Scotch whisky

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Scotch whisky
TypeDistilled beverage
Country of origin Scotland
Introduced15th century
Alcohol by volume 40–94.8%
ColourPale gold to dark amber
FlavourSmooth, sharp, (often) hint of vanilla
IngredientsMalt, Water
VariantsSingle malt, Single grain, Blended malt, Blended grain, Blended
Related products

Scotch whisky (

Scottish Gaelic: uisge-beatha na h-Alba; Scots: Scots whisky/whiskie, whusk(e)y, pronounced [ˈʍɪski],[1] often simply called whisky or Scotch) is malt whisky or grain whisky (or a blend of the two), made in Scotland
.

All Scotch whisky was originally made from malted barley. Commercial distilleries began introducing whisky made from wheat and rye in the late 18th century.[2] As of 2022, there were 141 whisky distilleries operating in Scotland,[3] making Scotch whisky one of the most renowned geographical indications worldwide.[4]

All Scotch whisky must be aged immediately after distillation in

oak barrels for at least three years.[5][6] Any age statement on a bottle of Scotch whisky, expressed in numerical form, must reflect the age of the youngest whisky used to create that product. A whisky with an age statement is known as guaranteed-age whisky. A whisky without an age statement is known as a no age statement (NAS) whisky, the only guarantee being that all whisky contained in that bottle is at least three years old. The minimum bottling strength according to existing regulations is 40% alcohol by volume.[7]

Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: single malt Scotch whisky, single grain Scotch whisky, blended malt Scotch whisky (formerly called "vatted malt" or "pure malt"), blended grain Scotch whisky, and blended Scotch whisky.[5][6]

The first known written mention of Scotch whisky is in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland of 1494.[8]

Many Scotch whisky drinkers refer to a unit for drinking as a dram.[9]

As explained in its history, the word whisky derives its etymology from the Gaelic uisge beatha or usquebaugh, which means "water of life" (a calque via Medieval Latin aqua vitae; compare aquavit).[10][11]

History

Greybeard Heather Dew Scotch whisky jug

The earliest record of distillation in Scotland is in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland for 1494.[8][12]

To Friar John Cor, by order of the King, to make aqua vitae, VIII bolls of malt.

— Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, 1 June 1494.

The Exchequer Rolls' record crown income and expenditure and the quote records eight bolls of malt given to Friar John Cor to make aqua vitae over the previous year. The term aqua vitae is Latin for "water of life" and was the general term for distilled spirits.[13] This would be enough for 1,500 bottles, which suggests that distillation was well-established by the late 15th century.[14]

The first known reference to a still for making "aquavite" in Scotland appears in the Aberdeen council registers,[15] in a case heard in 1505 by the town's bailies concerning the inheritance of goods belonging to a chaplain called Sir Andrew Gray, who died in 1504. Among his goods was recorded (in Middle Scots) "ane stellatour for aquavite and ros wattir'".[16]

Aqua vitae (in the form of wine or spirits) was used when making gunpowder to moisten the slurry of saltpetre, charcoal and sulphur.[17] As a drink, Scotch whisky was a favourite of King James IV of Scotland.[18]

Spirit production was first taxed by the Scottish parliament of January 1644, with an excise duty of 2s 8d imposed per Scots pint; instigating the illicit distilling of spirits within the country.[19] Between the 1760s and the 1830s a substantial unlicensed trade originated from the Highlands, forming a significant part of the region's export economy. In 1782, more than 1,000 illegal stills were seized in the Highlands: these can only have been a fraction of those in operation. The Lowland distillers, who had no opportunity to avoid taxation, complained that untaxed Highland whisky made up more than half the market. The heavy taxation during the Napoleonic Wars gave the illicit trade a large advantage, but their product was also considered better quality, commanding a higher price in the Lowlands. This was due to the method of taxation: malt was subject to tax (at a rate that climbed substantially between the 1790s and 1822). The licensed distillers, therefore, used more raw grain in an effort to reduce their tax bill.[20]: 119-134 

The Highland magistrates, themselves members of the landowning classes, had a lenient attitude to unlicensed distillers—all of whom would be tenants in the local area. They understood that the trade supported the rents paid. Imprisoned tenants would not be able to pay any rent.[20]: 119-134 

In 1823, Parliament eased restrictions on licensed distilleries with the Excise Act, while at the same time making it harder for the illegal stills to operate. Magistrates found counsel for the Crown appearing in their courts, so forcing the maximum penalties to be applied, with some cases removed to the Court of Exchequer in Edinburgh for tougher sentences. Highland landowners were now happy to remove tenants who were distillers in clearances on their estates. These changes ushered in the modern era of Scotch production: in 1823 2,232,000 gallons of whisky had duty paid on it; in 1824 this increased to 4,350,000 gallons.[20]: 119–134 

