What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky? - WhiskyFlavour (2023)

What is the smoothest Scotch whisky? There are varying opinions on what the smoothest Scotch whisky out there is. If you’re looking for an undebatable smooth Scotch experience, then your best bet is to go with Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, or Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old.

Table of Content:

  1. Introduction
  2. What is Smooth Scotch Whisky?
    • How Do You Know When A Scotch Whisky Is Smooth?
    • You Can Tell Great Quality by the Color
    • You Can Gauge Smoothness by the Nose
    • You Can Taste Smoothness When You Sip It
  3. Which Is Smoother, Scotch or Whisky?
  4. What is the Smoothest Scotch Whisky? Single Malt or Blended?
    • What is Single Malt Scotch Whisky?
    • What Is the Difference Between Single Malt Scotch and Scotch Blends?
  5. What Is the Smoothest Scotch Whisky to Drink Straight?
  6. What is the Smoothest Scotch Whisky to Drink on a Budget?
  7. Conclusion

Introduction

As examples, there are a few Scotch whiskies, in particular, that stand out as most popular among the whisky boffs and experts alike. Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, and Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old are the smoothest Scotch whiskies to drink. Not only did these three whiskies win awards for being the best and smoothest Scotches, but they got the top spots for the best whiskies in the world as voted by the International Whisky Competition. They were up against some of the world’s best Irish whiskies, Bourbons, Japanese whiskies, and other favorites from around the world.

When it comes to assessing the smoothness of a whisky, most people look for lightness and flavor on the palate. A whisky with as little alcoholic “bite” as possible is considered to be smooth. Therefore, the best way to tell whether or not a Scotch is smooth or not is to test to see if you can taste or smell the alcohol in it.

Smoothness is also a trait in Scotch whisky that is commonly associated with how good the quality of the brew is. Therefore it’s common to think that the best Scotch whiskies in the world are also the smoothest. We’ll explore why the three Scotch whiskies mentioned above are easily the smoothest Scotches to drink and what makes them so special.

In general, Scotch, and any other whisky, pick up smooth qualities during their aging process. Smoothness largely depends on the amount of time it ages in casks and barrels. As a general rule, the longer a Scotch remains in the barrel, the smoother it will be when you drink it.

It also depends on what types of casks or barrels distillers choose to age their whisky in. Barrels are typically reused sherry or wine barrels. The type of barrel determines the notes one will experience on the nose and palate, as well as the Scotch’s smoothness.

If you’re asking yourself, “what is the smoothest Scotch whisky to drink?”, you need to keep reading this post for some helpful tips on how to identify the smooth qualities in a Scotch you’ve been looking for.

What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky? - WhiskyFlavour (1)

What is Smooth Scotch Whisky?

If you hear whisky or Scotch described as smooth, the term generally refers to the texture of the whisky. But Scotch is liquid, surely that’s its texture? Scotch whisky is considered to be smooth if there is a minimal alcoholic bite to the drink itself. In a nutshell, this means that the drink will not make your eyes water when you have the first sip of it.

You may still pick up some alcohol on the nose. Smelling your glass of whisky before taking a sip of it is an integral part of the tasting process. For really smooth whiskies, you’ll notice the fruity and spicy undertones when you first nose it. The notes you pick up heavily depend on the type of casks and barrels used during aging the Scotch. But, we’ll get back to how later on in this post.

Experts describe a whisky as smooth when they can get the fundamental flavors of the drink and when they can sip on it easily. Whisky is not for everyone, but a truly smooth Scotch is something anyone can enjoy, even if it is only occasionally.

Scotch whiskies are notorious for being some of the smoothest whiskies out there. The Scottish people have embedded much of their socioeconomic history into the crafting and production of whisky.

The distillers of our mentioned favorites, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, and Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old know their stuff! Their qualities are great examples of what is the smoothest Scotch whisky.

