Yes, today (July 27) is the day to indulge in your favorite Scotch whisky. If you don’t normally drink Scotch but wanted to try, well, today would be the day to do that, too! (Note: Later in the article, you will see that I did not misspell anything in that first sentence.)
An Iconic Whiskey
Much of the information found here comes from this website.
In order to be considered Scotch, the drink must be distilled in Scotland. It must be fermented from malted barley, aged in oak barrels for at least three years and have an alcohol content of less than 94.8%. Other grains can be included, but fermentation additives are excluded, per law.
There are five distinct classifications of Scotch whiskey: single malt scotch, single grain scotch, blended malt scotch, blended grain scotch and blended scotch. It is often identified by the region where it was produced and each region has its own characteristics that influence taste.
Don’t Know What To Try?
If you are confused about your options, consider attending a Scotch tasting. In the absence of such an event where you live, organize one with a group of friends. Split the cost and purchase several bottles to try.
For tastings, the best way to do it is neat. (Without ice.) Although… I was reading a novel once, don’t remember the name or the author, but a character in the book told another character that to get the true taste of Scotch (called whisky in the book), you should splash a little water on top.
Scotch is known as a sophisticated drink. Elegant, classy, the favorite of royalty, authors and politicians. I’m going to share recipes at the end of this blog, but according to the website mentioned above, most scotch drinkers like theirs neat. Others will drink it over ice or with just a splash of water. They “ditch the mixers and enjoy the spirit.”
Five Fun Finds About Scotch
Five Fun Finds about Scotch from this website.
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from 100% malted barley and distilled at a single distillery.
- Blended Scotch Whisky is made by blending together a number of single malts and grain whiskies.
- 90% of all Scotch whisky sold in the market is actually Blended Scotch Whisky.
- The whisky in ‘Scotch Whisky’ is always spelled without an ‘e’.
- In Britain, the term ‘whisky’ is taken to mean Scotch whisky only, unless it has been specified otherwise.
Recipes!
I have to include recipes. Those that follow come courtesy of Johnny Walker. I’m offering ingredients only. For more information, go to that website. Please feel free to use the Scotch of your choice, but as this site is being used, I’m keeping the ingredients as-is.
Whiskey Ginger Cocktail
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label
- 6 oz ginger ale
- A squeeze of lime juice
Whiskey Hot Toddy
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 5 oz lemon juice
- 5 oz honey
- 3 oz hot water
Whiskey Bobby Burns
- 2 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label
- 75 oz sweet vermouth
- 50 oz Benedictine
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
Whiskey Rob Roy
- 2 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange zest
Whiskey Algonquin
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label
- 75 oz dry vermouth
- 75 oz unsweetened pineapple juice
Whiskey Godfather
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 5 oz Amaretto
Whiskey Penicillin
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label
- 5 oz ginger liqueur
- 75 oz 1:1 honey syrup
- .75 oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
Whiskey Rusty Nail
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label
- 5 Drambuie
Whiskey Presbyterian
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 1 oz ginger ale
- 75 oz club soda
Whiskey Blood & Sand
- 5 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 1 oz cherry liqueur
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz orange juice
- 5 oz lemon juice
In Closing
Have a great evening! (Kilt not required.)