scotch

association
whisky

SCOTCH
WHISKY
TASTING
TOOLKIT
www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

#DiscoverScotch
@ScotchWhiskySWA

@ScotchWhiskySWA
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DISCOVER SCOTCH
WITH OUR WHISKY TASTING TOOLKIT.
There are many ways to enjoy Scotch Whisky - from a traditional tasting, to food pairings and as the
base of world-class cocktails.

Tasting whiskies of different ages, from different regions, matured in different casks and in new and
different ways is all part of the fun of discovering Scotch - the world's premier whisky and consumers'
spirit of choice.

In this toolkit, we will help you to conduct a Scotch Whisky tasting and introduce you to new ways to
enjoy Scotland's national drink.

2 HISTORY, FACTS & FIGURES

3 SCOTCH WHISKY CATEGORIES

4 SCOTCH WHISKY REGIONS

5 GLASSWARE FOR SCOTCH

6 GUIDE TO TRADITIONAL SCOTCH TASTING: PART 1

7 GUIDE TO TRADITIONAL SCOTCH TASTING: PART 2

8 THE SCOTCH WHISKY FLAVOUR WHEEL

9 SCOTCH WHISKY COCKTAILS

10 MORE SCOTCH WHISKY COCKTAILS

11 FOOD PAIRINGS

12 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

#DISCOVERSCOTCH
 The earliest documented record of distilling 2
A GLOBAL INDUSTRY in Scotland. An entry in the Exchequer Rolls
lists "Eight bolls of malt to Friar John Cor
wherewith to make aqua vitae."

1494
500 YEARS IN THE MAKING.
Scotland's Bard, Robert Burns,
To truly appreciate Scotch, it helps to have an understanding writes the poem 'Scotch Drink'
which includes the line "O thou,
of the heritage that is captured in every dram. 1644 my Muse! guid auld Scotch drink!"
The first official taxes on
Scotch Whisky production 1785
are imposed, causing a
Scotch Whisky is a global industry today, but it has grown rise in illicit whisky
distilling across Scotland.
from humble beginnings and developed over five centuries.

Take a closer look at the history of Scotch Whisky and a few

other key facts to boost your understanding and enjoyment. Aeneas Coffey invents the The Excise Act is passed
Patent Still. This led to the and illicit stills and
smuggling of Scotch
1823
production of lighter
began to fall away. In their
flavoured Grain Whisky place, legal and licensed
which, when blended with 1831 distilleries flourished,
more fiery malts, extended reaching a peak of over
Around 42 bottles of Scotch are shipped from the appeal of Scotch
Whisky.
300 in the years shortly
after its enactment.

Scotland each second

Laid end to end these bottles would stretch about

390,000kms - that's 90% of the distance to the moon Prohibition begins in the United
States of America. The federal
government made an exemption
More than 11,000 are directly employed in the Scotch for whisky prescribed by a
doctor for medicinal purposes.
Whisky industry, 7000 of them in rural areas providing
1920
vital employment and investment
1880
The phylloxera beetle
Some 20 million casks lie maturing in warehouses in devastates French vineyards.
Scots are quick to take
Scotland advantage, and Scotch Whisky
replaced brandy as the spirit
1912
The Wine & Spirit Brand Association is
of choice. formed. It became the Whisky 1933
Association in 1917 and then, in 1942, First statutory Info
More Scotch Whisky is enjoyed globally than US, evolved again to become the SWA as
definition of
Scotch Whisky

Canadian and Irish whiskies combined we know it today.

There are 133 operating Scotch Whisky distilleries

across Scotland - more than at any time since World
War Two 1939
1994
The 500th anniversary of World War II reshaped the industry's history.
whisky production in One Cabinet Minister said "the country
Scotch Whisky accounts for around 20% of all UK food Scotland. Exports of Scotch needs food, dollars mean food, and whisky
means dollars." Annual export targets were
and drink exports Whisky reach £2 billion for
the first time in history. agreed and producers increasingly looked
to overseas markets.