A farmer, George Smith, working under landlord the

Glenlivet Distillery in 1824, to make single malt Scotch.[22] Some of the distilleries which started legal operations in the next few years included Bowmore, Strathisla, Balblair, and Glenmorangie; all remain in business today.[18]

Two events helped to increase whisky's popularity. The first was the introduction in 1831 of the column still. Aeneas Coffey patented a refined version of a design originally created by Robert Stein, based on early innovations by Anthony Perrier, for the new type of still[18] which produced whisky much more efficiently than the traditional pot stills.[23] The column still allowed for continuous distillation, without the need for cleaning after each batch was made. This process made manufacturing more affordable by performing the equivalent of multiple distillation steps.[24] The new still dramatically increased production and the resultant whisky was less intense and smoother, making it more popular.[24] Secondly, there was a shortage of wine and brandy in France, significant by 1880, due to phylloxera, a parasitic insect, destroying many vineyards, which led to a surge in demand for whisky. By the 1890s, almost forty new distilleries had opened in Scotland. The boom years continued until the industry was significantly affected by World War I and later, by the Great Depression; many of the companies closed and never re-opened.[18][25]

During the 1970s there was a boom in Scotch whisky production that led to an overproduction in the early 1980s.[26] Starting in 1981 whisky distilleries slashed production by a third and kept it low for a decade. During that time many distilleries closed. Banff, Brora, Coleburn, Convalmore, Dallas Dhu, Garnheath, Glen Albyn, Glenesk, Glenflagler, Glenlochy, Glen Mhor, Glenugie, Glenury, Millburn, North Port, Port Ellen and St Magdalene were mothballed, shut down or demolished.[27][28]

Since the 2010s, Scotch whisky has entered a new phase of growth with new distilleries like Ardnahoe and Borders opening and older distilleries like Brora, Port Ellen and Rosebank reopening.[29][30]

Regulations and labelling

Legal definition

As of 23 November 2009, the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (SWR) define and regulate the production, labelling, packaging as well as advertising of Scotch whisky in the United Kingdom. They replace previous regulations that focused solely on production, including the Scotch Whisky Act 1988.

Since the previous act focused primarily on production standards, it was repealed and superseded by the 2009 Regulations. The SWR includes broader definitions and requirements for the crafting, bottling, labelling, branding, and selling of "Scotch Whisky". International trade agreements have the effect of making some provisions of the SWR apply in various other countries as well as in the UK. The SWR defines "Scotch whisky" as whisky that:[5][6]

  • Comprises a minimum alcoholic strength by volume of 40% (80 US proof)
  • Contains no added substances, other than water and plain (E150A) caramel colouring
  • Is produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (to which only whole grains of other cereals may be added) all of which have been:
    • Converted at that distillery to a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzyme systems
    • Distilled at an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 94.8% (190 US proof)
    • Fermented at that distillery only by adding yeast
    • Processed at that distillery into a mash
  • Is wholly matured in an excise warehouse in Scotland in oak
    imp gal
    ) for at least three years
  • Retains the colour, aroma, and taste of the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production and maturation

The Scotch Whisky Association acts as the regulatory body that ensures that Scotch Whisky is produced in accordance with traditional practices, as well as ensuring a sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky industry by promoting sustainable production, global trade, and responsible consumption.[4]

Labelling

Scotch whisky labels declare their composition ("Single Malt Scotch Whisky" at top), and in the example above the single distillery of manufacture (The Balvenie). An age statement ("12 years") indicates the maturation time of the youngest whisky used in a particular bottling.

A Scotch whisky label comprises several elements that indicate aspects of production, age, bottling, and ownership. Some of these elements are regulated by the SWR,

Scottish, English, Welsh, Australian and Canadian whiskies use whisky, Irish whiskies use whiskey, while American and other styles vary in their spelling of the term.[33]

The label always features a declaration of the malt or grain whiskies used. A single malt Scotch whisky is one that is entirely produced from malt in one distillery. One may also encounter the term "

Glenfiddich distillery was using the term to describe some single malt bottlings. As a result, the Scotch Whisky Association declared that a mixture of single malt whiskies must be labelled a "blended malt". The use of the former terms "vatted malt" and "pure malt" is prohibited. The term "blended malt" is still debated, as some bottlers maintain that consumers confuse the term with "blended Scotch whisky", which contains some proportion of grain whisky.[37]

The brand name featured on the label is usually the same as the distillery name (for example, the

Alcoholic strength is expressed on the label by Alcohol By Volume (ABV) or sometimes simply "Vol".[38] Typically, bottled whisky is between 40% and 46% ABV.[39] Whisky is considerably stronger when first emerging from the cask—normally 60–63% ABV.[38][39] Water is then added to create the desired bottling strength. If the whisky is not diluted before bottling, it can be labelled as cask strength.[39]

