Best Liqueurs and Schnapps

The story of the Best Liqueurs and Schnapps

Liqueurs:

Liqueurs are an alcoholic beverage flavored by variety of sources such as fruit, herbs, flowers spices nuts and various cream in combination with distilled spirit. These are commonly heavily sweetened but not aged beyond production stage. Liqueurs are historical derived from herbal medicines.

The group of liqueurs is broad. Liqueur, not to be confused with liquor. They are bold enough to stand on their own but also make great mixers.  Liqueur is a spirit and may encompass any spirit from whiskey, vodka or rum that is sweetened with sugar and natural or artificial flavoring. Some of the most popular flavors include orange, berry, coffee and almond. The commercial liqueurs on the market are generally lower in alcohol than a standard 40 percent ABV. However, there can be a lot of variation in the alcohol content between the various brands.

The liqueurs encompass a very broad group of beverages and subgroups of these shown below

  • Coffee liqueurs
  • Berry liqueurs
  • Chocolate liqueurs
  • Cream liqueurs
  • Crème liqueurs
  • Flower liqueurs
  • Fruit liqueurs
  • Herbal liqueurs
  • Anise-flavored liqueur 
  • Honey lique
  • Nut-flavored liqueurs
  • Whisky liqueurs

Schnapps:

Schnapps or schnaps is an alcoholic beverage that may come in a variety of formats including distilled fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs, and infusions. This would also include “flavored liqueurs” made by adding fruit syrups, spices, or artificial flavorings to neutral grain spirits.

The English word for ‘schnapps’ is from the colloquial German word Schnaps which was used to describe ‘spirit drinks’. The word Schnaps stems from Low German language and is related to the German term ‘schnappen’. This refers to the fact the spirit drink is usually consumed in a quick shot of beverage from a ‘shot glass’

This is usually divided into German and American Schnapps. There are significant differences between German and American Schnapps, primarily where the spirit originated.

German schnapps are made by fermenting fruit juices from any fruit such as pear, apple, cherry, mint or herbs into a clear spirit. In America, schnapps are commonly made by mixing fruit flavors into neutral grain alcohol.

The main difference between best liqueurs and schnapps is that liqueurs are generally sweeter. Liqueurs are generally mixed into cocktails while schnapps are generally taken straight up.

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Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Baileys Irish Cream Baileys Irish Cream Almande Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Grand Marnier  Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Disaronno Italian LiqueurDisaronno Italian Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Baileys Irish Cream Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Romana Sambuca Romana Sambuca Liquore Classico

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Grand Marnier Grand Marnier 100 year

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Damiana Guaycura Liqueur  Damiana Guaycura Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Cinnabon Cream Liqueur  Cinnabon Cream Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Absinthe Ordinaire Herbal Liqueur  Absinthe Ordinaire Herbal Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Chambord Chambord Raspberry Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Dekuyper Triple Sec  Dekuyper Triple Sec

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Bols Amaretto Liqueur  Bols Amaretto Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - DeKuyper Creme De Menthe Green DeKuyper Creme De Menthe

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - 99 Bananas Schnapps Liqueur  99 Bananas Schnapps Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Kahlua Coffee Liqueur  Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Ouzo #12 Specialty Liqueur Ouzo #12 Specialty Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Grand Marnier Titanium Grand Marnier Titanium Fruit

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Soho Lychee Liqueur  Soho Lychee Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Giffard Pamplemousse Rose Gifard Pamplemousse Rose Specialty Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Cream Rum Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Cream Rum

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Campari Liqueur  Campari Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Berentzen Apfelkorn Apple Schnapps  Berentzen Apfelkorn Apple Schnapps

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Slow & Low's Rock And Rye Slow & Low’s Rock and Rye Specialty Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur  Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Marie Brizzard Parfait Amour  Marie Brizzard Parfait Amour Liqueur

Best Liqueurs and Schnapps - Pimm's English Liqueur  Pimm’s English Liqueur

Best Brandy and Cognac

All About the Best Brandy and Cognac

Brandy is a product produced by distilling wine, which leads to an ABV typically between 35 and 60 percent and fruit brandies are created from wines made of such fruits as apples, cherries, plums, pears. After the distillation process brandy is usually aged in a wooden cask which may have been previously used for other liquors thus resulting in the creation of a more complex flavor for the brandy.

Brandy is named as either Brandy, Cognac, or Armagnac. Those produced in the Cognac region of France receive the designation of Cognac. Those sourced in a specific region of southwestern France are designated as Armagnac.

