# What's The Secret Of Scotch Whiskey? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 15, 2002, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649 "2002-04-15T00:35:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ferrous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Ferrous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferrous)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2002, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/21 "2002-04-17T19:58:47Z")
[sub]Psst! **Lisa**! I’m pretty sure **Ike** was joking![/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2002, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/22 "2002-04-17T20:45:50Z")
Highland Single Malt Whisky and Irish Whiskey are the only ones that, in my opinion, are worth drinking as a stand-alone drink. All others are either mixers or paint thinner. As for the Scottish-vs-Irish “controversey”, well, both have their charms and any whisk(e)y drinker who discounts either one out of hand is doing themselves a dis-service. Of course, anyone who believes that when a Scotch is distilled: > [@](#): > > They try to cure distilling defects by blending, rather than distilling it properly. …is ignorant of the facts…a Single Malt Scotch Whisky is NOT a blend, and a blended Scotch (wherein many Single Malts are mixed together, in order to kill the unique qualities of each in a quest for blandness) is a travesty and a waste of fine whisky. Now, that being said, Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey get their names from where they are distilled as much as from how it’s done. You can’t create Scotch outside Scotland because in order to be Scotch it has to be Scottish in the truest sense of the word, i.e., having been created in Scotland. ---
**Author:** ![eunoia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eunoia/32/97_2.png) [@eunoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eunoia)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/23 "2002-04-18T00:43:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by peepthis \* > \*\* > Irish and Americans spell it “whiskey” > Canadians and Scots spell it “whisky” \*\* I’m Canadian and I spell it Irish whisk **e** y and Scotch (rye, etc.) whisky. See **Kilt Wearin’ Man** above. As for the OP, I think aging the stuff near salt air has something to do with it, though that’s hardly a secret. ---
**Author:** ![Pergau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7c8e57/32.png) [@Pergau](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pergau)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/24 "2002-04-18T09:51:55Z")
## Originally posted by ralph124c So I guess the conclusion is: it is IMPOSSIBLE to make single-malt scotch whisky OUTSIDE of Scotland? Suppose you used scottish peat, scottish water, scottish grain-would you be able to make it in the USA or japan? If you made it in the USA it would be an American whisky and if you made it in Japan it would be a Japanese whisky. It would never be a Scotch whisky. Actually, You could not make Scotch or Irish whiskey in America, even if you imported everything you needed. This is because (at least I think so ) American law requires that Whiskey has to be kept in arerican Oak barrels and it has to be re-casked every year. Irish and Scotch are Made differently. Two other important factors in determining the taste of a whichey are. The shape of the still. This is very important as the shape determines what other chemicals come through with the alcohol. The Casks that the whiskey is matured in. Irish and scotch makers tend to use approximately 4 year old Sherry casks. Ie barrels that have had Sherry in them for the last four years. The stronger flavours from the oak have gone at this stage and the sherry will have imparted a mellowness to the wood. American drinks go into new wood so they have a stronger flavours from the wood. Thanks for the recommendations for bourbons, looks like I’ll have a busy weekend. ---
**Author:** ![Floater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/dc4da7/32.png) [@Floater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Floater)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/25 "2002-04-18T10:29:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kilt-wearin’ man \* > …a Single Malt Scotch Whisky is NOT a blend, and a blended Scotch (wherein many Single Malts are mixed together, in order to kill the unique qualities of each in a quest for blandness) is a travesty and a waste of fine whisky. > \*\* **All** whiskies, like champagne, are blended, except for single vat whisky. The reason for this is that the distilleries want all batches to taste the same year after year. What is marketed as **blended** whisky is a mix of matured malt whisky and grain whisky, ie raw alcohol. A single malt is a mix of whiskies from one and the same distillery, but blends of malt whiskies from several sources is not unheard of and it is definitely not “a quest for blandness” but a quest for a unique combination of different