Scotch Q&A

[Scottw]

Originally Posted by kayaker

Thought I would start by giving you my definition/explanation about SMSW. I do it backwards:

Whisky = fermented grain (corn, rye, barley…) which is then distilled, usually aged in oak barrels (eg. rye, malt, bourbon).

Scotch = Whisky from Scotland only, has to be aged 3 years min., and must be distilled, aged, bottled in Scotland.

Malt = barley that has been soaked and allowed to germinate to maximize sugars, then dried, crushed and made into beer, which is then distilled.

Single = whisky that comes from one distillery only.

So SMSW is a Scotch whisky made from malted barley and from a single distillery.

Is that as clear as mud?

As I tend to enjoy a single barrel bourbon from time to time. I'd just like to throw my 2 cents in here regarding it.

In order for a Whisky to be called "Bourbon", The primary (at least 51%) ingredient must be corn. The distilled spirit must be aged in NEW charred oak barrels and cannot be distilled at greater than 160 proof. It must be aged at least 2 years to be called a Straight Bourbon Whisky and the spirit must fo int the barrel at no more than 125 proof.

[macpappy]

Originally Posted by Scottw

As I tend to enjoy a single barrel bourbon from time to time. I'd just like to throw my 2 cents in here regarding it.

In order for a Whisky to be called "Bourbon", The primary (at least 51%) ingredient must be corn. The distilled spirit must be aged in NEW charred oak barrels and cannot be distilled at greater than 160 proof. It must be aged at least 2 years to be called a Straight Bourbon Whisky and the spirit must fo int the barrel at no more than 125 proof.

Though I don't remember why, I was told one time that Scotch Whisky is always spelled "whisky" while Bourbon, Sour Mash and others are always spelled whiskey.

Yeah, I'm not fully sure why, but Scotland and Canada leave off the e, US and Ireland use the e.

But it's not carved in stone. Apparently they have appeared in the opposite form in written law in the US and Scotland.

Kevin Erskine talks a bit about it in his book The Instant Expert's Guide to Single Malt Scotch. It's a great little book that you can pick up for $10-12.

[Buena Fortuna]

I recently procured a bottle of Crown Royal Special Reserve as a way to ease into the world of Whiskey & Scotch w/cigars. I know it's blended Canadian, but my was it ever smooth...

My neighborhood store has a gift set of 10yr. Glenmorangie with glasses for around $50. Has anyone had this scotch and how would you rate it for a first timer like myself?

Glenmorangie is a solid single malt and is not too robust in flavour.

Go for it.

[RBOrrell]

Kayaker.... have you had the Glen Breton single malt made by your neighbours on Cape Breton Island? It is really good stuff.

Originally Posted by RBOrrell

Kayaker.... have you had the Glen Breton single malt made by your neighbours on Cape Breton Island? It is really good stuff.

I have and enjoyed it well enough. A bit expensive though.

We have another SM distillery opening up on the west coast now.

http://www.shelterpointdistillery.com/index.html

Yup Glenmorangie was my goto scotch for a long time.

Always found it finished a little sweet, almost like honey.

Will still drink it if we are out and about and the local establishment doesn't have a broad scotch collection

[Scottw]

Originally Posted by macpappy

Though I don't remember why, I was told one time that Scotch Whisky is always spelled "whisky" while Bourbon, Sour Mash and others are always spelled whiskey.

I think you are right but I am so used to drinking the single malts and have seen the "e" omitted so many times, I just do it naturally for all although I typically refer to Bourbon as just plain old bourbon, not whisky at all even though it is.

[macpappy]

Originally Posted by Scottw

I think you are right but I am so used to drinking the single malts and have seen the "e" omitted so many times, I just do it naturally for all although I typically refer to Bourbon as just plain old bourbon, not whisky at all even though it is.

You have a point. When I offer guests something to drink I never say whiskey. I usually say Scotch, Bourbon, Sour Mash, Tequila or Rum unless they are really good friends who know me then I just give them the brand names. (I save a lot of Scotch that way because most of them think of the cheap blends when you say scotch. If I said single malt, I would go through a lot more.)