Are you an enthusiast or passionate about spirits? Then, you have undoubtedly encountered a Scottish whisky during your tastings! Whether you are a confirmed aficionado or simply curious, this legendary drink invites us to a journey through its magnificent island, where centuries-old traditions and artisanal craftsmanship meet.
So, pour yourself a glass, settle in comfortably, and let
The history of Scottish whisky
The history of whisky is quite nebulous. Nevertheless, to trace its origins, we must first address the birth of distillation.
The earliest traces of distillation date back to the 2nd millennium BC, in China and Mesopotamia. However, at that time, it was not used for alcohol production, but only to create perfumes and cosmetic balms.
Over the centuries, techniques improved, notably thanks to the Arabs. It was they who introduced this technique to the West around the 10th and 11th centuries AD.
From the 12th century onwards, the distillation of spirits from grapes and cereals gradually spread across Europe, notably driven by monks. At the time, proto-whiskies were already being produced, particularly in Ireland.
The first written reference to " whisky " appears in Scotland in the 15th century, more precisely in 1494 : "eight balls of malt to Friar John Cor wherewith to make aquavitae ". The term aquavitae (eau-de-vie) is said as " uisge beatha " in Gaelic, and the phrase evolved over time to become " ooshki " and then " whisky ".
Nevertheless, it should be noted that in the 15th century, the distillation of barley was already widespread in Scotland, apparently due to the dissemination of this knowledge by Irish monks a few centuries earlier.This is moreover a vast subject of debate between the Irish and the Scots, with both claiming the origin of whisky !
It was also at this time that the first major distilleries were established, including Glenturret (1717), Bowmore (1779), Jura (1810), and Glenlivet (1824).
Two centuries later, in 1988, the Scotch Whisky Act was established, defining precise regulations for " Scotch Whisky ". Thus, to be considered a "scotch", a whisky must be produced and aged in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks and have a minimum alcohol content of 40%.
In 2009, new regulations were added, specifying labeling and marketing standards, thereby strengthening the reputation of Scotch Whisky as a global quality benchmark.
Today, nearly 700 million bottles of Scottish whiskies are produced each year, and about 90% of the production is intended for export.The United States, France, India, and Germany are the most important markets for Scotch whisky.
What are the production regions of Scotch whisky ?
One of the fascinating features of Scotch whisky is its diversity of flavors, influenced by the regions where it is produced. Each region thus offers a unique style, although some distillers like to break traditional codes. Let's now take a tour of the main production regions.
The Lowlands
Located in the south of the island, this region is renowned for its light and subtle whiskies. The Glenkinchie and Auchentoshan distilleries, for example, are distinguished by their smooth and often floral malts.
Perfect for lovers of delicate and fine flavors and a great way to approach whisky in general!
The Highlands
The Highlands are the largest whisky-producing region in Scotland and cover a vast territory from the center to the north of the country. Given its size, the whiskies produced here are very diverse in nature. However, the aromatics often evoke fruity notes as well as honey or even heather.
Distilleries like Glenmorangie and Glengoyne perfectly illustrate this richness, offering whiskies ranging from light to intense.
Speyside
Initially a sub-region of the Highlands, Speyside is now considered the heart of Scottish whisky and a region in its own right. And this is quite logical: the region accounts for nearly half of the active distilleries in the country !
Iconic brands such as Glenfiddich, The Macallan, and The Glenlivet originate from Speyside. The whiskies here are elegant and complex and feature soft aromas and fruity notes, sometimes with hints of nuts or honey.
Islay
The island of Islay is synonymous with peaty whiskies as well as smoky, iodized, and peppery notes. The region is therefore highly appreciated by enthusiasts of strong and characterful whisky. However, some distilleries like Bunnahabhain prefer rounder styles, offering a beautiful variety of flavors.
Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Bowmore are the most well-known distilleries in the region.
Campbeltown
Once the whisky capital, Campbeltown now has only three distilleries. Yet, they produce unique whiskies, maritime and fruity.