qualities. ---
**Author:** ![everton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecb155/32.png) [@everton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/everton)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/26 "2002-04-18T12:20:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Floater \* > What is marketed as **blended** whisky is a mix of matured malt whisky and grain whisky, ie raw alcohol. I don’t have a cite for this, but I was told the grain spirit doesn’t even need to come from Scotland for the whisky to be marketable as Scotch. Of course there are whiskies blended from malts (e.g. Johnnie Walker), but it doesn’t matter how expensive single malts are, the saving doesn’t make it worth buying ‘blended’ Scotch of the kind **Floater** is talking about - turpentine is even cheaper. ---
**Author:** ![Aro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b3f665/32.png) [@Aro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aro)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/27 "2002-04-18T12:59:29Z")
At Bushmills, NI (the oldest licenced distillery in the World, BTW), the whiskey is aged in ‘used’ barrels bought from the US or Spain previously sherry or bourbon casks, I believe. I think US laws mean all bourbons have to be aged in new casks, and other distillers (like Bushmill’s) buy the used casks which help to flavour the drink. Plus a ‘last minute’ six month stretch in an oak cask to mellow the flavour, depending on the brand. ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/28 "2002-04-18T14:15:46Z")
**Balor** What would you recommend for an American who likes Bushmills ok, but would like to try some quality stuff? Preferably something that I have some chance of finding in the states:) ---
**Author:** ![Balor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/45deac/32.png) [@Balor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balor)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/29 "2002-04-18T15:16:15Z")
I am no expert, and I cannot guarantee that any of the following are available where you live. I am advised by a true expert that the best Irish whiskeys are - Midleton Very Rare Bushmills Malt 16 year old Jameson 18 year old Beware. These may make a serious dent in your bank balance. Less expensive alternatives might be - Jameson 15 year old Jameson 1780 12 year old There are very many good Irish whiskeys, and you are unlikely to go wrong with an ordinary brand, even if it is not one of the above. Bushmills is fine, as you indicate, but there are many others of good quality. If they are ten years old or more, you are getting a higher quality, but naturally they cost more. Please - do not put any thing other than water into whiskey (or even into whisky) - not even ice, which is a disgusting American habit that creates horror over here. If you make Irish coffee or order one in a restaurant, it must be made with Irish whiskey. The taste of coffee and cream do not blend well with scotch or other whiskies. You will miss the point if you use scotch. I am not a great fan of Baileys, but you can immediately tell the difference between it and any imitations which do not use Irish whiskey in the blend. This is for similar reasons. Enjoy. ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2002, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/30 "2002-04-18T19:04:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Balor \* > **Please - do not put any thing other than water into whiskey (or even into whisky) - not even ice, which is a disgusting American habit that creates horror over here.** Please, don’t just assume that all Americans are stupid enough to ruin a good drink. Whiskey and whisky both, if they are of a quality worth drinking, should be enjoyed on their own merits. I’ve never understood why anyone would put water or ice in their drink. There are some real heathens out there, and unfortunately they delight in taking vacations and spreading bad American stereotypes abroad. Now, there _are_ some darn tasty mixed drinks that call for whiskey/whisky as an ingredient. But you sure as hell won’t catch me making them with Jameson’s or Glenlivet… ---
**Author:** ![Floater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/dc4da7/32.png) [@Floater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Floater)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/31 "2002-04-19T10:49:49Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Kilt-wearin’ man \* > I’ve never understood why anyone would put water or ice in their drink._\* From [Scotch Malt Whisky Society: Tasting Guide](http://www.smws.com/archives/archives_tasting.html) > [@](#): > > For the purpose of enjoying malt whiskies you need certain basic equipment: a supply of water, a glass, a mouth, anose, and—optionally—a pair of eyes. Plus, of course, the whisky. and from [How To Drink Whisky](http://www.publicservantlifestyle.co.uk/food_and_drink/how.html) > [@](#): > > Adding Water > > Adding water to even regular strength whisky, before drinking, will help to