Scotch

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The scotch / Scotch / is a type of alcoholic beverage or more precisely whiskey. What is more specific about it is that it is produced in Scotland. In fact, if the whiskey is produced elsewhere, it cannot be classified as scotch. In addition to being distilled there, the drink must have matured for at least three years. 100% scotch is prepared from fermented cereal.

History of Scotch

This type of whiskey has a very old history dating back to the 2nd century BC. The prototype of scotch is believed to be a beer made by the Celts after brewing barley. In its then form, however, the alcoholic beverage was not particularly durable. In addition, its alcohol content was low. Many centuries later, they became acquainted with distillation and with its help made their alcohol product better. This is how Scotch whiskey was born.

In the ninth century, Irish clergy settled in Scotland with the idea of baptizing the locals. It was they who brought with them the first distillation devices and introduced the local population to the magical process. It wasn't long before Scottish farms began distilling beer on their own. They were nothing special, but they still worked for them.

Eventually, the production of domestic alcohol found a safe place in the life of the Celts. Gradually, they began to pay more and more attention to this process and even to improve it. Thus, they found that if the barley is soaked, it germinates and the material has better taste characteristics. Later, another important process in modern production was discovered - the drying of the material.

This happened quite by accident. A man wanted to collect the raw material and subjected it to heat treatment. However, the effect turned out to be amazing and very soon the method began to be applied by all manufacturers. The fuel for the fire was also chosen unintentionally. The Scots used peat because it was the cheapest, but then found that it gives a very pleasant aroma to the resulting scotch.

Scotch production

To prepare scotch, malt barley should be selected. These grains are then left to soak in water. Once germinated, you can move on to the next stage of production, namely the drying of the material. The sprouted grains are dried in a special way in an oven on peat fire. Sometimes the fire is maintained with other materials. It is thanks to this process that we then feel a specific light aroma of smoke when we drink real scotch.

Drying is important because it produces the raw material for beer, known as malt. The resulting malt is mixed with water to obtain something like a slurry. It in turn must be heated. Yeast is added at a specific time so that fermentation can take place. This process lasts until alcohol is obtained. When this happens, the whole substance is poured into a large vessel. This is in most cases a copper cauldron. This cauldron begins to heat with fire. Later a second distillation is made.

When this process is complete, the distilled beverage is aged in oak barrels for at least three years. The volume of oak barrels should not exceed 700 liters. For malt whiskey, it is important that the alcohol content of the distillate does not exceed 94.8 percent. Of course, it is different for different species. It is also important for Scotch whiskey not to add any flavors or colors (except caramel) to preserve the unique appearance of the alcohol.

Types of scotch

There are several types scotch. The alcoholic beverage is usually classified according to the region in which it is prepared. Scotch produced in the Highland region can be different in taste. Nevertheless, for all malt whiskeys from this region are distinguished by their strong aroma. Lowland Scotch whiskeys are remarkable. They have a relatively weak aroma, but they are very sweet and pleasant to the taste.

The scotches prepared on the island of Ayla stand out. They impress with the smell of smoky, which, however, has a note reminiscent of salty sea water. This type of whiskey also has a subtle scent of iodine. The other very popular species scotch is one that is made in an area called the Speyside. This malt drink has a mild taste that gives it sophistication.

Storage and serving of scotch tape

The scotch stored at room temperature. It is served in the well-known whiskey glasses, which reveal its pleasant characteristics. Malt whiskey can be served during a pre-meal conversation. A glass of ice water is served with it. When spilling, fill only one third of the cup.

Experts advise not to add ice to the drink, as this way you can't feel its taste well. According to them, a few drops of cold water does a perfect job. Of course, these are not hard and fast rules, just tips. Otherwise, everyone should consume alcohol as they see fit. The scotch is drunk in small sips so that the consumer can fully enjoy its aroma and taste.

Scotch in cooking

In addition to being served clean, scotch it is also served in combination with other drinks in the form of a cocktail. It turns out that the malt drink is successfully mixed with alcoholic beverages such as white rum, various liqueurs, bourbon, sweet vermouth, amaretto and many others. It can also be combined with carbonated drinks and fruit juices. A small amount of scotch can be added to tea or coffee. A few drops of scotch would give a specific and interesting scent to different pastries.

Benefits of scotch

This drink is a source of potassium, calcium and sodium, so undoubtedly its moderate consumption is positive for our body. The benefits of jumps are known mostly among the Scots. Over the years, they have found that it helps with various complaints. For colds and flu, it acts as a folk remedy, as it has a warming and relaxing effect. Scotch compresses are applied to bruised areas.