When you choose to buy whisky to stock up your home bar, you need to be aware of a couple of basics as it will reflect on your tastes. As a rookie you will most likely not know the difference between lowland scotch and highland scotch and therefore allow us to show you all you need to fully understand before you spend your hard earned money.
There are generally four varieties of Scotch whisky they are grain whisky, malt whisky, blended whisky and blended with malt whisky. A whisky is called scotch only as soon as it is matured for a period of three years or more.
Once you read blended malt whisky fully understand that is pure malt. It is a mixture of whiskey-yeast a lot of single malt whiskies. Once you hear single malt whisky, understand that it indicates that the whisky is developed from one pot still distillery. Still, a lot times a single malt will come from the same distillery but will be a mix of numerous batches made over the years. Single grain whiskies are created from one patent still grain distillery.
One common thing in all malt whiskies is that they are all matured in American oak casks. These casks are not new and have been recently used to store bourbon. It is due to this fact that the whisky has the golden color and a bit unique flavor. The whisky that is matured in Spanish sherry butts comes with a fruity color to it.
Traditionally Scotch whisky is created in Scotland as the brand implies however there are six numerous regions where scotch is created. One these region is the Islay region. This particular region is on the western side of the island of Scotland. The Speyside region is located near the river Spey and hence takes it name from there.
Highland scotch is prepared or created in the largest region of Scotland that can be considered as mainland Scotland. The lowland whisky comes from the southern part of Scotland. There is an imaginary line that sets apart the north and southern region of Scotland. The imaginary line extends from Forth to Loch Lomond.
As is estimated each region has its exclusive and different taste. For example whisky from the Speyside is medium bodies, sweet and has rich fruity flavor. At the same time the islay is powerful, peaty, and has hints of seaweed and a smoky flavor. The lowland whisky on the other hand is delicate, and light.
Scotch can be had neat, that is without mixing anything or with ice, water or cola. What you add to the scotch delivers it a distinct flavor. But, if you add Scottish mineral water then you will be able to absolutely love its active taste. Quite a few utilize ice and make a refreshing drink. However whenever you add cola to your scotch then undetectable flavors get masked and you will not be able to truly appreciate it.
If you are a rookie then as a thumb rule you should begin with the lighter lowland scotch or Speyside whisky. Since the lighter whisky is slightly sweet it makes the drink more pleasurable to the first time drinker. As you get applied to the taste of Scotch whisky you can then move on to the advanced versions. Regardless of what whisky you are drinking be sure you add a bit water to draw out the true flavors that are exclusive to that brand.
Now that you have quite a few important information decide ahead and buy whisky at your nearest store.