Difference between revisions of "Drink Scotch Whisky"

Scotch whisky inspires a near cult-like devotion in some drinking circles. Known for its pungent, peaty aroma and long, lingering finish, it's mostly designed to sip, not shoot. While all whisky (or "whiskey") can be enjoyed responsibly by anyone with an interest in spirits, Scotch whisky is best enjoyed with a little splash of water and a gathering of friends. If you've poured yourself a wee dram and wish to savor its silky texture in a whole new light, read on.

[[Category: Spirits and Liqueurs]]

#*A single-malt Scotch is made just from water and 100% barley. Although it comes from a single distillery, it can contain whiskies from different barrels, and even from different batches.<ref name="rf1">drinks.seriouseats.com/2012/02/what-is-single-malt-scotch-what-is-blended-whisky.html</ref> A single malt from Bruichladdich distillery, therefore, may have whiskies from different barrels, but it will ''only'' contain whisky distilled at Bruichladdich.

#*A blended malt Scotch whisky is made from two or more single-malt whiskies produced at different distilleries.<ref name="rf2">http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/the-expert-10-things-to-know-about-drinking-whiskey_7.html</ref> Many distilleries sell their whisky for use in blends. Few independent bottlers identify which distilleries produced the whiskies made in their blends, preferring instead to name only the general geographical area.

#Don't blindly prefer single-malts over blends. Although single-malts are arguably more prestigious than blends — their price tag certainly advertises it — there are some very tasty blends out there, sometimes even nicer than single-malts. Overall, you'll probably squeeze more quality out of single-malts, but they're more expensive than blends and not always better.<ref name="rf3">http://www.forbes.com/2004/04/14/cx_np_0414feat.html</ref> When drinking Scotch, it pays to be judicious and agnostic. Don't be a complete and utter snob.

#Know that Scotch whisky generally improves with age. Scotch whisky ages for at least three years in oak barrels. Sometimes, those oak barrels have been previously used to age sherry or bourbon.<ref name="rf4">http://www.maltmadness.com/malt-whisky/beginners-guide-05-maturation.html</ref> The provenance of the oak itself often varies: Some distilleries use American oak casks, while others prefer European oak. The process of allowing the whisky to age in oak barrels, sometimes for several decades, often produces a finer whisky. As a wise man once said, "Never commit Scotch pedophilia!"

#*Why does whisky improve with age? Oak, like all woods, is porous. Scotch that is housed in oak barrels seeps into the oak barrel's pores, picking up some of the oak's unique flavor. As the whisky ages, a portion of the alcohol evaporates, mellowing the flavor. The whisky that evaporates during the aging process is referred to as the "angel's share."<ref name="rf5">http://www.whiskymag.com/glossary/angels_share.html</ref>

#*Whiskies are often given a "finish," so to speak. They are aged in one cask for a majority of the aging process, and then transferred to another cask for an additional 6 to 12 months.<ref name="rf6">http://www.whisky-distilleries.info/Fabrication_EN.shtml#vieillissement</ref> This gives the whisky a richer flavor profile.

|+ ''Regional Whisky in Scotland''<ref name="rf7">http://www.scotlandwhisky.com/about/single-malt-scotch-whiskyregions</ref>

#Get the right whisky glass. While it's certainly fine to drink your whisky out of any old glass, choosing the ''right'' one will enhance your whisky experience. Experts agree that a tulip-shaped glass is generally the best: It allows you to swirl the whisky without it spilling, as well as concentrating the whisky aroma near the glass's neck.<ref name="rf8">http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/04/05/the-art-of-manliness-guide-to-scotch-whisky/</ref>

#Nose it. Smell your whisky. Bring the whisky glass up to your nose and inhale deeply. Take your nose away (the first nose will smell entirely of alcohol) and then come back to the whisky. Spend a good 20 to 30 seconds breathing in the whisky, setting it down, and coming back to it, all while free-associating about the kinds of smells or flavors the spirit evokes. When nosing, pay attention to the following kinds of smells<ref name="rf9">http://www.whiskymag.com/nosing_course/part1.php</ref>:

#Add a small amount of water to your whisky. Many whisky aficionados like to add water to their whiskey, enough to dilute the alcohol volume down to about 30%.<ref name="rf9" /> This is usually less than a teaspoon. Some whiskies will take more water, other will take less; as with most things delicate, it's better to add too little than too much.