Earlier this spring, I had the chance to go to Scotland for a marriage. Along with being identified for its Highlands and haggis, Scotland can be the birthplace of Scotch whisky. With the resurgence of whisky consuming and cigar smoking (thanks, Mad Males), this alcohol is fashionable as soon as extra.
I’ve at all times been intimidated by whisky, so Highland Park‘s brand ambassador, Marc Laverdiere, visited the Chatelaine Kitchen to de-bunk some scotch-drinking myths and share his tips for beginner scotch drinkers:
Reading: How to drink scotch for beginners
Single-malt vs. blended-scotch – which is better? It’s all a matter of style choice. Single-malt merely means a product made with malted-barley whisky from a single distillery. This may imply totally different barrels or batches from the one distillery, and the yr on the label signifies the youngest barrel used within the product. A blended scotch is a product made with whisky from two or extra totally different distilleries. It’s also extra frequent for blended scotch to make use of totally different grain scotches, equivalent to barley, wheat, corn, and so on.
Older doesn’t equal higher. Once more, it’s all based mostly on style choice. A youthful scotch could style extra fruity, with hints of vanilla. An older scotch could have a extra advanced flavour, with hints of caramel. The longer a scotch is aged in an oak cask, the extra it’ll choose up flavour from the cask. The color of scotch can be decided by the cask – a light-weight scotch has extra seemingly been aged in an ex-bourbon cask, and a darker scotch has extra seemingly been aged in an ex-sherry cask. Color can be affected when the grain has been dry-smoked (often with peat, which additionally contributes to the scotch having a particular smoky flavour or “peatiness”).
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Scotch is greatest served in tulip glasses (like this) as an alternative of huge tumblers. The bowl is supposed to seize the aroma of the scotch. A wine glass is an effective substitute. If neither is out there, a low-ball is suitable.
Don’t swirl. It’s possible you’ll be tempted to swirl your scotch (like wines), however resist the temptation! Swirling releases alcohol, which can overwhelm the true style and aroma of the scotch.
Scotch is greatest served at room temperature. Historically, scotch is served with a aspect of spring water (faucet water could intervene with the style). Add water, if desired, little by little to your style. Should you do desire chilly scotch nonetheless, fill your glass with ice reasonably than including one or two cubes. Extra ice will hold your scotch chilled, with out diluting it an excessive amount of.
Why is scotch usually paired with cigars? Scotch is often a most popular drink as a result of its style received’t be overpowered by a powerful cigar. We suggest a extra health-friendly various: pair your scotch with bold-flavoured meals equivalent to smoked salmon, daring cheeses (equivalent to blue or aged cheddar), and naturally, haggis!
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Lastly, scotch doesn’t should be reserved for consuming! This whisky can add a scrumptious smoky flavour to desserts. Attempt it in our 10-min Caramel (Boozy Caramel variation) or my adult-friendly dessert under – impressed by the standard Scottish Cranachan – a layered dessert of cream, contemporary raspberries, Scottish oats and whisky.
Scotch Cream and Oatmeal Parfait Prep 10 min Whole 10 min
3/4 cup 35% cream 2 tbsp mild single-malt scotch (I used a Macallan 10-year) 2 tsp honey 1 cup oatmeal cookies, crumbled 1 pint container contemporary raspberries
BEAT cream with scotch and honey in a medium bowl with an electrical beater till smooth peaks type. Set a couple of raspberries apart. Mash remaining raspberries in a small bowl with a fork. ALTERNATE layers of scotch cream, crumbled oatmeal cookies and mashed raspberries in 2 glasses. Garnish with remaining entire berries. Serve instantly or refrigerate as much as 1 day forward. Serves 2.
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