How to Buy a Good Scotch

Buying the best scotch whiskey requires a little knowledge about the different types of scotch and the aging methods employed. Whether you try a nice, 18-year-old single malt or a blended whiskey from the Scottish Highlands, finding a good scotch is much easier than you think.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Learn the difference between single malt and blended scotch before you try to buy a good scotch whiskey. A single malt is a single-distilled liquor that has aged in a barrel for a specified period of time, usually from 10 to 25 years or more, while a blended whiskey is usually a combination of several whiskeys that are aged for as little as 3 years. A blended scotch may be smoother to first-time scotch drinkers, but purists maintain that single-malt scotch is more complex and rewarding.

2. Educate yourself about the various geographical categories when it comes to scotch, and learn how the location of the distillery may affect the overall flavor. Scotch can be geographically divided into Islay, Highland, Lowland and Campbelltown varieties, which can be distinct from one another in terms of the amount of peat moss used in the distillation process, as well as the flavor of the malt and barley used.

3. Buy a good scotch based upon the aging process or the number of years a scotch was aged in wood barrels before it was bottled. The majority of fine scotches are aged between 10 to 25 years, with some rare and very expensive varieties aging for as long as 100 years. The longer a scotch has been aged, the smoother and more complex the flavor will be, although there are many fine scotches that are 12 years old or less.

4. Choose a good scotch that will also fit your budget. While a decent 12-year-old scotch can be purchased for a relatively reasonable amount of money, the price of scotch rises almost exponentially with the length of the aging process. A 25-year-old scotch will usually be moderate to high in price, and anything beyond that may easily be priced in the four-figure range.

5. Buy a good scotch from an experienced liquor retailer who may be able to recommend an excellent bottle based upon your likes and dislikes. A good or even great bottle of Scotch is an investment, so purchase wisely and carefully.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you are actually buying scotch, or scotch whiskey, which is distilled in Scotland. By definition, if it doesn't come from Scotland, it cannot be called scotch.

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[ScotchDude]

on 12/9/2008 A single malt is not a "single-distilled liquor." Single malt means it came from one distillery and is only made from malted barley. Blends are combinations of single malts with or without other grain whiskies. If it says "malt," then that's the only grain used. Also, pay attention to what your retailer is suggesting. Often times they have their own house labels that either the salesperson makes a larger commision from, or that the proprietor makes a larger profit from. Good luck, and don't get discouraged if it takes trying several brands. "good" is a subjective term.