Scotch Whisky

Question 1

What are the requirements for Scotch Whisky?

Answer 1

Produced in Scotland from a mash of malted barley and other cereal grains.
Aged in oak for a minimum of 3 years
Distilled to no more than 94.8% ABV
Fermentation and distillation must occur at same location
Water and coloring are only permitted additives
Only endogenous enzymes allowed.

Question 2

What is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky?

Answer 2

A whiskey distilled at a single distillery in a pot still, solely made with malted barley and no other grains. Must be bottled in Scotland.

Question 3

What is Single Grain Scotch Whisky?

Answer 3

A Scotch whisky distilled at a single distillery and produced from other grains in addition to malted barley. Must contain at least some malted barley.

Question 4

What is Blended Malt Scotch Whisky?

Answer 4

A blend of two or more single malt Scotch whiskeys that have been produced at more than one distillery.

Question 5

What terms are no longer authorized as synonyms for blended malt Scotch Whisky?

Answer 5

Pure malt and vatted malt.

Question 6

What was the change in 2019 to the definition of blended malt scotch whisky?

Answer 6

It was expanded to include blends from two or more immature single malt distilleries which may be sourced from a single distillery or from more than one distillery.

Question 7

What is a Blended Grain Scotch Whisky?

Answer 7

A blend of two or more single grain Scotch whiskies that have been produced at more than one distillery.

Question 8

What is a Blended Scotch Whisky?

Answer 8

A blend of one or more single malt Scotch whiskies with one or more single grain Scotch whiskies.

Question 9

What percentage of Scotch consumed worldwide is Blended Scotch Whisky?

Answer 9

About 90%

Question 10

For the pot still distillation of Scotch, what ABV is the wash typically after the first distillation?

Answer 10

Around 21-28% ABV

Question 11

For the pot still distillation of Scotch, what is the ABV of the spirit produced during the second distillation?

Answer 11

70% ABV, cannot exceed 94.8%.

Question 12

What is the size restrictions for barrels used to age Scotch Whisky?

Answer 12

The barrels must be smaller than 700 liters (185 gallons) for the initial aging period.

Question 13

Do most distilleries in Scotland produce their own malted barley?

Answer 13

No, only a few do, but even those are only able to supply a small percentage of their needs.

Question 14

What are the two main styles of Sherry used for whisky cask seasoning?

Answer 14

Dry Sherry (Amontillado and Oloroso)
Sweet Sherry (Pedro Ximenez (PX))

Question 15

What does a Dry Sherry conditioned cask add to Scotch whisky?

Answer 15

Aromas of dried fruit and dried orange peel.

Question 16

What does Sweet Sherry (PX) conditioned casts contribute to Scotch whisky?

Answer 16

Aromas of raisin.

Question 17

What are some examples of types of barrels used for finishing in Scotch whisky production?

Answer 17

Port
Madeira
Red Bordeaux
Sauternes
Rum
Calvados
Beer

Question 18

Are most Scotch malt whiskies chill-filtered?

Answer 18

Yes.

Question 19

What are the three main grains used in Scotch grain whisky?

Answer 19

Malted Barley
Corn
Wheat.

Question 20

Is wheat or corn most used in Scotch grain whisky production?

Answer 20

Wheat.

Question 21

Do Scotch grain whisky producers ever use both corn and wheat in addition to the malted barley?

Answer 21

No. The equipment needed to process the two grains is different.

Question 22

How is most malt whisky in Scotland distilled?

Answer 22

Double pot stills.

Question 23

How many different styles does a malt whisky distiller in Scotland typically produce?

Answer 23

One style, because most malt whisky is used in blends and blenders rely on each distillery for a consistent style.

Question 24

What other type of distillation is occasionally used in Scotland?

Answer 24

Triple pot still

Question 25

Why do Scotch whiskies often have a less harsh texture than American or French whiskies?

Answer 25

They're very efficient at removing Group 1 and Group 3 fractions.

Question 26

What is wort?

Answer 26

The sugary liquid made from grains to be fermented in whiskey production.

Question 27

What do some distillers do after fermentation has finished and prior to distillation in order to add complexity to the spirit?

Answer 27

Let the wash stand for several hours to allow ambient bacteria to become active.

Question 28

What happens to the fermented liquid if left to stand for an additional two days in Scotch whisky production?

Answer 28

Lactic acid bacteria become active, and this can add complexity and more flavors to the final spirit.

Question 29

At what ABV do Fusel oils dissolve in alcohol?

Answer 29

30% ABV or higher.

Question 30

What is the name of the largest supplier of pot stills for the malt whisky industry?

Answer 30

Forsyths.

Question 31

How are most pot still in Scotland heated?

Answer 31

Indirect steam, either a steam coil or an external heat exchanger. A few use direct heat.

Question 32

What is a rummager?

Answer 32

A mechanical device used to scrape the sides and base of a pot still.

Question 33

Why is a thermometer often placed in a still head?

Answer 33

To help the distiller manage reflux.

Question 34

How long does most fermentation take for Scotch Whiskies?

Answer 34

2 days.

Question 35

What type of condenser is most used in Scotland?

Answer 35

Copper shell and tube condensers. Some distilleries use stainless shell and tube condensers or worm tub condensers.

Question 36

Do pot stills in Scotland have purifiers on the lyne arm of their stills?

Answer 36

Not normally, but a few do.

Question 37

What are the two main sources of peat in Scotland?

Answer 37

Islay The Orkney Islands

Question 38

What are the main whisky producing regions of Scotland?

Answer 38

The Highlands The Lowlands Speyside Islay Campbeltown

Question 39

What is the best known Scotch Whisky distillery operating in Campbeltown?

