Types of Scotch

Historians have found proof which confirms the fact that there existed a distillery in Scotland in 1494! This explains why 'scotch whisky' produced in Scotland is known as the best whiskey in the world. A whiskey is called scotch whisky only when it is produced in Scotland and it is produced by following some distinct norms. In Britain, whiskey means 'scotch whisky' unless you specify some other type. It should be kept in mind that all scotch is whiskey but all whiskey is not scotch. Have you noticed that the whisky in 'Scotch Whisky' is always spelled without an 'e'?

Types of Scotch Whisky

Only water and barley are used to make scotch whisky. Ingredients, often malted with a dash of peat and the typical procedure of producing and storing the whisky; are responsible for the fine taste and wonderful aromas of scotch whiskies. Scotch contains 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). There are two basic types of scotch whisky, namely 'single malt scotch' and 'blended scotch'.

Single Malt Scotch
Scotch that is made from water and malted barley only and is distilled at a single distillery only is known as single malt scotch whisky.

Blended Scotch
One or more single malts are skillfully blended with one or more single grain whiskies to make blended scotch whisky. Blended scotch is also known as 'vatted malt' or 'pure malt'. Every single malt or blended scotch has a distinct, identifiable character. Skilled master blenders produce exceptional and unique blends. Blended whisky is also produced by blending malt whiskies of various ages from the same distillery. Blended whisky is the most popular type of scotch.

A single grain whisky is produced at one grain distillery only and it is usually made from water and whole grains of malted or unmalted wheat, corn or barley. A blended scotch may contain a combination of malt whiskies and grain whiskies. The percentage of grain and malt used determines the quality, flavor, smoothness of taste and aroma of the whisky. The age of the youngest scotch whisky used to produce the blend is usually mentioned on the bottle. A scotch that comes with an age statement is referred to as guaranteed age whisky.

Popular Scotch Brands

Scotland produces different types of scotch whisky. The Speyside region of north-east Scotland has maximum number of malt whisky distilleries. Highland, Lowland and Islay are also known as malt whisky producing areas. No two whiskies can be identical. Isn't it surprising that the distilleries standing side by side and both producing scotch whiskies cannot produce two identical malts? Here follows scotch brands list.

Grain Scotch Brands

• North British Grain
• Cameron Brig

Single Malt Scotch Brands

Aberfeldy Aberlour anCnoc Ardbeg Ardmore Arran Auchentoshan Aultmore Balblair Balmenach Ben Nevis BenRiach Benromach Bladnoch Bowmore Brackla Bruichladdich

Bunnahabhain Caol Ila Cardhu Cragganmore Craigellachie Dailuaine Dallas Dhu Dalwhinnie Deanston Dufftown Eradour Fettercairn Glen Elgin Glen Garioch Glen Grant Glen Moray Glen Ord

Glen Scotia Glencadam Glenfarclas Glenfiddich Glengoyne Glenkinchie Glenmorangie Glenrothes Glenturret Glenugie Glenury Royal Highland Park Inchgower Isle of Jura Kilchoman Kinclaith Knockando

Knockdhu Lagavulin Laphroaig Little Mill Loch Lomond Longmorn Mannochmore McClelland Millburn Miltonduff Mortlach Oban Old Pulteney Port Askaig Port Charlotte Port Ellen Royal Brackla

Royal Lochnagar Scapa Speyburn Springbank Talisker Tamdhu The Balvenie The Dalmore The Glenlivet The Macallan Tobermory Tomatin Tormore William Grant

Blended Scotch Brands

Bailie Nicol Jarvie Ballantine's Bell's Black and White Black Bottle Buchanan's Chivas Regal

Cutty Sark Dewar's Dimple Grand Macnish Grand Old Parr Grants Haig

Hankey Bannister Iotay J and B Johnnie Walker Long John Monkey Shoulder Morriston Gold

Old Smuggler Passport Pinch Queen Anne Royal Salute Something Special Stewart's Cream of the Barley

Te Bheag Teacher's Highland Cream The Famous Grouse Vat 69 White Horse Whyte and Mackay William Lawson's

Some blenders label their products as liquor as it conveys the message that it is a high quality whisky. You are expected to savor the whisky rather than hastily gulping it. And please, do not think about calories in whiskey, just enjoy it! How to drink whisky depends upon personal taste. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' way of drinking scotch whisky. As tap water contains a high amount of chlorine which may destroy the distinctive aroma and flavor of the whisky, you may use mineral water (if you want).