How can you tell a good Scotch?

The Casks Count “If you don’t have good-quality barrels, then you’re going to have something a little bit rough and fiery on the palate,” agrees Lumsden. “From a consumer’s perspective, when they’re tasting Scotch whisky, there should be a soft, clean texture…not something that burns you.

Is Orkney whisky peaty?

Some of Orkney’s whiskies are peated, though the peat here is vastly different to that on the island of Islay. This is partly due to Orkney’s much younger age in geological terms. In addition, the high winds that buffet the islands have led to a dearth of trees, and Orkney peat takes more influence from heather.

What are the tasting properties of a Isle of Islay whiskey?

Soft and smooth malts are characteristic of this region, offering a gentle, elegant palate reminiscent of grass, honeysuckle, cream, ginger, toffee, toast and cinnamon. The whiskies are often lighter in character and perfect for pre-dinner drinks.

What makes a single malt good?

The ‘single’ in ‘single malt’ simply means that the whisky is the product of a single distillery. Therefore, while a single malt can contain whisky from many different casks, all of this whisky must have been produced by one distillery.

What whisky is made on Orkney?

Scapa Whisky | Scapa The Orcadian.

Do Highland scotches use peat?

In the Highlands and other parts of Scotland, if used in production (there are many who don’t), the peat, which is found farther inland, lends more of a rich, sweet smoke, more reminiscent of pipe tobacco and even smoked or barbecued meat.

What is a good Islay Scotch?

Islay Whiskies

• Bunnahabhain 2001 / 19 Year Old / Sherry Cask / The Whisky Show 2021.
• Bowmore 15 Year Old.
• Oc3 – Elements of Islay.
• Port Charlotte 10 Year Old.
• Caol Ila 2010 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Cask / The Whisky Exchange Exclusive.
• Lagavulin 9 Year Old / Game of Thrones House Lannister.
• Bowmore Legend.

Why does some Scotch taste like iodine?

Two single malt whiskies from the Scottish island Islay, i.e., Laphroiag and Lagavulin, are characterized by an iodine-like flavor associated with marine environments. In this study we investigated if this flavor impression could be due to bromophenols which are character impact compounds of marine fish and shrimps.

What should I look for in a whiskey?

Malted barley usually adds a hint of smokiness to whisky. Most whiskies will be quite sweet, with hints of vanilla, toffee, honey, or caramel. Adding water to a whisky and bringing out these incredible flavours is one of the most enjoyable parts of finding a good whisky.

How do you judge whiskey?

Here are eight pointers for tasting like a pro.

1. “Tasting” isn’t the same as “drinking.” The goal is to evaluate and enjoy the whiskey, not get smashed.
2. Ditch the wine glass.
3. Observe the color.
4. Give it a smell, gently.
5. “Sip small and savor.”
6. Don’t forget the finish.
7. Add water or ice, if desired, and repeat.
8. Try a flight.

Does Orkney have a distillery?

The Orkney Distillery and Visitor Centre in Kirkwall is the home of Orkney Gin. You can book tours online and check live availability.

What makes whisky in Orkney so special?

As well as being home to several distilleries over the years, Orkney also made a perhaps unexpected contribution to whisky-making on the Scottish mainland, courtesy of that high-quality peat previously mentioned. The small island of Eday lies to the north-east of the Orkney mainland and for many years was home to the Eday Peat Company.

Why Islay whisky is better than Orkney whisky?

This is partly due to Orkney’s much younger age in geological terms. In addition, the high winds that buffet the islands have led to a dearth of trees, and Orkney peat takes more influence from heather. As a result, Orkney whiskies are considered to have a more honeyed character than their medicinal Islay counterparts.

What is the Scotch whisky style in the islands?

There is no distinctive Scotch whisky style in the Islands. Peat has a long association with the whisky industry here, but the use of peat varies widely depending on the distiller. The seven distillers on the islands present a broad assortment of house styles, as a brief survey will indicate.

Where are the Orkney Islands?

The Orkney Islands are located to the north of the Scottish mainland and comprise 70 individual islands, 20 of which are inhabited. Their history lies as much with Norway as with Scotland, and Norse places names and ancient archaeological sites abound.