Points you should know before you buy whisky

When you plan to buy whisky to top off your home bar, you need to be aware of a few basics as it will reflect on your tastes. As a novice you will most likely not understand the difference between lowland scotch and highland scotch and thus enable us to show you all you need to be aware of before you pay your hard earned money.

There are generally four variations of Scotch whisky they are grain whisky, malt whisky, blended with whisky and blended malt whisky. A whisky is described as scotch only if it is aged for a period of three years or more.

As soon as you look over blended malt whisky understand that is pure malt. It is a mixture of a couple of single malt whiskies. The moment you hear single malt whisky, understand that this means whiskey-yeast that the whisky is generated from one pot still distillery. Having said that, a lot times a single malt will come from the same distillery however will be a mix of a couple of batches produced over the years. Single grain whiskies are made from one patent still grain distillery.

One thing common in all malt whiskies is that they are all matured in American oak casks. These casks are not new and have been recently put into use to store bourbon. It is due to this fact that the whisky has the golden color and slightly numerous flavor. The whisky that is matured in Spanish sherry butts has a fruity color to it.

Traditionally Scotch whisky is generated in Scotland as the label implies however there are six different regions where scotch is generated. One these region is the Islay region. This kind of area is on the western part of the island of Scotland. The Speyside region is located close to the river Spey and therefore takes it company name from there.

Highland scotch is made or manufactured in the largest region of Scotland that can be considered as mainland Scotland. The lowland whisky comes from the southern part of Scotland. There is an imaginary line that detaches the north and southern region of Scotland. The imaginary line runs from Forth to Loch Lomond.

As is envisioned each region has its special and distinctive taste. For example whisky from the Speyside is medium bodies, sweet and has rich fruity flavor. While the islay is powerful, peaty, and has hints of seaweed and a smoky flavor. The lowland whisky on the other hand is sensitive, and light.

Scotch can be had neat, that is without having mixing anything or with ice, water or cola. What you add to the scotch provides it a distinct flavor. Even so, if you add Scottish mineral water then you will be able to fully appreciate its real taste. Some make use of ice and make a refreshing drink. But whenever you add cola to your scotch then undetectable flavors get masked and you will not be able to truly appreciate it.

If you are a rookie then as a thumb rule you should start off with the lighter lowland scotch or Speyside whisky. Since the lighter whisky is slightly sweet it causes the drink more gratifying to the newbie drinker. As you get used to the taste of Scotch whisky you can then move on to the top quality versions. No matter what whisky you are drinking be sure you add a little water to produce the true flavors that are exclusive to that brand.

Now that you have some general information go ahead and buy whisky at your nearest store.