Answer 39

Springbank Distillery

Question 40

Which region in Scotland contains the most operating distilleries?

Answer 40

Speyside

Question 41

How many distilleries are currently operating in Speyside?

Answer 41

Over 50.

Question 42

How many distilleries are currently operating in Campbeltown?

Answer 42

3

Question 43

What is "the Queen of the Hebrides"?

Answer 43

Another name for Islay.

Question 44

Approximately how many distilleries are in the Highlands region of Scotland?

Answer 44

Over 40.

Question 45

How many distilleries are currently operating in the Lowlands?

Answer 45

Just over a dozen.

Question 46

Which region is Speyside technically a sub-region of?

Answer 46

The Highlands

Question 47

How many distilleries are currently operating in Islay?

Answer 47

10

Question 48

What type of Scotch Whisky are the Highlands known for?

Answer 48

Often "entry-level" with sweet, soft finish, and not quite as robust/complex as other regions. (Does not describe Speyside)

Question 49

Describe Scotch whisky from the Lowlands.

Answer 49

Traditionally triple-distilled (although not required). Often lighter style, subtlety, grassy notes, notes of citrus, and a light, dry finish.

Question 50

What type of Whisky is produced in the Speyside region of Scotland?

Answer 50

Complex, smooth single malt, and some lighter styles as well.

Question 51

Describe Scotch from Islay.

Answer 51

Notes of salty sea breeze, iodine, seaweed. Medium to heavy peat influence, with a smoky or medicinal character.

Question 52

At what point of the kilning process is peat used?

Answer 52

Normally only at the beginning. Once the moisture level of the barley drops below 15%, any smoke simply passes over the bed.

Question 53

How is peatiness incorporated into Scotch?

Answer 53

The green malt has a high moisture content, allowing the phenols in the peaty smoke to adhere to the surface of the barley.

Question 54

How is peatiness reduced in Scotch production?

Answer 54

In every stage of the process some peatiness is lost, from distillation through maturation.

Question 55

How is peatiness lost during distillation?

Answer 55

The phenols from peat have a high boiling temperature, so it may be included in the feints.

Question 56

How is peatiness measured, and what is considered light or heavy?

Answer 56

The phenolic parts per million. 15 PPM is considered light, anything over 30 is considered heavy.

Question 57

What is Chivas Regal?

Answer 57

A blended Scotch Whisky.

Question 58

When was Chivas Regal founded?

Answer 58

Early 1800s.

Question 59

What is Dewar's?

Answer 59

A blended Scotch whisky currently owned by Bacardi.

Question 60

When was Dewar's founded?

Answer 60

1846.

Question 61

What is unique about Dewar's?

Answer 61

They further age their whiskies in barrels after blending.

Question 62

What is Distillers Company Ltd?

Answer 62

An alliance of six of the largest Scottish grain whisky distillers, founded in 1877.

Question 63

What is floor malting?

Answer 63

The traditional method of malting grain on a stone or cement floor. Still practiced by some old distilleries and Scotland.

Question 64

How deep is the layer of grain in the floor malting process?

Answer 64

6-12 inches.

Question 65

What is Scotland's largest independent, family owned whisky distiller?

Answer 65

Glenfiddich.

Question 66

Where is Glenfiddich located?

Answer 66

In Speyside (Dufftown).

Question 67

Which Scotch distillery's fifteen-year-old expression is a product of a solera vat process?

Answer 67

Glenfiddich.

Question 68

What is Jonnie Walker?

Answer 68

The world's largest selling brand of whisky.

Question 69

When was Johnnie Walker first made?

Answer 69

1820.

Question 70

What was Old Highland Whisky?

Answer 70

The first principal product sold be Johnnie Walker.

Question 71

Who currently owns Johnnie Walker?

Answer 71

Diageo.

Question 72

Where is Macallan produced?

Answer 72

Speyside.

Question 73

When was Macallan first made?

Answer 73

1824.

Question 74

What is Easter Elchies?

Answer 74

Where Macallan was first made.

Question 75

What are two Scotch distilleries with pot stills that still use direct heat?

Answer 75

Glenfiddich Glenfarclas

Question 76

Which Scotch distiller has famously tall stills with a horizontal lyne arm, producing a light, fruity style of malt?

Answer 76

Glenmorangie

Question 77

What is an example of a Scotch distiller that has a short still with a lyne arm angled downwards, producing a much richer spirit?

Answer 77

Glenfarclas

Question 78

In what part of a distillation run are peat aromas most concentrated?

Answer 78

Later in the run.

Question 79

Is chill filtration widely used in Scotch production?

Answer 79

Yes.

Question 80

What is a dunnage warehouse?

Answer 80

The most traditional type of warehouse used for storing Scotch whisky. A single story building with dirt floors, where barrels are stacked three or four high.

Question 81

How are barrels stored in the newest warehouses in Scotland?

Answer 81

In taller warehouses with barrels on pallets.

Question 82

Does ABV increase or decrease in Scotland during maturation?

Answer 82

Decreases.

Question 83

Do Scotch whiskies ever have a salty taste?

Answer 83

No, but sometimes peat can give the impression of saltiness.

Question 84

What happens after a blended Scotch batch is made?

Answer 84

It commonly will rest in very old oak for several months to allow the different spirits in the blend to harmonize.

Question 85

What is a tun?

Answer 85

A large vessel sometimes used for rested blended batches in Scotch whisky production.

Question 86

Which two Scotch Whisky producing areas have the highest concentration of distilleries?

Answer 86

Speyside and Islay.