stop the strength of the whisky anaesthetising your senses, and reducing the taste you will enjoy. Add a little water, at a time, to get the right dilution. > > Expert tasters recommend diluting most whisky with a fifth water, although this can be too much for old whiskies. Individual tastes will vary, so experiment, with what you prefer. > > The water you use to add to the whisky is not too important, with a few exceptions. Make sure that the water is still, rather than carbonated, and not chilled (cooling the whisky prevents the release of flavour). It is ideal to drink the whisky with it at room temperature. Try to avoid chlorinated tap water, if it tastes too much of chemicals - in this case, still mineral or even distilled water might be a better option. Not only does water dilute the alcohol and make the whisky drinkable. It alse frees all sorts of aromatic esters. ---
**Author:** ![Balor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/45deac/32.png) [@Balor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balor)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/32 "2002-04-19T11:16:30Z")
I agree with this in relation to Irish whiskey as well. Plain (not sparkling) water is fine. Ice is an abomination, as is any other “mixer”. Two exceptions - Irish coffee is OK as long as you accept that you are having whiskey flavoured coffee, not whiskey. Also, a hot whiskey - add boiling water, sugar, cloves and lemon - is good on a cold day. ---
**Author:** ![Floater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/dc4da7/32.png) [@Floater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Floater)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/33 "2002-04-19T11:41:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Balor \* > Ice is an abomination, as is any other “mixer”. I have once heard that another regular at my favourite bar, which BTW looks [like this](http://www.hash.st/ockholm/images/ovr/pigal00.gif), asked the landlord, who on occasion has been in the same whisky tasting jury as Michael Jackson, for a whisky and coke. The result was that Alan put the whisky at one end of the bar and the coke at the other end with the words “mix it yourself”. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/34 "2002-04-19T12:31:19Z")
Has anybody ever tasted BALLENTINE’S 50-Year Old Scotch? I hear a bottle is around $250.00-if you can find it! What is the oldest scotch you’ve ever tasted? ---
**Author:** ![Pergau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7c8e57/32.png) [@Pergau](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pergau)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/35 "2002-04-19T12:31:51Z")
Look folks, let’s not get too excited about watering down the whiskey. This method is specifically for tasting. It’s a very different matter if you want to enjoy it. It’s a bit like a wine critic - they spit the stuff out. Goddamn it/them. 5-HT, Balor gave a good list, but it is expensive. If you like Bushmills, try ordinary Jameson, then Jameson 1780. Pergau, who is almost ashamed to admit he likes ice in his Jameson ---
**Author:** ![Floater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/dc4da7/32.png) [@Floater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Floater)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/36 "2002-04-19T12:42:04Z")
Never drinkk water without whisky - never drink whisky without water The slogan of the Swedish Whisky Society ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/37 "2002-04-19T12:59:42Z")
Many thanks **Balor** and **Pergau**. I appreciate the help ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2002, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/38 "2002-04-19T20:49:31Z")
That’s all well and good, **Floater** , but when I drink whiskey (or whisky) I drink it to enjoy the taste without the diluting effect of water. If I want watered-down whiskey, I’ll go to some tourist-trap bar in Deep Ellum. ---
**Author:** ![Ring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Ring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ring)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2002, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/39 "2002-04-20T03:49:49Z")
I’m mostly a beer drinker but every now and then I like to have a J&B and water. Just for my own edification where would you connoisseurs of fine Scotch rank such a drink? Middle of road? Horsepiss? Rotgut? Gag me with a spoon? What about something like Chivas(sp) Regal? ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2002, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649/40 "2002-06-14T14:45:14Z")
> [@](#): > > Please - do not put any thing other than water into whiskey (or even into whisky) - not even ice, which is a disgusting American habit that creates horror over here. The only place I have ever been asked if I want ice in my whisky is England. Every where in the states they just bring plain whisky. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-secret-of-scotch-whiskey/103649.md?page=3)