The largest Scotch Whisky market in the world by

volume is France, while the largest by value is the 2020 Scotch Whisky is the world's
undisputed premier whisky. 42
United States bottles of Scotch are shipped from
2009 Scotland every second to 180
markets around the globe.
The Scotch Whisky
Scotch Whisky is shipped to all seven continents - in Regulations come into
force. The rules set out
2016 over 15,000 bottles of Scotch were even how Scotch Whisky
must be produced,
exported to Antarctica labelled, packaged and
advertised, helping to
protect the reputation
of Scotch.
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THERE IS A SCOTCH WHISKY
FOR EVERYONE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED.
Put simply, Scotch Whisky is a distilled spirit made from just three natural ingredients - cereals, water
and yeast. It must be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years and bottled at a
minimum alcoholic strength of 40% abv.

But with 133 operating distilleries in Scotland - a number that is growing every year - there are
thousands of expressions of Scotch to suit every palate. Here are the five categories of Scotch Whisky
just waiting to be discovered.

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Spirit distilled at a single distillery from water and malted barley without the
addition of any other cereals. When visiting a Malt Whisky Distillery, look out for
the copper pot-stills which are handcrafted with every dent and rivet adding to the
flavour of the spirit. Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be also be bottled in
Scotland.
SINGLE GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY
Grain Whisky is distilled from a mixture of malted barley and other unmalted
cereals such as wheat or maize. Distillation is carried out at a single site using
the continuous patent still process, invented in the early 19th century. The
vast majority of grain whisky goes into Blended Scotch Whisky, but there are
a growing number of Single Grain Scotch Whiskies to discover.

BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

Almost nine out of 10 bottles of Scotch enjoyed around the world are Blended
Scotch Whiskies - a blend of Single Grain and Single Malt whiskies. This category is
the foundation of the industry and the art of the Master Blender, combining up to
60 different Scotch Whiskies, is a skill which is revered.

BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Blended Malts are a combination of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
Unlike Blended Scotch, there is no Grain Whisky in Blended Malts.

BLENDED GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY

Blended Grain Whiskies are a combination of two or more Single Grain
Scotch Whiskies.
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EACH SCOTCH WHISKY REGION
OFFERS A NEW EXPERIENCE.
There are five Scotch Whisky regions - Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside.

Each offers a different perspective on Scotch Whisky. When conducting a whisky tasting, you might
like to point to the unique characteristics of each region.

SPEYSIDE
The most densely populated Whisky region in the world, famous for fertile glens and, of course, the River
Spey. Speyside whiskies are known for being frugal with peat and full of fruit.

Apple, pear, honey, vanilla and spice all have a role to play in expressions from this region, which are
commonly matured in Sherry casks.

LOWLAND
Soft and smooth malts are characteristic of this region, offering a gentle, elegant
palate reminiscent of grass, honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toffee, toast and cinnamon.

These whiskies are often lighter in character and perfect for

pre-dinner drinks. Speyside

HIGHLAND
This region, which also takes in the islands, has a huge Lowland
diversity of flavours and characters. From lighter whiskies all
the way through salty coastal malts, the Highlands offers a
Scotch for all palates.
Highland
CAMPBELTOWN
Campbeltown whiskies are varied and full of flavour. Hints
of salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee mingle in whiskies
of robust and rich character. Campbeltown

ISLAY
Islay (pronounced ‘eye-luh’) is a magical island where the Islay
majority of its population are involved in whisky
production. Famous for fiery, heavily peated whiskies.
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THE RIGHT GLASS
FOR THE RIGHT OCCASION.
Choosing your glass according to the occasion will really make a difference to your whisky enjoyment.

For formal, traditional tastings it is best to have a glass that is specially designed to capture the
aromas of the whisky and direct them to the nose.

Here we take a look at whisky glasses for every occasion.