Springbank is undoubtedly the most well-known distillery in this region, the other two being Glen Scotia and Glengyle.
Each region of Scotland produces whiskies unique in character
The making of Scotch whisky
The making of Scotch whisky is an art passed down from generation to generation. It is based on four main stages, each playing a crucial role in developing the final taste.
Maltings
It all begins with maltings. The barley is soaked here to germinate, a process transforming the starch in the grain into sugar, which is essential for the upcoming fermentation.Then, once germinated, the barley is then dried.
If the distillery wishes to create a peated whisky, peat is then burned under the barley during this stage, bringing smoky notes to the malt.
The mashing and fermentation
Then, the dried barley is ground into grist, a type of powder obtained using special mills. This type of flour is then mixed with hot water to dissolve the sugars and create a sweet liquid called wort (the mash).
This liquid is then fermented in large tanks called washbacks, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol
A fermented liquid is then obtained, the wash, with an alcohol content of 6 to 8% and a consistency similar to beer. The fermentation generally lasts between 48h and 72h.
Distillation
The wash is finally distilled in stills, which are unique to each distillery.
A first distillation is then carried out, resulting in a raw liquid called "brouillis ".Then, a second distillation is carried out to purify this initial result. Generally, Scotch whisky undergoes a double distillation, unlike Irish whiskey which is often distilled three times.
The aging in barrels
After distillation, the whisky is still transparent and has a rather pronounced barley taste. It is only during the aging in oak barrels that the spirit acquires its golden color and develops refined aromas reminiscent of wood, vanilla, cinnamon, or even hazelnut.
The type of barrels used, the weather conditions (heat, humidity, etc.), the location of the distillery and of course the aging duration play a crucial role in the development of flavors. Note also that in Scotland, whisky loses 1 to 2% of its volume each year due to evaporation, a phenomenon known as the "angel's share". There you have it, now you know how Scottish whisky is made! Scottish whiskies are crafted in distilleries that combine tradition and centuries-old expertise. How to taste Scottish whisky? Tasting a Scottish whisky is an experience in itself.It's not just about drinking, but appreciating each sip with all your senses.
- Choose the right glass: use a tulip-shaped glass, known as a Glencairn glass, to concentrate the aromas and allow for a better taste experience.
- Observe the color: the hue of a whisky can tell you a lot about its age or type of aging. Younger whiskies are often lighter, while older whiskies, aged in sherry (Jerez) or bourbon casks, will have deep amber colors. However, be cautious, caramel may be added as a coloring ! In this case, analyzing the color of your whisky is of no interest.
- Appreciate the aromas: Even before tasting, smell the whiskey. Take the time to detect the different layers of aromas, from fruity notes to spicy touches.
- Taste slowly: Let the whiskey sit in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.You will be surprised by all the flavors that can be revealed!
Serve your Scotch whisky in a Glencairn glass to ensure a good tasting experience!
What are the best Scotch whiskies?
It is never easy to make a list of the best Scotch whiskies! The country indeed has more than 150 distilleries, and tastes vary widely!
Every whisky enthusiast has their preferences, whether it's for a peaty single malt or a lighter blend. However, a few examples stand out for their quality and reputation. Here are some names that deserve your attention.
Distillerie Jura
More than just a Scottish island, Jura is also home to a distillery founded in 1810. After a revival in 1963, it has become a symbol of pride for its inhabitants.
Jura whiskies are known for their slightly maritime flavors, with hints of red fruits and butter. Each sip evokes the wild character of the island and offers a unique experience to single malt enthusiasts.
The Ultimate Whisky Company
Since 1994, this Dutch family business carefully selects the best casks throughout Scotland.The Ultimate is indeed a renowned independent bottler known for its transparency and precision. The whiskies are, for example, bottled here without chill filtration to preserve all the original flavors.
Whether you prefer young or older whiskies, this house offers exceptional bottles from all Scottish regions.
These examples only scratch the surface of the diversity of Scotch whisky, but they well illustrate the richness of flavors that Scotland can offer.
