Let’s talk Scotch – Ten great Trivia facts about Scotch

Admittedly, I am not a Scotch drinker – however I admire those who do. I wish I could – but the flavor … is just not right for me. I am however extremely impressed with the history of Scotch and etiquette that goes along with it. Scotch, I believe, is a very misunderstood and under appreciated beverage just like Cognac and Brandy. I’ve collected some Scotch trivia you might find of interest and who knows it may even inspire you to order a Scotch someday.

So let’s begin:

Trivia # 1 Most people, including bar owners and bartenders, don’t know that Scotch is actually a Whisky – that right – ‘Scotch is a Whisky’.

You may recall from previous Eba G’s articles there are actually two ways to spell Whiskey: WHISKY or WHISKEY – both are correct; but don’t confuse them. Canada makes Whisky, yet the US makes Whiskey. Japan makes Whisky however the Germans make Whiskey. Got it! If not then keep reading.

Trivia # 2 If a country where a whiskey is distilled has an ‘E” in it like America or England you spell it Whiskey; on the other hand if a county that makes Whisky does not have an “E” in it like Scotland, Canada, Brazil, Russia etc. then it is spelled Whisky (without the E). Very simple – right! Its tradition.

Trivia #3 Scotch is a legal term created solely to protect Whisky products made in Scotland. Under international law ‘Scotch’ can only come from Scotland. Remember we learned from my previous articles that Champagne can only be made in northern France, Tequila can only be made in Mexico and Cognac can only be made in Southern France – well Scotch can only be made in Scotland.

Trivia # 4 For a Whisky to call itself a Scotch it must meet three strict criteria. First, it must be distilled in Scotland using Scottish malts and grains. Second it must be matured in wooden barrels or casks made from Scottish Oak; and finally it must be aged ‘on Scottish soil’ for a minimum of three years.

Now the Irish and Japanese make malt whiskys: Tullemore Dew and Yamazaki respectively. They taste very similar (if not identical) to Scotch; however they can not be legally called scotch – instead they are called Single Malt Whiskey’s / Whiskys. My guess is that if you were blindfolded and took a sip of Scotch, Tullemore Dew and Yamazaki you be hard pressed to tell any difference between the three of them.

Trivia # 5 Most, but not all, Scotchs are ‘blended’ Whiskys meaning the final product is a blend of several distilled Scotchs. Surprisingly, even most single malt (Scotch) whiskys are also ‘blended’ - all blended from different distilled single malt whiskys to give the final product that unique ‘smokey Scotch flavor’.

Trivia # 6 Johnny Walker is by far the world’s largest producer of Whisky. In fact, Johnny Walker distributes more Whisky around the world than any other brand of Whisky / Whiskey.

Trivia # 7 The owners of Johnny Walker proclaim they sell six (6) bottles of Johnnie Walker every second, every day around the world. Amazing huh!

Since Johnny Walker is the ‘big dog’ in the Scotch world I plan to devote my next article just to Johnny Walker and its family of Scotch products. So stay tuned.

Trivia # 8 According to ‘Scotch Etiquette’ there are only three ways to properly order a Scotch when in a bar: 1) Neat 2) on The Rocks or 3) Scotch & Soda. Neat means no ice and no mix – just straight up. On the Rocks means poured over ice in a glass, and Scotch & Soda means you want your Scotch mixed with only Club Soda – no other flavored soda should ever be added.

Trivia # 9 Tradition dictates that Scotchs served Neat or on The Rocks be served in a 6-oz tumbler glass (that’s a short glass with a very heavy bottom). Tradition says Scotch & soda should always be put in a tall straight sided glass (what most people would call a Tom Collins glass) - with or without ice its your choice. Few bartenders know this.

Trivia # 10 Since a lot of hard work and extensive aging (some Scotchs are aged for over 50 years) goes in to developing a special Scotch fragrance – its proper you inhale the aroma of your Scotch before you take a sip. Inhaling Scotch activates your senses and makes your drink so much more rewarding (so the legend goes).

If you already knew all this trivia my hat goes off to you. If not, I sincerely hope you learned something and maybe some day in the future you can use it. I sincerely believe the information I share is of value for bar and tavern owners, as well as bartenders and wait staff. The more one knows about their profession and the products they serve generally leads to more bar sales, improved bar profits and greater tips. Helping bar owners make more money is what I do. Eba G.