?

[Scottw]

Originally Posted by macpappy

Though I don't remember why, I was told one time that Scotch Whisky is always spelled "whisky" while Bourbon, Sour Mash and others are always spelled whiskey.

I think you are right but I am so used to drinking the single malts and have seen the "e" omitted so many times, I just do it naturally for all although I typically refer to Bourbon as just plain old bourbon, not whisky at all even though it is.

[macpappy]

Originally Posted by Scottw

I think you are right but I am so used to drinking the single malts and have seen the "e" omitted so many times, I just do it naturally for all although I typically refer to Bourbon as just plain old bourbon, not whisky at all even though it is.

You have a point. When I offer guests something to drink I never say whiskey. I usually say Scotch, Bourbon, Sour Mash, Tequila or Rum unless they are really good friends who know me then I just give them the brand names. (I save a lot of Scotch that way because most of them think of the cheap blends when you say scotch. If I said single malt, I would go through a lot more.)

[mikeyj23]

Is a dram a specified amount, just "a pour" or both? I know a "shot" can be 1.5oz, or just a term. What's a dram?
Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by mikeyj23

Is a dram a specified amount, just "a pour" or both? I know a "shot" can be 1.5oz, or just a term. What's a dram?
Posted via Mobile Device

To my knowledge there is no specific amount. You can have a wee dram, or a big one. I guess it just refers to a serving of indeterminate volume.

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by mikeyj23

Is a dram a specified amount, just "a pour" or both? I know a "shot" can be 1.5oz, or just a term. What's a dram?
Posted via Mobile Device

Actually there is a specific measurement for a Dram, with reference to liquid. A Dram is 1/8th of an ounce!

However, when the word Dram is used with respect to liquor, I doubt that the actual definition is intended. Many say that they will be having "A Wee Dram of Scotch" the intended meaning, is obviously a small amount of scotch, maybe a half shot, of something like that, and not just 1/8th of an ounce!

Originally Posted by kayaker

I am by no means an expert....

You sure about that Ian? You, Scott & a handful of others have certainly been a great help for me as I head headfirst down the scotch slope.

This is a great idea!

While I don't like scotch as a rule I can't drink enough Drambuie,,which is a scotch whiskey with honey and herbs. If anyone else has had this is there another type of scotch that compares taste wise?

Originally Posted by Cigary

While I don't like scotch as a rule I can't drink enough Drambuie,,which is a scotch whiskey with honey and herbs. If anyone else has had this is there another type of scotch that compares taste wise?

I haven't had Drambuie in a while and can't remember it. My guess is it would be sweeter than Scotch would normally be. You might want to try something like an Arran Island malt, which would be pretty light and a bit fruity in taste.

Anyone else have a recommendation?

[Scottw]

Originally Posted by kayaker

I haven't had Drambuie in a while and can't remember it. My guess is it would be sweeter than Scotch would normally be. You might want to try something like an Arran Island malt, which would be pretty light and a bit fruity in taste.

Anyone else have a recommendation?

Anything from the Lowland regions would be lighter and fruitier with no peat or smoke. The Glenkinchie is a great one to start with at around $40 per bottle.

[elderboy02]

I have never had Scotch before. What is a good beginner Scotch?

[Scottw]

Originally Posted by elderboy02

I have never had Scotch before. What is a good beginner Scotch?

I would start with a Lowland if you are going the single malt rout. Cheaper Lowland is McClelland's which can be had for about $22 per bottle. The Glenkinchie which is a beautiful Lowland is about double that. Remember, the bottle does NOT go in the fridge or freezer for shots, it is to be nurtured, poured gently, sniffed, swirled and tasted. It really is an experience. Please try it and keep us posted!

[macpappy]

Originally Posted by elderboy02

I have never had Scotch before. What is a good beginner Scotch?

Glenlivet is good. I've also developed a liking for McClelland's Single Malt from the Speyside region and it's relatively inexpensive. I get it for $20 a bottle. They also have a McClelland's Highland, Lowland and Islay. I would suggest buying a bottle of each and deciding which profile you like best. Then start exploring more expensive scotch from that region. My current favorite is The Glenrothes. I'm working on a bottle of vintage 1991 right now. The older vintages are even better.

I also have a bottle of Glenlivet Nadurra that is very good.

Originally Posted by kayaker

I haven't had Drambuie in a while and can't remember it. My guess is it would be sweeter than Scotch would normally be. You might want to try something like an Arran Island malt, which would be pretty light and a bit fruity in taste.

Anyone else have a recommendation?

Good Post here, Kayaker,,,I always try to expand my horizons with different tastes but have never heard what an Arran Island malt is,,where might I find something in this taste or the name of the scotch?

[Heliofire]

My favorites are the Glenmorangie Nectar D'or and the new Glenmorangie Signet.