For a whisky to be called Scotch, it must be made in Scotland. Scotch Whisky Distillers can be found in five regions, Speyside, Lowland, Highland, Islay, and Campbeltown. Sometimes considered an acquired taste, Scotch whisky, a distilled alcoholic beverage, comes in two forms, single malt, and grain malt; both being available in a blended fashion. This results in five categories to choose from, single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain and blended Scotch whisky. Geographical location will be included on the label along with the type and minimum age of the bottles’ contents.
Beginning with malted then fermented grain mash such as barley, rye, wheat, or corn, each type of Scotch whisky is distilled in a different manner, but with the same goal of producing quality taste. Most distillers have a signature method, such as adding a peaty flavor to their roast during the malting stage. They are also known for keen environmental consciousness as local water, soil, and air are integral to the final product. There is very little waste involved with the production. Any pre- or post-production waste can be recycled back into the earth in sustainable forms such as feed for local farmers’ livestock and even heating houses with excess heat created in the distillery.
Distillation is the process of increasing alcohol content while removing volatile impurities. Single malt whisky is made with a pot still, and grain malt whisky a column or Coffey still. Pot stills are used for single batches of condensation while column stills have more than one stage of separation resulting in a higher purification. Double distillation is the most common process of making whisky. Once distillation is accomplished, Scotch whisky distillers continue the aging recipe by placing the product into oak casks. Bourbon barrels are also a commonly used vessel and likely add to the distinct flavor. Once desired maturation is achieved, bottling and sometimes chill filtration, are the final steps in production.
New regulations are periodically implemented and revised to protect and distinguish the integrity of Scotch Whisky Distillers. The most recent version was released in 2009. More information on the rules and regulations are available from the Scotch Whisky Association website, www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/.
