Whisky making has been an integral part of Scottish culture and economy for centuries. Scotland is globally renowned for its whisky industry and is considered as the home of whisky. In this article, we will explore the history, production process and different varieties of Scottish whisky that has made it one of the most popular spirit across the world.
A Brief History
The exact origins of whisky making in Scotland are unclear but it is believed that it started in the late 15th century. Monks at monasteries were amongst the first to distil whisky and it soon spread across the country. In the 18th century, whisky became very popular as a traded good within Scotland and for export. It gained royal patronage when King Charles I granted a monopoly distilling rights to a group of guilds in 1627. This helped established a standardized process for whisky making and initiated its commercial production. By the early 19th century, there were over 100 licensed distilleries in Scotland producing whisky on an industrial scale.
The Production Process
At the heart of every category of Scottish whisky is the production process which involves malting, mashing, fermentation and distillation. Malted barley is soaked in water to allow natural enzymes to convert starch into fermentable sugars. This 'wort' is then fermented using yeast to produce wash. The wash is then distilled twice in copper pot stills to increase the alcohol content and capture flavours. The new make spirit is then aged in oak casks to develop texture, taste and color. Some key points in the production:
- Malting: Barley is allowed to sprout and is dried in kilns to halt germination. This activates enzymes.
- Mashing: Soaked barley is crushed and steeped in hot water in mash tuns to extract sweet wort.
- Fermentation: Wash is created by adding yeast to the wort which eats sugars and excretes alcohol.
- Distillation: New make spirit is produced in traditional pot stills in two batches.
- Wood Maturation: Aged for varying years in oak casks to develop flavor and character.
Main Varieties of Scottish Whisky
There are five geographical denominations of Scottish Whisky defined by law - each with distinct production methods and tasting profiles:
Scotch Whisky Types in Scotland
1. Speyside Whisky
Located in the fertile agricultural lands along River Spey in northeast Scotland. Produces light and fruity single malts with citrus, apple and peach flavors. Examples include Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie.
2. Highland Whisky
Made north of the Scottish/English border, excluding Speyside and Islands. Hearty and robust whiskies with honeyed, floral notes developed in maturation. Famous ones are Dalwhinnie, Oban, Cragganmore.
3. Lowland Whisky
Whiskies from the low-lying plains south of Glasgow. Light and delicate in style due to use of unpeated malts. Characterized by cereal and vanilla flavors. Ex- Beinn Bhreagh, Auchentoshan.
4. Islay Whisky
Heavily peated single malts from the coastal Isle of Islay, renowned for intense smokey-iodine flavors. Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg are icons.
5. Campbeltown Whisky
Produced on Kintyre peninsula. Once many distilleries existed but now only one, Springbank, remains. Rich and complex whiskies.
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Adroit Market Research in its latest study titled, “Global Single Malt Whisky Market Size 2017 by Type (Scotch Whisky, American Whisky, Irish Whisky, Others), by Distribution Channel (Supermarkets, On-Trade, Specialist Retailers, Online, Convenience Stores), By Region and Forecast 2019 to 2025” covers the single malt whisky market revenue during 2012 to 2025, wherein 2012 to 2018 imply the actual annual revenue with forecast for the period 2019 and 2025.
The global single malt whisky market report also includes qualitative insights of the market such as drivers, restraints, opportunities.The global single malt whisky market revenue is estimated to reach USD 3.43 billion by 2025 driven by the rapid growth in Scotch whisky exports coupled with the rising middle class population in Asia Pacific which is the major revenue generating region for the global single malt whisky market.
Single malt Scotch whisky needs to be distilled at a single distillery in Scotland to be legally termed Scotch whisky.
China and Japan were the largest consumers of single malt whisky followed by Southeast Asian countries, and India.
This region has a huge potential for the single malt whisky market due to the presence of a large number of emerging economies.
The presence of regional distilleries have also contributed to the rising demand for the market in this region.
Generally speaking, Grain whiskies are whiskies made from grains other than malted barley like rye, corn, or wheat.
Most whiskies made in America or Canada are of this type.Grain Whiskies often tend to be sidelined by so-called whisky enthusiasts as they don’t consider it exceedingly tasty or rich.
These whiskies can be very characteristic and full of flavor.
Depending on what your taste buds dictate, you can choose to drink any of these, or better yet, all as long as you’re giving grains a chance!Single Grain WhiskySingle grain whisky is often confusingly believed to contain only one grain.
So these whiskies are made from one distillery and contain any grains except for malted barley because that would make it single malt.The variation of even a grain can result in a significant distinction in taste even in the same whisky category.
If you’re a newcomer to the whisky world, these whiskies are the perfect beginners as they have sweet flavors generally complemented with cereal-ly notes and caramel tones so they slide smoothly through the throat and are best if you don’t enjoy overly smoky or intense flavors on your tongue.Grain Scotch WhiskyGrain scotch whisky is another stellar drink to enjoy on its own or in cocktails.
