Scotch Whisky
Whisky made in Scotland, referred to as Scotch, is one of the most popular types of whisky in the world. By law, it must be distilled to no more than 189.6 proof and produced from a mixture of water, cereal grains, and malt, with the only allowed additives being water and caramel coloring. Scotch must be aged in oak casks in Scotland at a licensed warehouse for a minimum of three years, but, unlike bourbon or rye, those casks can, and almost always are, used barrels instead of new ones. Scotch is separated into five categories, one of which is required to be displayed on the label: Single Malt (100% malt barley from a single distillery), Single Grain (all grain spirit from a single distillery), Blended Grain (grain whiskies from multiple distilleries), Blended Malt (a blend of single malts), and Blended Scotch (a blend of malt and grain whiskies). The malt used to make Scotch can be dried by fire from with compacted vegetation called peat, which imparts a unique flavor on the final product. (This type of Scotch is most common on island regions, particularly Islay.) There are five whisky-producing regions in Scotland, each with its own style and character: Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown.
Top Scotch Whisky Posts:
A Tour of Scotland: Understanding Scotch Whiskies
Touring Scotch Whisky Distilleries in Speyside, Scotland
Drinking Scotch with The Dalmore’s Richard Paterson
Whiskies of Glen Grant with Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm
Bruichladdich’s annual release of the three ultra-peated Octomore whiskies have arrived, and as usual Adam Hannett — now elevated to the title of master blender (though he’s also still the head distiller) — guided a collection of whisky writers through the ins and outs of this year’s production. As is the norm, these are all 5…
GlenDronach is continually dropping luxe single malt special editions, but it turns out it can also do more approachable bottlings. While “The Master’s Anthology” may sound pretty ritzy, this trio comprises three affordable bottlings, all collected under a theme, and all non-age stated. Each whisky features a different maturation, but all three utilize some level…
Scotland’s Fettercairn Distillery has been around since 1824, but it took over 200 years for the whisky to make it across the pond (to U.S. distribution, at least). Starting in summer 2025, the brand began rolling out limited, well-aged, high-end expressions to the American market at the ages of 24, 28, 40, 46, and 50…
Bruichladdich’s Port Charlotte brand loves to explore cask finishing, particularly red wine barrel finishes. The latest from the Islay icon is Port Charlotte SYC:01, which was released in the UK last fall and is now making its way into the U.S. This whisky marks the first time the heavily peated Islay spirit has matured in…
This is our fourth round with The Balvenie’s DoubleWood — which is is a fancy way to say it’s bourbon barrel aged and finished in sherry, with a total age statement of 12 years. Consider it a check-in that follows up our coverage from 2022, 2017, and 2009. The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Years Old…
Another year, another Ardbeg Day — and another special edition from the mind of Dr. Bill Lumsden. For 2025, the Ardbeg Committee release begin featured is called Smokiverse. It is the first Ardbeg crafted from a “high-gravity” mash with the idea that it results in “a distinctly vibrant, tropical and fruity spirit.” What’s a high-gravity…
It has taken us too long to really dig into the Loch Lomond portfolio, but after our first taste of their entry-level, non age-stated Original single malt in 2023, we’re finally back with some thoughts on the next rung in the Loch Lomond ladder. The distillery’s portfolio actually offers a trio of 12-year-old expressions: the…
Glengoyne Whisky recently launched a new series of expressions of its Highland Single Malt — the White Oak range, which is itself the first set of releases in a new series called the Oak Masters’ Series. White Oak is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks — all quercus alba sourced from…
The pros at The Whisky Exchange recently began sending regular releases of some of their most recent stock, all exclusives that are available only in its stores and on the TWE website. We’ve got a huge collection of new releases that have dropped over the last few months, including lots of single malt Scotch, some…
For the fourth time in recent memory, Scotch distiller Bowmore and car maker Aston Martin have teamed up for a whiskey release. And in this instance, both the age statement and the price tag are among the highest ever for a spirit reviewed on Drinkhacker. Bowmore ARC-54 is a 54 year-old single malt, originally distilled…