A whisky's age may be listed on the bottle providing a guarantee of the youngest whisky used. An age statement on the bottle, in the form of a number, must reflect the age of the youngest whisky used to produce that product. A whisky with an age statement is known as guaranteed age whisky.[40] Scotch whisky without an age statement may, by law, be as young as three years old.[5] In the early 21st century, such "No age statement" whiskies have become more common, as distilleries respond to the depletion of aged stocks caused by improved sales.[41] A label may carry a distillation date or a bottling date. Whisky does not mature once bottled, so if no age statement is provided, one may calculate the age of the whisky if both the distillation date and bottling date are given.[38]

Labels may also carry various declarations of filtration techniques or final maturation processes. A Scotch whisky labelled as "natural" or "non-chill-filtered" has not been through a filtration process during bottling that removes compounds that some consumers see as desirable. Whisky is aged in various types of casks—and often in used port or sherry casks—during distinct portions of the maturation process, and will take on characteristics, flavour, and aromas from such casks. Special casks are sometimes used at the end of the maturation process, and such whiskies may be labelled as "wood finished", "sherry/port finished", and so on.[38]

Economic effects

Scotland's identity and heritage are deeply intertwined with Scotch Whisky, a cornerstone of the country's economy exported to nearly 180 markets.[4] The Scotch Whisky Association estimated that Scotland's whisky industry supported 40,000 jobs and accounted for £4.37 billion in exports in 2017. Of that total, single malt Scotch accounted for £1.17 billion in exports, a 14% increase over 2016.[42] The drink is exported to nearly 180 markets and, in 2022, its exports were valued at over £6 billion for the first time.

The industry's contribution to the economy of the UK was estimated as £5.5 billion in 2018; the industry provided £3.8 billion in direct GVA (gross value added) to Scotland. Whisky tourism has also become significant and accounts for £68.3 million per year. One factor negatively affected sales, an extra 3.9% duty on spirits imposed by the UK in 2017. (The effect of the 25% increase in tariffs imposed by the U.S. in October 2019 would not be apparent until 2020.) Nonetheless, by year-end 2017, exports had reached a record-breaking amount.[43][44][45][46]

In November 2019, the Association announced that the government of the UK had agreed to consider revising the alcohol taxation system, hopefully producing a new plan that was simplified and "fairer".[47]

Exports in 2018 again increased 7.8% by value, and 3.6% in the number of bottles, in spite of the duty imposed in 2017; exports grew to a record level, £4.7 billion.[48] The US imported Scotch whisky with a value of just over £1 billion while the European Union was the second-largest importer, taking 30% of global value. This was a boom year with a record high in exports, but the Scotch Whisky Association expressed concern for the future, particularly "the challenges posed by Brexit and by tensions in the global trading system".[49]

Scotch whisky tourism has developed around the industry, with distilleries being the third most visited attraction in Scotland; roughly 2 million visits were recorded in 2018. Some 68 distilleries operate visitors' centres in Scotland and another eight accept visits by appointment. Hotels, restaurants, and other facilities are also impacted by the tourism phenomenon. Tourism has had an especially visible impact on the economy in some remote rural areas, according to Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs. "The Scottish Government is committed to working with partners like the Scotch Whisky Association to increase our tourism offer and encourage more people to visit our distilleries," the Secretary said.[50][51]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, exports of many food and drink products from the UK declined significantly,[52] and that included Scotch whisky. Distillers were required to close for some time and the hospitality industry worldwide experienced a major slump.[53] According to news reports in February 2021, the Scotch whisky sector had experienced £1.1 billion in lost sales. Exports to the US were also affected by the 25% tariff that had been imposed. Scotch whisky exports to the US during 2020 "fell by 32%" from the previous year. Worldwide exports fell in 70% of Scotch whisky's global markets.[54] A BBC News headline on 12 February 2021 summarized the situation: "Scotch whisky exports slump to 'lowest in a decade'".[55]

Ownership of distilleries

A 2016 report stated that only 20% of the whisky was made by companies owned in Scotland. Distilleries owned by Diageo, a London-based company, produce 40% of all Scotch whisky, with over 24 brands, such as Johnnie Walker, J&B and Vat 69. Another 20% of the product is made by distillers owned by Pernod Ricard of France, including brands such as Ballantine's, Chivas Regal and Glenlivet . There are also 12% made by smaller distillers that are owned by foreign companies, such as Cutty Sark and Label 5 owned by La Martiniquaise of France, Dewar's and William Lawson's owned by Bacardi Limited of Bermuda and BenRiach whose parent is the Brown–Forman Corporation based in Kentucky, United States. Nonetheless, Scotch whisky is produced according to the current regulations, as to ageing, production, and so on, ensuring that it remains Scottish.[18]

Independents owned by Scots companies make a substantial amount of Scotch whisky, with the largest, William Grant & Sons, producing 8%, or about 7.6 million cases per year. Its brands include Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Grant's.[56] Glenfiddich is the best-selling single malt Scotch in the world.[57] Roughly 14 million bottles of Glenfiddich are sold annually.[56]

Independent bottlers