Some of the smoothest Scotch whiskies in the world, also tend to be older vintages. A more aged whisky has less of an alcoholic bite than those that have only been in the barrel for less than 5 years. More time with contact on the wooden barrel and more time for the flavors to come out generally makes for a smoother Scotch.

Get to know our Top 6 of the Best Single Malt Whisky Expressions

A popular belief is that the smoothest whisky has to be single malt. We’ll talk more about what single malt whisky is later on in this post. However, there are plenty of Scotch whiskies that achieve their smoothness through the blending process. An example of a very smooth blend is the Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old.

There are controversial thoughts on blended whisky, especially Scotch! Scotch purists believe that it should never be blended and that Scotch needs to be crafted as one single spirit. However, there are some fantastic blends out there that can give even the smoothest single malt Scotch whiskies a run for their money.

The World Whisky Awards named Dewar’s Double Double 21 Years Old as the best blend globally, and this is also a Scotch. The point is that smoothness canbe achieved in several different ways. A lot of it has to do with the aging process in which barrels the Scotch sits.

What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky? - WhiskyFlavour (2)

How Do You Know When A Scotch Whisky Is Smooth?

The short answer is if your eyes water on the first sip, the whisky you’re drinking may not be particularly smooth. However, many whiskies have a smooth finish. This means they’ll be quite fiery and intense on the palate to start with, but then leave an aftertaste that is more fruity and well-balanced.

If you trust your eyes, nose, and mouth, you’ll soon be able to tell anyone the answer to the ultimate question, what is the smoothest Scotch whisky to drink?

You Can Tell Great Quality by the Color

A smooth whisky will generally have a deeper color. You can also tell how long a Scotch has been aged by the color. Again, the longer the wood contact a Scotch has, the deeper a color it adopts from the wood.

The color also heavily depends on the type of the barrel the whisky has been aged in. The Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, for example, is aged for an initial 10 years in Bourbon casks before spending an additional 13 years in barrels previously used to house red wine.

Having the barrels previously used for red wine would make the color darker, the longer it remains in the barrel. Other Scotch whiskies are aged in sherry barrels. Most of the barrels that make the top-quality Scotch whiskies are made out of good-quality oak.

Top-quality Scotch whiskies will have deep gold colors. Deep gold is the color description used to describe the appearance of both Ardbeg Uigeadail and Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old. Always look for deep gold sand darker Scotches when asking, “what is the smoothest Scotch whisky?”. This will put you on the right path. They’re also pretty to look at!

Know more about Dewar’s and the history of the brand!

You Can Gauge Smoothness by the Nose

What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky? - WhiskyFlavour (3)When nosing a Scotch whisky, you can often tell what you are in for by looking for certain characteristics in the smell. Similar to sipping the whisky, if you pick up a lot of alcohol on the nose, the Scotch may not be a smooth experience.

A younger whisky (around 5 years old) will have way more alcohol on the nose than a Scotch that has sat in casks and barrels for more than 10 years. You may feel a slight burning sensation in your nose when smelling a young Scotch whisky. Feeling a slight nasal sting is usually a good indicator that the whisky you are about to drink is relatively young. Usually, young whiskies are not as smooth as older vintages. The nose of Scotch is another reason age and smoothness generally go hand in hand.

There are some exceptions as we have mentioned, for example, with blends. Here, smoothness depends largely on the combination of flavors and vintages. Fundamentally though, the individual components of the blend need to be crafted in such a way that smoothness is achieved.

Let’s take the Ardbeg Uigeadail as an example of a great Scotch to nose. The distillery describes the aromas of this Scotch whisky as heady and smokey. The scents that come through are comparable to wood burning on a fire, dark mulled fruit, coffee, and a hint of sweetness such as that of a warm pudding.

Ardbeg Uigeadail is aged in casks previously used for aging sherry. We can probably guess that the sweet fruity undertones come from the sherry that was previously stored in the barrels. Smokiness usually comes from the wood of the barrels which is usually top-quality oak.

