Scotch whiskies are among the most revered spirits in the world. The beauty of scotch is that their flavors vary as much as the dialects do in the regions where it is made. Some are light bodied with essence of fruit, some rich and full-bodied, while others give you a mouthful of smoke and peat like you just drank a piece of the Scottish land where it was distilled.
Similar to the wine regions of France, Scotland has approximately 6 different regions, each one specific to a signature scotch taste. These regions range from the light-bodied scotches of the Lowlands, the heavy bodied flavors of the Highlands to the heavy smoke and peat flavors of the Islays.
Originally made from malted barley (later introducing wheat and rye into the mix) Scotch is divided into five distinct categories: single malt Scotch whisky, single grain Scotch whisky, blended malt Scotch whisky (formerly called “vatted malt” or “pure malt”), blended grain Scotch whisky, and blended Scotch whisky. All Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years.
Many people ask which scotch is the best – this is an impossible question to answer due to the range of flavors that are available and its truly a personal question to answer.