A Brief Definition And Classification Of Scotch Whiskey

Jul 01, 2024

When we drink or buy whiskey every day, we will naturally talk about which whiskey is Scotch whiskey and how is Scotch whiskey...

If someone asks what Scotch whiskey specifically refers to, many people's first reaction may be – isn't it just whiskey produced in Scotland? This answer is correct. Scotch whiskey is indeed whiskey produced in Scotland, but Scotland has strict legal regulations on whiskey. Only when the following conditions are met can it be considered true Scotch whiskey:

1. Must be distilled in a Scottish distillery;

2. Water, germinated barley, and grains must be used as raw materials;

3. During the fermentation process, the natural amylase contained in barley malt must be used as the saccharifying agent, and only yeast is allowed to be added as the alcoholic agent;

4. The alcohol content of new distilled wine shall not be higher than 94.8 degrees;

5. It can only be aged in legally permitted warehouses and aged in oak barrels of less than 700 liters for at least 3 years;

6. Except for caramel color, no other substances are allowed to be added;

7. The bottling alcohol content should not be less than 40 degrees.

Now that we have figured out the definition of Scotch whiskey, let's talk about the classification of Scotch whiskey.

Scotch whiskey is divided into five categories: single malt whiskey, single grain whiskey, blended whiskey, blended malt whiskey and blended grain whiskey.

Doesn't it look a little dizzying? In fact, as long as you grasp the two core concepts - malt whiskey and grain whiskey, the classification of Scotch whiskey will be clear.

Simply put, malt whiskey refers to whiskey made from malt and water; grain whiskey refers to whiskey made from grains (including rye, wheat, corn, oats, barley (barley), etc.), malt, and water. .

Keep these two concepts in mind and the rest is easy.

Single malt whiskey refers to malt whiskey produced in the same distillery. Single malt whiskey has a special requirement and must be distilled using a pot still.