Grapes & Grains

Beer, Wine, Spirits and Food from Happy Harry's

If there is a category of distilled spirits that is intimidating, Single Malt Scotch would be the schoolyard bully!  Once you get to know and understand Single Malt Scotch, it is actually a very sophisticated, enjoyable spirit.  The full body flavor and aromas of Single Malt Scotch can scare off just about anyone who has never tried Scotland’s native spirit.  

There is one very important step in the distillation process that sets Single Malt Scotch apart from all other distilled spirits…they roast their malted barley in an open kiln over a peat fire.  This process gives the malted barley a smoked, campfire-like flavor and aroma.  The three other things that contribute to the characteristics of Single Malt Scotch are:  the type of barrels used for aging, how long it is aged and where it is aged.

Where Scotch is distilled and aged is broken down into specific regions that directly affect the characteristics of the spirit.  These regions are the key to unlocking the mystery of Single Malt Scotch.  The three main regions you will find when shopping for Single Malt Scotch are Lowland, Highland and Islay.  Each of these regions is influenced differently by the climate and wind that comes off the salty seawater.

 

LOWLAND

Located in the southern most part of Scotland, there is very little exposure to the sea breeze.  Lowland Single Malt Scotch tends to have a softer, more elegant flavor without too much peat influence. 

GLENKINCHIE 12 YEAR OLD

Glenkinchie is light with a floral and soft smoke aroma.  Hints of oak and spice flavors with a dry finish.   Glenkinchie is a great choice for someone who wants to try a Single Malt Scotch for the first time.

 

 

 

 

HIGHLAND

The Highland region encompasses almost all of central and northern Scotland.  Highland is the most popular and largest region in Scotland.  Scotch from the Highland region is firm and dry with noticeable peatiness, saltiness and spice.

OBAN 14 YEAR OLD

Oban is from the western part of the Highlands.  Oban has a fresh, delicate hint of peat punctuated with rich, fruity sweetness.  Flavors of figs and honey linger with the long finish.

 

 

 

ISLAY   

Islay is a small island off the west-central coast of Scotland.  Islay has the most exposure to the sea breeze and weather elements of all regions.  Islay produces the richest, most full flavored Single Malt Scotches of all the regions.  

LAGAVULIN 16 YEAR OLD

Lagavulin is dense, complex and powerful.  Lagavulin’s intense peat smoke aroma and flavors linger with flavors of saltiness and wood.

 

 

 

 

Scotch is best served straight or cut with a little bit of distilled water.  Scotch can also be served over ice or with a splash of club soda. 

Cheers,

Greg

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 27th, 2011 at 10:17 pm and is filed under Cordials and Cocktails, Thursdays with Terry Dullum. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.