You’ve seen the various Scotch whisky brands on the market and have wondered: how does Scotch differ from the other whiskies? Here’s our guide on what Scotch is and some of our recommendations.
What is Scotch Whisky?
Scotch is a type of whisky (distilled, grain-based spirit) made in Scotland. All Scotch whisky is made from a blend of water and malted barley (or other grains) aged for at least three years in oak barrels in one of five areas in Scotland: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay.
How is Scotch different from Whisky?
While all Scotch is whisky, not all whisky is Scotch. As stated above, for a whisky to qualify as Scotch, it must be made in Scotland and aged for at least three years in oak barrels that’d been used before. Additionally, while most whiskies are made using a variety of different grain cereals, Scotch is traditionally made using malted barley. Since the 18th Century, however, it has also been made with malted rye or wheat.
Compared to other whiskies, Scotch generally has a smoother flavour profile due to the malting process. It also has a distinctively smoky, peaty taste, which comes from the use of peat fires during the malting process.
What are the 5 types of Scotch Whisky?
Scotch is divided into 5 different types depending on its ingredients or production process:
- Single-malt Scotch whisky: Single-malt Scotch is produced at one single distillery using malted barley. It is considered to be the most high-end of all Scotches, making up only 10% of all Scotch whisky.
- Single-grain Scotch whisky: Single-grain Scotch is made with water and malted barley, as well as a blend of other malted or unmalted cereal grains. Like single malts, it is distilled at a single location.
- Blended Scotch whisky: Blended Scotch is a mix of malt and grain Scotches distilled at multiple distilleries.
- Blended malt Scotch whisky: Blended malts are made from a mixture of different single-malt Scotch batches from different distilleries.
- Blended grain Scotch whisky: Blended grains are a mixture of different single-grain Scotch batches made at multiple distilleries.
Single Malt vs. Blended
As noted above, single malts are produced at a single distillery, while blended Scotches are a mixture of different batches of barrel-aged malt and grain Scotch whiskies. While single malts are the most sought-after of all Scotches, they only make up 10% of all available Scotch whisky. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, it is blended Scotches that reign supreme at 68% availability.
Single-malt Scotches are widely considered to be among the finest of all spirits worldwide. The combination of the distillation process and lengthy ageing gives single malts their distinctive characteristics: rich aromas, velvety texture, and extremely varied and complex flavour profiles. Due to their limited availability, singular characteristics and the appeal of the distillation process, single-malt Scotches are also among the most expensive of spirits.
While blended Scotches tend to lack the deeper complexities and regional idiosyncrasies of single malts, the flexibility of their production allows distillers to more easily create Scotches with a balanced and approachable flavour profile at higher production volumes. The consistent flavour profiles also make blended Scotches a common choice for mixing cocktails.
Check out our range of the best single-malt whisky brands now!
Scotch vs. Irish Whiskies
Understanding the differences between Scotch and Irish whiskies is not as simple as you might think. There is a lot of misinformation, myths, and oversimplifications pedalled on whisky sites, tours, social media, and just about everything relating to whiskies. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main distinctions between Scotch and Irish whiskies.
Where it is made
The first major difference is, of course, where they are made. Scotch whiskies must be distilled in Scotland and spend at least three years maturing there. Irish whiskies, unsurprisingly, are produced in Ireland and must also spend a minimum of three years maturing there.
How they are categorised
Both countries produce single-malt, single-grain, and blended whiskies. Whereas blended Scotch whiskies can be distinguished into grain and malt, blended Irish whiskies must be made from a mixture of two or more different whiskey types. Below are the categories used to classify Scotch and Irish whiskies:
Scotch whisky: Single Malt, Blended Malt, Single Grain, Blended Grain, and Blended Scotch Whisky
Irish whisky: Single Malt, Single Grain, Single Pot Still, and Blended Irish Whiskey.
Unique to Irish Whisky
The biggest difference between the two is the single pot still category for Irish whiskies. Unique to Ireland, this whisky is made by a single distillery from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley distilled in a pot still.
One nuance between the two is that Irish whisky can be aged in wood species other than oak, while Scotch whiskies must always be matured in oak barrels.
Another nuance is that Scotches are divided into different regional categories based on where they were made, a restriction that Irish whiskies do not follow.
They are The Highlands, Speyside, the Lowlands, Campbeltown, and Islay
Our Scotch Whisky Recommendations
Here are some of our Scotch whisky recommendations for your next party, gathering or tasting:
Lagavulin 16-Year-Old
One of the most intense, smoky, and rich whiskies in the world, the Lagavulin 16-year-old is a much sought-after single-malt. Originating from the islands of Southern Islay, the Lagavulin offers a unique combination of richness and dryness that makes for an interesting play on the palate.
Macallan 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak
Founded in 1824, Macallan stands out as one of the world’s best single-malt whiskies. Matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, the Macallan 12-year-old Sherry Oak is deliciously smooth, with flavours of rich dried fruits and sherry balanced with wood smoke and spice.
Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky
Ballantine’s Finest is the epitome of blended Scotch, an elegant, complex, and refined mix that perfectly suits the modern palate. Made from more than 50 single malts, including single malts from Miltonduff and Glenburgie, Ballantine’s Finest has a balanced flavour profile with subtle, sweet flavours like milk chocolate, red apple, and vanilla.
Singleton Glen Ord 12-Year-Old
The Singleton of Glen Ord 12-Year-Old is a smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced single malt whisky, the perfect representation of the Scottish Highlands. Opening with an aroma of toasted nuts and rich fruit, this Scotch’s flavour is tart, tongue-coating, and fruity, managing to be both light and smooth without compromising any depth of flavour or fullness of palate.
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Honouring the legacy of brand founder George Smith, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve uses the time-honoured distillation methods that he introduced so long ago to truly capture the essence of his vision. With the flavour notes of zesty orange, pear, and toffee apples, the Founder’s Reserve is as smooth and fruity as the whisky that first ran from the original copper pot stills.
Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old
Listed as one of the best single-malt Scotches in the world, the Glenfiddich 15-year-old is the only single-malt Scotch that is matured in distinct casks: ex-sherry, ex-bourbon, and new oak before being blended in a solera vat. The Scotch’s silky smooth yet well-balanced palate provides the bold flavours of dark fruit, spices, and sweet toffee, with layers of oak, dried fruits, and a touch of heather honey adding complexity.
What is the most popular Scotch?
Jonnie Walker is currently the most popular and best-selling Scotch whisky brand, selling over 22.1 million cases worldwide.
Conclusion
Now you know how and why Scotch is distinguished from other whiskies. From deep traditions to deeper flavours, Scotch continues to be one of the most popular and beloved of all whiskies across the world. Browse our selection of Scotch whisky brands now and share a bottle with your friends and family.