THE COPITA GLASS THE GLENCAIRN GLASS

This glass is based on the traditional A glass specially designed for whisky
Spanish glass used to sample sherry. by the Glencairn Crystal Company in
It is very popular with master Scotland.
distillers, blenders and whisky
connoisseurs around the world. The shape of the bulb at the bottom
of the glass creates the perfect lens
Its shape concentrates aromas to explore the colour of the spirit.
through the slightly narrowed rim, The tulip shape allows the aromas to
and the glass can be easily cradled so collect inside the glass.
the spirit can be warmed if desired.
Perfect for traditional whisky
A great glass for whisky tasting. tastings.

THE HIGHBALL GLASS THE WHISKY TUMBLER

This glass is used to serve highball If a Scotch on the Rocks is your drink
cocktails and other mixed, long of choice, then the Whisky Tumbler
drinks. is for you.
As such, it is perfect for Scotch It can also be used for classic
Whisky cocktails like a classic Whisky cocktails like a Scotch Whisky Old
Highball - increasingly popular in Fashioned, a Whisky Sour or a Rusty
bars from New York to Toyko - or a Nail.
Smokey Cokey - an Islay whisky
mixed with cola.

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YOUR GUIDE TO A
TRADITIONAL SCOTCH WHISKY TASTING.
Scotch Whisky, by law, must be distilled and matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years -
but many Scotch Whiskies are matured for much longer.

Traditional whisky tastings are a great way of savouring this premium, crafted spirit and taking in all its
complexity. There are many ways to conduct a tasting, but here we offer one way of helping people to
discover Scotch in five simple steps using all five senses.

STEP 1: HEARING
You might think it's hard to hear Scotch Whisky - but the sound of a cork being
taken out of the bottle is a sound that helps to toast marriages, celebrate births or
mark business deals all over the world. Start your tasting here.

STEP 2: SIGHT
Now hold the glass up and take a good look - the colour of the whisky can give clues
about its age and the type of cask used for maturation. New-make spirit prior to
maturation is as clear as water, but after years maturing in the cask the spirit takes on
the distinctive amber colour of Scotch.

You can also check 'the legs'. Swirl the whisky around the glass, coating its sides
thoroughly. Then wait and watch, as the liquid runs back down the side of the glass,
the 'legs' of the whisky. The higher the alcohol content of the whisky, the more legs
there will be and the slower they will form and fall. In the same way, the longer the
whisky was aged in cask, the more they will tend to separate and space out.

STEP 3: SMELL
A master distiller will use the nose alone to make judgements about a whisky.
Don't worry if it proves difficult to describe - scientists have discovered a wide
range of aromas in whisky and different people will pick up different aromas. With a
little practice, it becomes easier.

To help, you can also use the characteristics of the Scotch Whisky regions on page
4 to guide people in the right direction, and most expressions of Scotch Whisky
now offer tasting notes on the packaging.

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YOUR GUIDE TO A
TRADITIONAL SCOTCH WHISKY TASTING.
STEP 4: TASTE
Now sip the whisky and allow it to lie on the tongue and coat the sides of your
mouth.

You might pick out different flavours to those you were aware of using your nose.
Roll the spirit around so that it comes into contact with all your taste buds,
sweetness at the tip of the tongue, saltiness along the sides, dryness and
bitterness at the back. The wonderful flavours will develop, unfolding in the
mouth.

Try adding a little still, unchilled water, then taste the whisky again. The water will
reduce the alcohol content, and raises the temperature slightly releasing more of
the whisky's flavours. People often say this 'opens up' the Scotch.

STEP 5: TOUCH
Finally, ask yourself what flavours you are
experiencing and how the whisky feels in your
mouth. Make sure you have a
glass of water at hand
during the tasting.
Does the flavour last a long time or does it
disappear quickly? This is the whisky's This will help to refresh
the palate if you are
'mouthfeel'. sampling more than one
expression - and also
keep you hydrated while FOR WHEN WORDS FAIL YOU...
consuming alcohol.

It can be hard to describe the

aroma and taste of Scotch
Whisky - it is a wonderfully
complex spirit.

