The Unique Scotch Whisky
Whisky means water of life in Gaelic and Scots claim the earliest recorded history of distilling, although the distillation of the first is still unknown. Distillation already existed among the ancient Celts and the Scots could have learnt the art of distillation of whisky from Christian missionary monks from Ireland. The term Scotch is secured by Scotland and only whisky produced in Scotland can be called Scotch whisky. Whisky is distilled in many countries but nothing is unique and captivating like scotch.
The Scots, through the centuries, have perfected the art of distilling whisky. Nature has provided Scotland with the natural ingredients to produce the best whiskies. Barley and fresh peat are available in abundance and the peaty water flow down from Scottish hills and mountains. Good quality barley means good quality whisky and the selection of type of barley is of utmost importance. Traditional distillers like to use Scottish barley for their whiskies but where they come from does not matter to most producers as long as it is the right quality. The sugar content in the barley must be higher for a better taste. Barley from England and South Africa are mostly used to produce Scotch whisky. The purity of water is essential in the production of good quality whisky and Scotland has some of the purest forms of water. The water from the highlands is peaty and gives a unique taste to the Scotch whisky.
It takes three years to complete the process of production of whisky. It has to stay inside an oak cask for three full years to be called whisky. To be called scotch, the spirits have to remain in an oak cask for three years on Scottish ground. Single malt whiskies take 8 to 10 years of aging. Older whiskies are more expensive and considered better in taste. Whisky does not mature in bottles like wine does; it only matures in the casks. Most whiskies are chill-filtered before bottling to remove the residue produced during distillation. It prevents the whisky getting hazy and cloudy. Single malt and single grain scotch whiskies are the main types and blends, which are made from these two basic types. When it comes to whisky there is nothing like scotch, which is unique and has remained original throughout the centuries.
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