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Swa Tasting Toolkit - 2020
Swa Tasting Toolkit - 2020
association
whisky
SCOTCH
WHISKY
TASTING
TOOLKIT
www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
#DiscoverScotch
@ScotchWhiskySWA
@ScotchWhiskySWA
1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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9
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.
Ingredients:
50ml Single Malt Islay Scotch Whisky
150ml chilled cola
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.
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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
Ingredients:
60ml Blended Scotch Whisky
1tsp white sugar
4 dashes of bitters
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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.
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 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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