First Time Buyers

FAQ’s

What types of Scotch whisky are there?

There are four types of Scotch whisky; malt whisky, grain whisky, blended whisky and blended malt whisky. To be called Scotch whisky, each type has to be matured for a minimum of three years.

What is malt whisky?

Malt whisky is produced from 100% malted barley, which is then fermented with yeast and distilled in batches through a pot still.

What is grain whisky?

Grain whisky is made from a mix of mostly unmalted barley, wheat and maize. Grain whisky, unlike malt, is made in a continuous process and is generally produced for blending purposes.

What is blended whisky?

Blended whisky is mainly made from a combination of malt and grain whiskies. Blended whisky was developed to meet the demand for a softer, lighter palatable whisky for the consumer.

What is blended malt whisky?

Blended malt is now the adopted name for what is formerly known as vatted malt or pure malt. It is a mixture or blend of single malt whiskies. Confusing isn't it? But that's what the Scotch Whisky Association want this section to be known as.

What is single malt whisky?

A single malt whisky is a malt whisky produced from just one pot still distillery. It is possible for a single malt to come from a single distillery but with a mixture of batches from over the years.

What is single grain whisky?

A single grain whisky is a whisky produced from one patent still grain distillery.

What type of wood is whisky matured in?

Single malt whiskies are usually matured in American oak casks that have previously stored bourbon. The bourbon left in the wood gives the whisky its rich, golden colour and adds slightly to the flavour of the whisky. Spanish sherry butts are used also, this gives the whisky a full, fruity colour.

What is a region?

There are six whisky-producing regions in Scotland, each with different traits and styles. The Islay region is located on the island of Islay on the western isles of Scotland. The Speyside region is centred around the river Spey area, from which it takes its name, most producing distilleries are located. The Highland region is the largest of the regions and compromises of most of the Scottish mainland north of an imaginary line between the Forth and Loch Lomond. The Island region describes all of the Isles apart from Islay. The Lowland region compromises of the Scottish mainland south of the imaginary line between the Forth and Loch Lomond. The Campbeltown area consists of the most southern area of the west coast known as the Kintyre peninsula.

What is the specific taste of each region?

Speyside: Sweet, medium bodied, floral or big, rich fruity sherry.

Islay: Big, powerful, very peaty, smoky, seaweed, medicinal.

Highland: Coastal air, peaty in the north or soft, fruity in the south.

Island: Soft, sweet, coastal air, seaweed, slightly peaty.

Lowland: Light, delicate, full of character.

Campbeltown: Rich, full-bodied, peaty.

What can I put in my malt?

Ice, water or cola can be put in a malt and each gives a different slant. But it depends on ones personal taste. Adding ice to a malt can make a refreshing drink but can impair your ability to fully appreciate the qualities of the malt. Adding water to a malt changes the composition and unlocks further flavours and aromas, preferably Scottish mineral water, most expert blenders in the industry use a little Scottish water to open up a whisky. Adding cola will bring out a pleasant flavour (sometimes not, if it's a heavy pungent Islay) but will mask the delicate, subtler flavours.

What should I buy?

This is possibly the most difficult question to answer, as all palates are different.

In general and in the opinion of most it is always better for the novice to start with a lighter more subtle whisky such as a Lowland or Speyside, though the parameters with Speyside's are wide e.g. A heavily sherried Macallan differs considerably from a lighter sweeter Tamdhu. The lighter whisky being more delicate and not influenced by heavy sherry overtones will allow the drinker to taste the sweet, complex flavours. Experiment, buy a miniature bottle and try different regions and flavours until you find the whisky that you like the most. Remember to try with a little water to open up the flavour profile.