It doesn’t matter what the occasion is. Enjoying some brie with a bottle of Scotch whisky or gifting a whisky connoisseur the right bottle amplifies the sharp and distinct taste of the drink. Even if you wish to decorate your liquor cabinet with an exquisite-looking bottle, stocking the perfect bottle will only enhance your cabinet’s grandiose design. Whether you order a bottle of scotch whisky at Good Drop or visit a store, learning about whisky bottles will help you choose the perfect bottle that matches your expectations.
What to Pair with Scotch Whisky
The beauty of Scotch whisky lies in its ability to taste delicious with any food item you pair it with. Some of the most common pairings that enhance the taste of your whisky are:
- Dark chocolate
- Cheese
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Salmon
- Apple pie
- Cinnamon buns
- Sushi
- Steak
Types of Scotch Whiskies
Primarily, there are four types of Scotch whisky with different alcohol content and qualities:
Single Malt
Single malt Scotch whisky consists of 100% malted barley and is considered extremely valuable compared to other types of whiskies.
Blended Malt
Unlike single malt produced in a single distillery, blended malt is made in at least two distilleries.
Single Grain
This Scotch whisky is made from 5% malted barley and other grains, such as rye, maize, or wheat.
Blended Grain
Blended grain Scotch whisky consists of a blend of a minimum of two single grain Scotch whiskies produced in different distilleries.
Age Marker
An age marker on whisky bottles indicates how old the liquor is. The minimum age of Scotch whisky is three years old, so make sure the bottle you choose comes with an age statement, with the minimum age range being three. While bottles without markers can also be authentic, an age marker adds to its legitimacy.
Tasting Guide
Many Scotch whisky bottles contain a tasting guide that informs the buyer about the liquor’s taste. Since Scotch whisky tastes sharper than other whiskies, the tasting guide describes whether the whisky smells sharper or tastes sharper. Additionally, if the whisky has a smoky texture, the bottle would have descriptors, such as ‘smoke’ written on it, indicating its smokiness. If you are a beginner, purchase a bottle with a detailed description or tasting guide.
Alcohol Percentage
Usually, the average alcohol percentage in a bottle of Scotch whisky is 40–43%alcohol by volume (ABV). Since Scotch whisky cannot contain over 40% alcohol by law, an alcohol content exceeding 40% indicates that the bottle contains water and alcohol. Higher alcohol content makes the liquor taste sharper, and water dilutes the taste, making it less intense. However, high alcohol consistency does not equal high quality; it is a matter of taste and tolerance.
Alcohol Colour
Even though colouring is seen as a mark of low quality, in the case of Scotch whisky, most bottles contain coloured liquid. Even high-quality Scotch whisky, like single malt, tends to be artificially coloured. Usually, Scotch whisky bottles mention whether the liquor has artificial colouring. However, if the colouring label is missing, do not fret, as unlike in the case of food items, colouring in whisky is not a matter of concern if processed safely.
Wrapping Up
If you plan to purchase a bottle of scotch whisky at Good Drop or a nearby store, check the bottle’s age and contents before buying it. Pair your whisky bottle with a medium-rare cooked steak and enjoy an evening of delicious food and drinks!
