 Chapter 1: "The Top 100 Essential Scotch Whisky Facts" - Scotch Whisky "must have" knowledge
Chapter 2: "The History of Whisky" timeline
Chapter 3: "Distilleries of Scotland" – map indicating location of current and closed distilleries
Chapter 4: "How Scotch Whisky is Made" – the manufacturing process – a combination of art, craft, science and nature
Chapter 5: "How to Drink Scotch Whisky" – an insiders guide to Scotch Whisky "nosing & tasting"
Chapter 6: "How to Plan and Enjoy a Scotch Whisky Tasting Session" – you will have a blast! |
The first Chapter in the eBook introduces the reader to one hundred “essential facts” that anyone wishing to become knowledgeable about Scotch Whisky should know - and serves as an excellent foundation for the information in the following chapters… It helps provide a fascinating insight into the world of Scotch Whisky and helps you to separate the “facts” from the many “myths” that surround this most wonderful of spirits!
The true origins of whisky are lost in the mists of time and the distillation of the magical “uisge beatha” spirit which we know today as “Scotch Whisky” was certainly taking place long before its existence was first officially documented in 1494.
The tradition has been maintained across the different regions of Scotland throughout the centuries, including in the many illegal or “illicit” stills that existed throughout the country after legislation was passed which allowed for its legal production – and of course – in 1644, its taxation! (It remains a significant source of income for the government to this day.)
We provide a simple timeline of key events in the development of Scotch Whisky.
The whisky distilleries of Scotland have a long and colourful history and include both “malt” and “grain” distilleries. They are located as far north as the Orkney Islands to the north of the Scottish mainland, through the Highland, Speyside, Lowland and Campbeltown regions on the mainland through to the islands off the west coast of the mainland including the famous “whisky island” of Islay.
Our “Scotch Whisky Distilleries and Regions of Scotland Map” provides a wonderful overview of the location of these distilleries, some famous (such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Cardhu, Macallan, Laphroaig, Ardbeg & Talisker)– some not so famous (such as Balblair, Tomatin, Glendronach & Glen Garioch)– some in full production and some (such as Banff, Glen Ugie, Port Errol & Glenury Royal) which, sadly, no longer exist.
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A Single Malt Scotch Whisky is matured spirit which is the product of a “Pot-still” distillation process from an individual Scotch Whisky distillery and which has been matured in oak casks in controlled conditions in a warehouse in Scotland.
The greatest concentration of malt whisky distilleries can be found in the Speyside region of north-east Scotland, with Highland, Lowland, Campbeltown and Islay being the other main malt whisky producing areas of the country.
Each of these regions was traditionally said to typically have its own particular, distinctive style of malt whisky but it is actually incorrect to assert this as there are many styles produced dependent on cereal type, processing and maturation resulting in flavour profiles which are independent of the distillery location.
Well known Single Malts from the different regions include ;
Speyside : Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, Cardhu
Highland : Glenmorangie, Old Pulteney, Glengoyne
Lowland : Glenkinchie, Auchentoshan
Campbeltown : Springbank,
Islay : Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg
Our Scotch Whisky Distillery Map clearly identifies these Scotch Whisky producing regions.
(To obtain a FREE pdf download of this map, please provide your contact information at the left of the page.)
Chapter 4 includes a comprehensive overview of the Scotch Whisky Manufacturing Process - a combination of art, craft, science and nature.
The sense of smell is one of the most sophisticated of all the senses, and the pleasure that can be gained from “nosing and tasting” the many wonderful and varied scotch whiskies available today is an experience that should be treasured. This is particularly true if it is experienced in a convivial atmosphere with a group of friends – old or new.
Enjoy our insiders guide as we explore The methodology of “Nosing and Tasting”;
- “Preparation”
- “The Nosing Action”
- “Tired Nose” Syndrome
- “Colour”
- “Tasting”
- “Whisky Vocabulary”
- “Aroma Standards”
- “Whisky Tasting Mats”
- “Nosing and Tasting” Matrix Record Sheet
This chapter includes five of our personally recommended “Whisky Tastings” to help you on your journey to becoming a Scotch Whisky connoisseur.
- Whisky Tasting 1 : “The Famous Six”
- Whisky Tasting 2 : “The Sensational Six”
- Whisky Tasting 3 : “The Hidden Gems”
- Whisky Tasting 4 : “The Tour of the Isles”
- Whisky Tasting 5 : The Tour of Islay”
- Whisky Tasting 6 : Generic Tasting mat – for your own tastings!!
