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This is how the best Scottish whisky is made
In Scottish whisky, up to 400 different aromas can be discovered. That's incredibly much! Especially when you consider that it's made from just three ingredients: water, barley, and yeast. It testifies to the skill of Scottish craftsmen that they can make such an incredibly delicious and luxurious product from such a modest base. But how do they make that tasty single malt whisky?
It all starts with the barley. It contains a lot of starch that needs to be converted into sugar. After all, alcohol can be made from sugar. During malting, the barley is deliberately germinated. This generates enzymes that are essential at a later stage. To ensure the barley doesn't germinate too far, it is heated with hot air. Another option is to heat the barley with a peat fire. The smoke produced gives some Scottish whisky a smoky flavor.
Fermenting & distilling Scottish whisky
After malting, the barley is ground and placed in a sort of large pan. Water of various temperatures is added. This causes the enzymes to convert the present starch into sugar. At the end, a kind of sweet barley water remains. Yeast is added, which converts the sugar into alcohol. This results in a kind of beer (minus the hops) with about 8 percent alcohol.
The final step is distillation. This is done in large copper stills, and the Scots typically do it twice. After the first time, you have a strong drink of about 23%, called the low wines. When distilling twice, they only take the heart of the distillate: the most pure and delicious part. This has a percentage well above 60%.
Then the whisky (which cannot yet officially be called whisky) is stored in oak barrels. The whisky must remain in these barrels for at least 3 years before it can officially be called whisky. Usually, this maturation period is much longer.
Scottish whisky regions
Officially, there are 5 Scottish whisky regions, but at Tasting Collection we include one more. Traditionally, certain regions are known for their specific flavors, but those boundaries are increasingly blurred.
- Speyside: In terms of area, it is not a large region, but almost half of all distilleries are located in Speyside. In general, lighter, sweeter whiskies are made here. Well-known distilleries include Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenfarclas and Aberlour.
- Islay: the whiskies made on this small island are mainly known for their intense smokiness. There are exceptions (such as Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich), but most Islay single malt uses peat. Well-known distilleries include Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin.
- Highland: this region is by far the largest Scotch whisky region. A wide variety of whisky is made in the Highlands. Well-known brands include, among others Dalwhinnie and Glenmorangie.
- Lowland: the Lowlands border England. Generally, a light, smooth whisky is made here. Peat is seldom used. Well-known brands include among others Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie.
- Campbeltown: this is the smallest region of Scotland. There are only three distilleries, all with a distinct unique style: Springbank, Glen Scotia and Kilkerran.
- Islands: officially this is not a region, but the Islands have their own unique style, often heavily influenced by their coastal location. The single malts are often rich in flavor and usually lightly smoky. Well-known distilleries include Talisker and Highland Park.
Buy Scotch whisky online affordably
With the wide range of Tasting Collection, you will always succeed. Take your time to shop in our webshop and benefit from our competitive prices. Once you have found your favorite, it's a breeze to order. We make sure you receive your Scottish whisky quickly at home.
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