You’ll notice the description does not mention heavy aromas of alcohol. A smooth Scotch will have clearly identifiable scents on the nose. You should be able to pick these up despite the alcohol content.

So, what is the smoothest Scotch whisky? Any Scotch that smells simply delectable and doesn’t burn your nose when you breathe in.

You Can Taste Smoothness When You Sip It

What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky? - WhiskyFlavour (4)If whisky is not what the experts call smooth, you will certainly know about it. A strong young whisky may make some people gag or cough. For a Scotch to be smooth, it literally has to go down the hatch smoothly and be a genuinely enjoyable experience.

Basically, if you ever feel like you’re knocking back cheap shooters at a bar when drinking Scotch, the chances are you don’t have a very smooth whisky. A smooth Scotch should never have a heavy taste or smell of alcohol.

A great example of a wonderfully smooth Scotch is the Glenmorangie Vintage 1997. When you taste this vintage you’ll immediately pick up the notes of spice and red berries. We know it’s on the high side of most people’s budget, but it’s also ranked as one of the smoothest Scotch whiskies in the world.

The distillers of Glenmorangie Vintage 1997 again emphasize the fruity, sweet, and spicy flavors your palate will experience when enjoying a swig of this masterpiece. You’ll especially experience its complex flavors when holding the Scotch in your mouth and swirling it around.

After you swallow your sip of Scotch, take a deep breath in through your mouth. This will give you an idea of the finish. The finish is the aftertaste that gets left inyour mouth after you take a sip. Again, the finish should not be intensely alcoholic if the Scotch is smooth.

The one that tastes like pure heaven is the answer to “what is the smoothest Scotch whisky”.

Which Is Smoother, Scotch or Whisky?

Scotch is actually the same as whisky. The difference is that Scotch is made in Scotland and whisky can be made anywhere. Bourbon is another style, but this is typically made in the United States of America.

The three top whiskies we’re using as examples here are all Scotch whiskies. As we’ve mentioned, a lot of Scottish identity is embedded in the creation of beautiful Scotch. Many distilleries have been handed down through generations of Scottish families.

Scottish distillers have spent years perfecting their craft and the quality of their Scotch. For this reason, many whisky enthusiasts will argue that Scotch is the smoothest whisky to drink and it is a world favorite.

Just like you, readers, the Scottish were probably asking themselves “what is the smoothest Scotch whisky we could possibly create?”. As a result, years of perfecting the art of distilling came to be.

However, any good connoisseur will tell you that your own preference will give you the best experience of whisky or Scotch that you could ask for. Many people enjoy different aspects of whisky. Some may like lighter blends, and some may like single malt bold flavors.

So when asking “which is smoother, Scotch or whisky?” The short answer is that its up to you! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out loads of different Scotches and whiskies to work out which qualities you prefer.

What is the Smoothest Scotch Whisky? Single Malt or Blended?

What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky? - WhiskyFlavour (5)

Any whisky critic will tell you that a single malt whisky has a reputation for being a higher quality than blends or other styles of whisky. Single malt Scotch whiskies tend to be smoother than blends because of the pride taken in their craftsmanship.

The flavor and balance of single malt Scotch whisky is also easier for distillers to control from one single malt. Famous distillers will often have single malt Scotches at their flagship whisky – one that speaks to the skill and professionalism executed by the distillers in their process.

There are, however, loads of blends out there are equally as smooth as single malts. Our favorite example of a top of the range blend is Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old. Blends are often a result of great creativity to achieve incredibly smooth textures. They are quickly becoming more popular among whisky experts.

In short, single malt Scotch is not necessarily your overall answer to the burning question, “what is the smoothest Scotch whisky?” A well blended Scotch will offer you just as great a smooth-drinking experience.

What is Single Malt Scotch Whisky?