To help, our friends at the Scotch

Whisky Research Institute have
developed a flavour wheel which
may help you during your
tasting.

Find out more on the next page

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DISCOVER NEW WAYS
TO ENJOY SCOTCH WHISKY.
In Scotland and across the United Kingdom, people often
choose to enjoy Scotch Whisky with just a little water. But
Scotch is a global drink and there are many examples of new
and exciting ways to enjoy Scotch Whisky.

In Spain they mix it with cola. In Japan Scotch is enjoyed with

lots of water and ice, and in China with cold green tea.

Here are a few cocktails to tempt you to try something new.

THE SMOKEY COKEY

Many would frown upon a Single Malt being used in a cocktail, but
don't knock it until you've tried it!

Ingredients:
50ml Single Malt Islay Scotch Whisky
150ml chilled cola

Method: Combine whisky and cola in an ice-filled highball glass and

stir. Garnish with a thin slice of root ginger.

MINT HIGHBALL
The highball is a versatile cocktail which is a match for
any gin and tonic. This is refreshing and light.

Ingredients:
50ml Blended Scotch Whisky
The Scotch Whisky industry takes
150ml soda sustainability seriously.

1tsp of white sugar That is why we have pledged to phase out

the use of all plastic straws and stirrers
from all our offices, industry and events.
Method: Combine whisky and soda in an ice-filled
When enjoying Scotch Whisky cocktails,
highball glass, add the sugar and stir until dissolved. please only use bio-degradable
Garnish with a sprig of mint. alternatives so that Scotch can be enjoyed
without discarded plastics continuing to
have a damaging impact on land as well
as at sea.

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DISCOVER NEW WAYS
TO ENJOY SCOTCH WHISKY.
THE CLASSIC JULEP
A short drink, ideal for hot summer months. As the ice
melts, the flavours of the whisky begin to blend with the
elderflower. A fragrant and zesty alternative.

Ingredients:
50ml Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky
15ml elderflower liqueur
1tsp demerara sugar

Method: Fill a whisky tumbler with crushed ice, add the

ingredients and turn with a cocktail spoon, then fill with
more ice. Garnish with the peel of a grapefruit.

THE OLD FASHIONED

One of the best cocktails in the world, and Scotch
Whisky forms the perfect base. Try it - you won't regret
it!

Ingredients:
60ml Blended Scotch Whisky
1tsp white sugar
4 dashes of bitters

Method: Place the sugar into a whisky tumbler. Add the

bitters and a third of the Scotch before filling the glass
with ice. Slowly stir, gradually adding the remaining
Scotch until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is
chilled. Garnish with a twist of fresh orange zest and a
cherry.
We want to hear from you!

Let us know what you think of these cocktails on

social media.

Use the hashtag #DiscoverScotch on Twitter and

Instagram.

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PAIR SCOTCH WHISKY
WITH OUR WORLD CLASS PRODUCE.
Scotch Whisky can be enjoyed neat, it can be enjoyed with water, ice, or as the base of a cocktail. But
Scotch Whisky can also be enjoyed when paired with world class food made in Scotland and across the
UK.

Here are just a couple of ways to showcase Scotch.

SCOTCH WHISKY AND CHEESE

Wine and cheese pairings are commonplace, but whisky and cheese will be a new experience for many. The
principles are the same - you should look to combine flavours which compliment each other.

Generally speaking, a hard cheese requires a robust Single Malt while a soft creamier cheese will work best with
a smooth Blended Scotch. And try a blue cheese with an Islay Whisky - it will surprise and delight.

SCOTCH WHISKY AND CHOCOLATE

Scotch Whisky can be the perfect end to a meal. As such it can complement the ultimate sweet treat -
chocolate.

Scotch works well with the bitterness of dark choclate, and can equally accompany high-quality milk chocolate,
especially those that contain other flavours like lemongrass, ginger or chilli.

Hold some whisky and dark chocolate in your mouth for the ultimate flavour sensation.

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