A Short History of Whiskey
The earliest documented record of distilling in Scotland occurred in 1494. At this time the distillation process what unsophisticated and would frequently produce low quality, even harmful results.
However, by the 17th century the distillation process had improved considerably producing a far superior and more consistent product. In fact, starting at this time whiskey began being consumed for its medicinal qualities and prescribed for the preservation of health, the prolongation of life, the relief of colic, for palsy and even smallpox.
The next major step in the history of Scotch Whiskey came in 1831 when Aeneas Coffey invented the Coffey Still also called the Patent Still which allowed for a change in the distillation process and made for the production of the mighter flavoured Grain Whiskey. When this whiskey was blended with the stronger flavoured malts it widened the market and appeal of Scotch Whiskey.
And the market for Scotch Whiskey continues to grow and is today the premier alcoholic beverage of throughout the world.
Regulations
Here are some of the rules regarding the making and labeling of a whiskey as being truly a Scotch Whisky as set forth by the Scotch Whisky Association.
The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 define Scotch Whisky in UK law. Under the legislation, Scotch Whisky means whisky:
(a) which has been produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (to which only whole grains of other cereals may be added) all of which have been:
(i) processed at that distillery into a mash;
(ii) converted at that distillery to a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzyme systems; and
(iii) fermented at that distillery only by the addition of yeast;
(b) which has been distilled at an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 94.8% so that the distillate has an aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production;
(c) which has been wholly matured in an excise warehouse in Scotland in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres, the period of that maturation being not less than three years;
(d) which retains the colour, aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production and maturation, and to which no substance other than water and plain caramel colouring may be added.
Types of Scotch Whiskey
To be a true Scotch Whiskey the whiskey must be both distilled and matured in Scotland. It is said that Scotch whiskeys derive some of their flavor from the area where they are stored during heir maturation. Some discerning pallets taste the spray of the sea or the breeze from the land in their glasses of this historic and flavorful beverage.
Scotch Whiskey is commonly sold in one of three varieties; single malt, pure malt and blended. Malts are generally the most expensive of the three since they are produced entirely from malted barley. Blended version can contain other grains such as wheat or corn. No Scotch Whiskey contains any additional additives or enhancers other than a small amount of burnt sugar at the point of bottling to give it that consistent amber color.
Single malt Scotch Whiskey uses malted barley as the only grain ingredient. It must be distilled in Scotland and matured for at least three years in oak casks. It must be the product of only one distillery. Single malts are produced in may areas of Scotland and tend to be classified by their area of origin such as Speyside, Highland, Lowland, Camble town and Islay.
Pure Malt Whiskey is a blend of whiskies from two or more distilleries. The term “pure malt” simply means that it contains no grain whiskeys. The rules regarding purity of ingredients remain the same as with Single Malt Scotch. Pure Malt must also be distilled and matured in Scotland.
Blended Scotch Whiskey is a blend of malt whiskeys and neutral grain whiskeys produced from many distilleries. Once definition of blended includes the following, ‘The art of combining meticulously selected, mature, high-quality whiskies, each with its own flavour and other characteristics, with such skill that the whole is better than the sum of its parts, so that each makes its contribution to the finished blend without anyone predominating.’ That would well describe a quality Blended Scotch Whiskey.
Scotch Whisky Association is the trade association for the Scotch Whisky industry.
The principal functions of the SWA can be summarised as follows:
To protect the integrity of Scotch Whisky worldwide
To promote responsible attitudes to alcohol consumption
To secure fair and equal access to international markets
To tackle tax discrimination and secure appropriate regulation of the industry
To promote Scotch Whisky as a quality product made from natural raw materials
To represent the industry’s interests at governmental level both at home and abroad
Scotch Whiskey is a quality beverage with a characteristic smooth flavor, enjoyed by discerning individuals throughout the world.