Distillers of single malt Scotch whisky simply produce brews made only with malt from their distillery. They do not add any other grains to the malt. The distilling process also has to happen in good quality oak barrels for a Scotch to be labelled “single malt”.

Single malt Scotch whisky is also not blended with other vintages or other whiskies from different casks or barrels. However, it’s become heavily debated that, in fact, all whiskies are a combination of others in one way or another. Well-aged barrels will have flavors of previous Scotch brews, therefore certain qualities of previous vintages will influence the flavor, texture and aroma of the vintage being produced for bottling.

Distillers of Scotch are famous for undergoing the most labor intensive styles of distilling. This is why they are usually more expensive. There’s a misconception that more expensive Scotch is also smoother. This is not always the case as the higher price may just mean it cost more to make in the first place.

What Is the Difference Between Single Malt Scotch and Scotch Blends?

Single malt Scotch whisky is distilled in one cask or barrel and then bottled. Scotch Blends are made from a range of different malts from different distilleries, a combination of grains and vintages, distilled in different cask and barrel types.

Distillers will then bring them all together in a separate barrel before bottling. In Scotch blends, a distiller will achieve smoothness by harnessing desirable qualities from varying grains and vintages. Using other grains on top of the classic malt will also reduce production costs.

What Is the Smoothest Scotch Whisky to Drink Straight?

All smooth Scotch whiskies should be easy to drink straight. Adding water to any whisky can make it a smoother experience when sipping on them. A great quality Scotch will be easy to nose and swallow, without being overly alcoholic.

As world champions in the Scotch whisky game, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, and Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old are great examples of what the best Scotch whiskies to drink straight are.

First and foremost, you’re looking for the qualities in a Scotch that make it smooth. As we’ve talked about it, you’ll know what to look for on the nose, in the color and on the palate when sampling a smooth Scotch.

Most of the top quality, smoothest Scotch whiskies are relatively expensive owing to the awards they’ve received from whisky experts all over the world. However, if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to identify what makes any Scotch smooth.

As a general rule, any Scotch that you’re sipping happily without reaching for the ice tray will be smooth. If a Scotch blows your head off because it tastes or smells too alcoholic, it’s probably not a good quality, smooth Scotch whisky.

What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky? - WhiskyFlavour (6)

What is the Smoothest Scotch Whisky to Drink on a Budget?

So, what is the smoothest Scotch whisky to drink when you don’t want to break the bank? A classic Johnnie Walker Black Label 12-Year-Old blended Scotch is a stunning, smooth Scotch to drink straight or on the rocks.

You can pick up a bottle of this great find for about $30.00 per 750ml bottle. It’s also relatively easy to come by, as you can get it at any major supermarket. It will give you a great introduction into what to look for when you want to know what a smooth Scotch whisky should taste like.

It has a dark amber color when you look at it. As we know, this is one of the things to look for when you want a good quality Scotch whisky. On the nose, you’ll pick up toffee which gives you the sweetness you need for a smooth Scotch whisky.

Other aromas include red berries, spice and smoke. Check, check and check again! These aromas are echoed on a beautiful palate. If you’re a fan of the sweetness aspect in Scotch, you can add water or ice to enhance the sweetness even more.

And finally, the finish. As in classic smooth Scotch whiskies, the finish of this budget friendly bombshell is elongated with hints of citrus and vanilla. A final peppery bite at the end will warm you up from head to toe.

Conclusion

What is the smoothest Scotch whisky? Although we’ve used the best examples of Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, and Dewar’s Double Double 32-Year-Old, you’ll be able to find super smooth Scotch whiskies by using your eyes, nose, and of course mouth.

A smooth Scotch whisky will not taste or smell too much of alcohol and will leave a beautiful fruit finish in your mouth. Perfecting Scotch has taken years of practice and families of distillers have been perfecting their methods through generations.

