NINO'S COLUMN help. I’ll answer some of the more common questions about scotch that I have heard over the years. What exactly is scotch? Scotch is a whisky (Notice the Scottish spelling of whisky has no “e.”), from Scotland. Just as Champagne is a sparkling wine from Champagne, France. Every scotch is a whisky, but not all whiskies are scotches. Some are bourbons, some are ryes and some are single malts, not from Scotland. What are the basic varieties of scotch? There are five different varieties of scotch, Single Malt, Single Grain, Blended Malt, Blended Grain and Blended Scotch. Let’s look at what makes each unique.
SCOTCHOLOGY By Nino Pernetti
Given our clientele of business people, scotch has always been the spirit of choice at Caffe Abbracci. Cocktail trends come and go, but legions of scotch drinkers remain loyal to their favorite afterwork indulgence. Think of scotch as the grey flannel suit of the spirits world; classic, elegant and timeless.
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f course, there is no way to prove this, but if my little restaurant is any indication, more business deals have been hashed out over tumblers of scotch than any other beverage known to man. But for those who have not been exposed to scotch, It can seem an intimidating, almost mysterious corner of the spirits world. Fear not. I’m here to
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Single Malt Scotch Whisky Single malt is made from malted barley, water and yeast, at a single distillery in Scotland, aged for at least three years in either American or Spanish oak casks, and bottled at a minimum ABV of 40%. Despite the fact that single malt scotches have been all the rage for the past decade or so, they make up only 10% of the global export market, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). To experience a single malt scotch, try Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt or Aberlour 16 Year, which is a little higher up the price ladder. Single Grain Scotch Whisky Single grain is the same as single malt but with the additional of another cereal, other than barley. To experience this variety, try Loch Lomond Single Grain from the Highlands. Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Two or more single malt scotches blended together. Try Monkey Shoulder, which is actually a blend of three single malts. Blended Grain Scotch Whisky Two or more single grain scotches blended together. Try Dewar’s White Label for an accessible blend that is perfect for a classic highball. Dewar’s allows the blended scotches to mature in oak casks before bottling it, to further enhance the flavor.
E V E N T O S M A G A Z I N E SEPTIEMBRE — OCTUBRE 2021
Blended Scotch Whisky A single malt scotch blend blended with one or more single grain scotches. These make up 68% of the market according to the SWA. Johnnie Walker Black Label is an example of an extremely popular blended scotch. Why are the different scotch-producing regions of Scotland important? The five regions; Campbelltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside are important because the scotch from each, has its own distinct flavor profile. The differences are a result of the use of various ingredients and methods including distilling, aging and peating, often based on the traditions of that region. How long is scotch aged? Scotch whisky is aged a minimum of three years, by law, although many are aged longer. 10- 12- 15- and 18-year-old scotches are common. Scotches aged over 18 years are rarer and much more expensive. Keep in mind, when selecting a scotch or any other spirit, just because it’s aged longer, doesn’t mean it will taste better. Fun fact: In 2019, a bottle of The Macallan Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old was sold at auction for a record-breaking $1.9M at Sotheby’s in London. What is peating? Peat is an organic solid found in bogs. Traditionally it was used as a fuel source in Scotland. Barley is drie over a peat fire imparting a smoky flavor. Some people love peated scotch, others find it overpowering. It’s considered by many scotch drinkers to be an acquired taste that you can build up to, over the years. Try Oban 14 Year West Highland Single Malt which is lightly peated and a perfect gateway to smokier scotches. If you want to go all-in on a peated scotch, try Highland Park Val father Single Malt. It’s the pettiest in their lineup. Much like wine, scotch can be much more than a beverage. It can be a lifelong hobby. Try a few different styles and brands and see where it takes you. With 70 scotch makers in Scotland, each with multiple offerings, you are bound to find a few to fall in love with. SALUTE E ARRIVEDERCI
