Scotch – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is Scotch? 

Scotch or scotch whisky is a whisky made exclusively in Scotland. It’s a matured spirit derived from grain or malted barley, or sometimes a combination of both. Scotch must be developed in casks for at least three years for it to be deemed as Scotch. It must also have a 40% alcohol by volume percentage and be fermented with yeast. 

Scotch is referred to as the national drink of Scottish people. It has a malty flavor with undertones of citrus, tart, berry, or vanilla. 

What is the history of Scotch whisky?

Scotch had its first written mention in the 15th century. The quality of the whisky was further improved by the Scottish monks in the 16th century, who made a living with whiskey distillation. This led to Scottish society’s acceptance of the whisky. Scotch was also prescribed as a medicine then. Scotch was seen as a necessity for cold weather throughout the centuries, and welcoming guests into one’s home with a whisky became the norm. 

What are the various types of Scotch whisky?

Scotch comprises two types of whisky, namely single grain and single malt. Three subdivisions of these include blended malt Scotch, extra blended Scotch, and blended grain Scotch. 

What are the advantages of drinking Scotch?

Scotch doesn’t contain much sugar and has no carbohydrates and fat. Scotch is also a vasodilator, something that helps dilate your blood, and is comprised of a range of antioxidants.

How is Scotch whisky made?

The following steps are necessary when making Scotch whisky.

1. Malting – Here, the barley is immersed in water and placed on malting floors before germination.
2. Mashing – Malt is ground until it becomes floury, then Scottish water is added.
3. The fermentation process – The liquid or wort is allowed to cool. Yeast is then mixed with the wort before fermentation.
4. Distillation – Some Scotch whisky is distilled twice. The initial distillation process helps separate the pot ale from the alcohol. The second distillation process ensures that the distillate from the low wines flows to the spirit still.

How is Scotch whisky stored?

Scotch cannot be stored by simply placing it on a wine rack once you’ve opened it. You should always consider the following when storing this whisky.

• If you have a cellar, store your Scotch there, as cellars offer the ideal room temperatures. 
• Avoid storing your Scotch in light. This makes cellars ideal once again, as they are usually dark. 
• Always store your Scotch in an upright position. If you store it sideways, alcohol may come into contact with your cork and damage it.
• Never store Scotch whiskey to age it, as it can only mature in its cask via distillation. There’s, therefore, no need to store your Scotch in a bottle for longer than necessary, as this will not improve its flavor. 

What is the shelf life of Scotch whisky?

An unopened bottle of Scotch can be stored indefinitely. However, once the bottle is opened, its taste may start deteriorating due to oxidization. It’s, therefore, best to consume any remaining content in the opened bottle within 6 months to 2 years. 

How would you know if Scotch whisky has gone bad?

Scotch that has gone bad may display the following signs.

• It may have contaminants at the bottom of the bottle. 
• The Scotch may look cloudy at room temperature. Note that it’s normal for the liquid to appear cloudy in a colder environment. 
• It may have a foul aroma and taste.

What attributes to look for when buying Scotch whisky

With the wealth of information out there on Scotch, navigating through it all can be puzzling. To help narrow down your search, here’s a list of characteristics to look for to help you find the best product.

• If you’re looking for a more mature Scotch, choose a bottle that does not have an age statement. The reason being is that Scotch whisky with an age statement is never older than 9 years.
• Look for tasting notes on the bottle. This will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of taste and aroma. If you’re looking for a smoky Scotch, look for the word peat on the tasting notes. 
• Choosing a bottle that doesn’t have artificial coloring is always best, as the best brands will not contain artificial colorants. 

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for Scotch with Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. 

What can I use as an alternative for Scotch?

Some substitutes for Scotch include the following:

• Rye whiskey – This is used in classic cocktails like Manhattans. 
• Tequila – These spirits are like Scotch, as they are smooth and smoky, and the taste lingers.
• Irish whiskey – Like Scotch, this whiskey has to be made in its country to be named. It’s also required to mature in a cask for at least three years.

Exploring the world of Scotch whisky

Scotch whisky has been around for centuries. It must be made and matured in Scotland to be deemed Scotch. Explore what Scotch is, how it’s made, and its different alternatives. You can also discover what to look for when buying Scotch on Instacart.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Drambuie Scotch Whisky (375 ml)

Angus Dundee Distillers Strathcolm Single Grain Scotch Whiskey (750 ml)

The Glenlivet 12 YR Single Malt Scotch Whiskey (750 ml)

Chivas Regal Extra Blended Scotch Whiskey (1 L)

Redemption Rye (750 ml)

Lobos 1707 1707 Extra Añejo Tequila (750 ml)

Jameson Irish Whiskey (750 ml)

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