Many believe that single malts are the smoothest scotch whiskies, but there are loads of fantastic blends out there too. Blends equality demonstrate great skill and craftsmanship, and also achieve high levels of smoothness.
The length of time a Scotch has had barrel or casks contact will also determine how smooth it is. The older the Scotch the smoother it is. So, the older Scotch whiskies will be good answers to “what is the smoothest Scotch whisky?”

FAQs

Which is smoother Scotch or whiskey? ›

Flavor: Scotch tastes smoother than whiskey. This is a result of the way the distillery malts the grains. Grains: Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage derived from barley, wheat, grain, or corn.

What is the worlds No 1 Scotch whisky? ›

The Glenmorangie Signet is considered the best whisky in the world, thanks to its use of high roast chocolate malt barley with a blend of Glenmorangie's rarest whiskies matured in bespoke casks.

What is the most requested Scotch? ›

Leading brands of Scotch whisky in the U.S. based on volume sales 2021. In 2021, Johnnie Walker Black was the leading Scotch whisky brand in the United States with about 1.14 million 9-liter cases sold. The third most popular Scotch whisky brand was Johnnie Walker Red, also supplied by Diageo.

What is a top shelf Scotch whiskey? ›

High quality scotch whiskies that are worth paying more for.

“Top Shelf” refers to the cream of the crop of spirits. Top Shelf spirits are generally the most expensive bottles from respected distilleries, using the finest quality ingredients and an elaborate, carefully orchestrated distillation and aging process.

What is an easy drinking Scotch? ›

Johnnie Walker Black – The Top Seller. Glenlivet 12 Year – A Path Towards Single Malts. The Balvenie 14 Year – A Step Up from the Glenlivet 12 Year. Macallan 12 Year – The Perfect Introduction to Highland Scotch. Laphroaig 10 Year – A Powerful and Complex Islay Whisky.

What is the best Scotch to start drinking? ›

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year is a great scotch for beginners. This single malt whiskey has a smooth, fruity taste with subtle hints of vanilla. Compared to other types of scotch, the Macallan is smooth and sweet, making it a great starter scotch for folks who don't always love whiskey's harsh taste.

What is smoother to drink Scotch or bourbon? ›

Scotch has a sharp, distinct flavor that's more of an acquired taste than bourbon. You'll find that blended Scotch is smoother and maltier with a spicy finish.

Why Scotch is better than whisky? ›

Whiskey tends to have a more mellow flavor. Scotch is famous for its more smokey finish, especially if the barley grains are dried by peat fire. Also, when sampling whiskey you may stumble upon a blended whiskey. Blended whiskey is a mix of high-quality spirit whiskeys with less expensive spirits.

Is Scotch higher quality than bourbon? ›

In terms of bourbon vs scotch taste, scotch is more intense with a distinguishable smokiness, while bourbon is sweeter. When it comes to the alcohol content, scotch is typically stronger and often bottled at 60-75% ABV while bourbon is bottled at around 40% ABV.

Is Scotch a sipping whiskey? ›

Scotch is a sipping drink; it is best enjoyed when you're not in a rush. The first sip may taste quite strong, but that's normal as your taste buds acclimatize to the unique flavor. As mentioned, you can add a little water, say a thimbleful, or you can sip water in between drinks.

What are the top 5 Scotch whisky? ›

The List: Best Scotch, According To Experts
  • Talisker 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. ...
  • Glenfarclas 15-Year-Old. ...
  • Ardbeg Corryvreckan. ...
  • The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old. ...
  • Lagavulin 16-Year-Old.
Nov 11, 2022

What is the most popular scotch in Scotland? ›

These are the go-tos: (1) The Famous Grouse, aka The Low Flying Bird It's the top selling blend in Scotland. (2) Dewar's, aka The Drinking Man's Scotch Best seller in the U.S., top five in the world. (3) Bell's, aka Afore Ye Go Top mover in the U.K. overall.

What is a good Scotch not too expensive? ›

Here are our expert picks of the best cheap scotches to drink right now.
  • Best Overall: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12-Year-Old. ...
  • Best for Cocktails: Bowmore 12-Year-Old Single Malt. ...
  • Best Single Malt: The Balvenie 12-Year-Old DoubleWood. ...
  • Best Smoky: Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Islay Single Malt.

What is a good but not expensive Scotch? ›

Dewar's White Label is a cheap Scotch Whiskey brand that offers value and quality. It has a unique smoothness about it and boasts an Oakey yet light flavor profile. It has notes of pear, citrus, and honey and a delightful aftertaste.

What is the best bottle of Scotch you can buy? ›

12 Top-Rated Scotch Whiskies Worth Splurging On
  • The Glenlivet 12 Year Old. Scotch whiskey. ...
  • Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie. Scotch whiskey. ...
  • Oban 14 Years Old. ...
  • Highland Park 18 Year Old Viking Pride. ...
  • The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve. ...
  • Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt. ...
  • Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch. ...
  • Dewar's 15 Year.
Nov 13, 2022

What are the 4 types of scotch? ›

There are five Scotch Whisky regions - Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside.

What are the top three brands of scotch? ›

Some of the best Scotch Whisky brands include The Macallan, The Balvenie, and Ardbeg (if you're a smoky whisky fan).

What is premium scotch? ›

An exquisite blend made from some of Scotland's rarest and most exceptional Scotch whiskies, our whisky offers incomparably rich and smoky waves of powerful flavor. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavor to deliver the remarkable signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

What is the best Scotch with no hangover? ›

Redbreast 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is one of the best whiskeys for preventing a hangover. Aged for 12 years, this whiskey has a proof of 80, meaning it is only 40% alcohol by volume so the low alcohol content will help with reducing a hangover.

What is the most famous Scotch drink? ›

1. Scotch Old-Fashioned. Of all the scotch cocktails from which you can choose, the old-fashioned is probably the most famous. (Yes, rye whiskey drinkers.

Is Scotch the healthiest alcohol? ›

As well as having an actively positive effect on the body, whisky is also the healthiest alcohol you can drink. It contains no fat and hardly any sugar or carbohydrates. It barely alters the level of sugar in your blood, making it a better choice for diabetics than other alcohol.

Is Scotch or whiskey easier to drink? ›

Bourbon is considered easier to drink vs Scotch, which has a very distinct flavor. The breakdown in flavors is: Bourbon whiskey has a sweeter, more mellow flavor than Scotch, with notes of vanilla, oak and caramel.

Why is Scotch cheaper than bourbon? ›

There are many factors that contribute to why cheap scotch is generally worse than cheap bourbon. Firstly, scotch must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, while bourbon only needs to be aged for two years.

Is Jameson A Scotch or bourbon? ›

Is Jameson A Scotch or bourbon? No. Jameson is an Irish whiskey produced, distilled and matured in Ireland. However some of our whiskeys use Bourbon barrels, such as Jameson Black Barrel.

Is bourbon poor mans Scotch? ›

It's a drink for every person and every occasion, but it's not the poor man's Scotch. The rules on what makes a bourbon a bourbon are strict, with the most important part being that they must be 51% corn, giving bourbon a sweeter flavour than other whiskey alternatives.

Are there any benefits to drinking Scotch? ›

Whiskey has high levels of polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants linked with lowering your risk of heart disease. The polyphenols in whiskey have been shown to decrease “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels, and reduce triglycerides, or fat in your blood.

Which is better Scotch or Irish whiskey? ›

But the biggest difference between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey is the distillation process. While both spirits are distilled liquors, Scotch is distilled twice to Irish whiskey's thrice. This extra distillation gives Irish whiskey a smoother finish and some say make it the best in the world.

Why do people drink Scotch whisky? ›

It Makes You Feel Good

There's nothing like enjoying a nice glass of whiskey at the end of a long day (or week!). There's something about its smooth, warming flavor that just makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Relaxing with a drink in hand always seems to make everything feel just a little bit better.

How do you drink Scotch? ›

The simplest way to enjoy your whisky is neat, cleansing your palate with cool water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whisky, which can open up the flavors as the liquids combine. Experiment to see what works for you, but go slowly. Don't add too much water at once.

Is Scotch stronger than whiskey? ›

Scotch whisky is a type of whisky made specifically in Scotland. In addition to having the same basic formula—grain slowly fermented in barrels—whiskey and scotch are both distilled between 40 and 90% alcohol by volume.

Is Johnnie Walker Scotch or bourbon? ›

Johnnie Walker Red Label is the world's best-selling Scotch Whisky. And is made for mixing, both in exhilarating cocktails and with your favorite people. It brings together whiskies specially chosen for their bold, vibrant flavors that add a fiery kick to any mix.

How do Americans drink Scotch? ›

For neat whisky, make it a tumbler (a short glass with a heavy bottom). For long whisky drinks, use a highball glass that's tall, slim and straight-sided. A huge part of the flavor of food and drink comes from the way it smells – and whisky is no exception. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma.

Is scotch better on rocks or neat? ›

Overall, Moyher's insight suggests that “neat” is for the serious drinker who wants the most out of a whisky or Scotch's flavors, where “on the rocks” is more appropriate for a refreshing, social option. And both choices have their place at the dinner table.

Why do people order scotch with water? ›

Some whiskies nowadays are 55 to 60 percent ABV, and that's quite a lot of alcohol, so adding water to it can really improve the drinking experience to tailor the alcoholic strength of the spirit to what you enjoy.”

Which is smoother single malt or blended Scotch? ›

The most significant difference between the two is the distillation process. Single malt whisky is produced and bottled in a single distillery, whereas blended, as the name suggests, is a blend of two or more malt and grain whiskies. Blended Scotch is generally lighter and softer on the palate than single malt whisky.

What is a smooth Scotch that doesn't burn? ›

Here are some whiskies that are considered light or smooth (smooth is not a flavor, but anyway…): Tomintoul (The Gentle Dram, single malt Scotch) Deanston Malt 12-yr (single malt Scotch) Bushmills Irish (blended Irish whiskey)

What are the 4 types of Scotch? ›

There are five Scotch Whisky regions - Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside.

Why do people prefer single malt Scotch? ›

Traditional single malts do typically have a flavour advantage over grain whiskies though. This is why most scotch whisky connoisseurs quickly migrate to single malts, for the wide diversity of flavour they can provide.

How do I choose a good single malt Scotch? ›

What to look for when choosing a really special scotch whisky to buy
  1. the quality of the cask in which the whisky has been matured.
  2. whether the whisky has been chill filtered.
  3. the age of the whisky.
  4. whether additives have been added.
Apr 24, 2018

Should you drink Scotch straight? ›

The simplest way to enjoy your whisky is neat, cleansing your palate with cool water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whisky, which can open up the flavors as the liquids combine. Experiment to see what works for you, but go slowly. Don't add too much water at once.

What kind of Scotch to order at a bar? ›

The Scotch Whiskies That Offer the Best Bang for Your Buck
  • Ardbeg Wee Beastie.
  • Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie.
  • Dewar's Cask Series.
  • Dewar's Japanese Smooth.
  • Famous Grouse.
  • Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch.
  • Aberlour A'Bunadh.
  • Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old.
Sep 20, 2022

What is a good non smoky Scotch? ›

The 7 Top Non-Peaty Scotch Picks
  • Longmorn 16 (Non-Peaty Scotch) | $109.99.
  • GlenAllachie - Single Cask Series | $104.99.
  • Hibiki 21 | $339.99.
  • Yamazaki 18 | $799.99.
  • Aberlour A'bunadh | $71.99.
  • Balvenie 15 | $124.99.
  • Bunnahabhain 18 | $129.99.

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Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.