  • Great American brandies are the grape variety and the production is situated is essentially located in California.
  • Cognac comes from the Cognac region of France, and is double distilled using pot stills. The European Union and some other countries legally enforce the use of “Cognac” as the exclusive name for brandy produced and distilled in the Cognac area of France. Since this is considered “protected designations of origin”, a brandy made elsewhere may not be called Cognac in these jurisdictions, even if it was made in an identical manner. Popular brands include Courvoisier, Delamain, Hine, Camus, Otard, Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and Frapin.
  • Armagnac is made from grapes of the Armagnac region in the southwest of France, Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne. It is single-continuous distilled in a copper still and aged in oak casks. Popular brands are Darroze, Baron de Sigognac, Larressingle, Delord, Laubade, Gélas and Janneau
  • Armenian brandy has been produced since 1887 and comes from the Ararat plain in the southern part of Armenia. Bottles on the market are aged anywhere from 3 to 20 years.
  • Cyprus brandy differs from other varieties in that its alcohol concentration is only 32% ABV (64 US proof).
  • Dried fruit brandy is a potable alcoholic distillate, or a mixture of potable alcoholic distillates, obtained from sound dried fruit. It may contain caramel, fruit and other botanical substances, and flavoring preparations.
  • Greek brandy is distilled from Muscat wine. Mature distillates are made from sun-dried Savatiano, Sultana, and Black Corinth grape varieties blended with an aged Muscat wine.
  • Brandy de Jerez originates from vineyards around Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. It is used in some sherries and is also available as a separate product.
  • Kanyak (or konyak) is a variety from Turkey that originated in the Tekel region, whose name means “burn blood” in Turkish.
  • In Moldova and Romania, grape brandy is colloquially called coniac, but is officially named Divin in Moldova and Vinars in Romania. After a double distillation, the beverage is usually aged in oak barrels and labelled according to its age (VS is a minimum of 3 years old, VSOP is a minimum of 5 years old, XO is a minimum of 7 years old, and XXO is a minimum of 20 years old).
  • In Russia, brandy was first produced in 1885 at the Kizlyar Brandy Factory according to a recipe brought from France. Kizlyar brandy is produced according to the classic cognac technology and is one of the most popular beverages in Russia.
  • Pisco is a strong, colorless to amber-coloured brandy produced in specific regions of Peru and Chile.
  • South African brandies are, by law, made almost exactly as Cognac, using a double distillation process in copper pot stills followed by aging in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Because of this, South African brandies are considered very high quality.
  • Italian Stravecchio has been produced since the 1700s in the North of Italy, especially in Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, using grapes that are popular in winemaking such as Sangiovese and Grignolino. Color, texture and finish are most resembling those of their French and Spanish counterparts. Most popular brands are Vecchia Romagna, Stravecchio Branca and Stock 84.

Brandy is generally rated by age, but this can vary according to the country.

  • VS (Very Special): aged at least three years. This brandy is most commonly used for mixing cocktails.
  • VSOP (Very Special Old Pale): aged at least four years.
  • XO (Extra Old): aged six and a half years or more.
  • XO (Extra Old): aged six and a half years or more.

Brandy can be consumed in a multitude of ways. It has very good flavor and aroma when consumed neat, preferably from a sniffer or mixed in wide variety of cocktails. My favorite is a Stinger, brandy and creame de menthe.

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Check out some great Brandy, Cognac and Armagnac selections or go to our main site for a complete selection of great Brandy, Cognac and Armagnac as well as all our fine beverages

Xante Pear Brandy Liqueur Xante Pear Brandy Liqueur Armag

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Brandy.jpg De Ville Imported French Brandy 750ml

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is cognac2.jpg  Frapin Cognac 750ml

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is cognac.jpg Bas Armagnac Delord 750ml

Hartly Brandy 80 Hartly  Brandy 80 750ml

E & J Brandy Apple E&J Brandy Apple 750ml

Deschutes Abyss Brandy  Deschutes Abyss Brandy Russian Imperial Stout 22oz

Domecq Azteca de Oro BrandyDomecq Azteca De Oro  Brandy 750ml

E & J VSOP E&J VSOP Brandy 750ml

Christian Brothers Christian Brothers Brandy 750ml

Laird's Apple Jack Lairds Apple Jack Brandy 750ml

Monteru Cabernet Eau De Vie Monteru Cabernet Eau De Vie Brandy 750ml

Pisco Porton Pisco Porton Brandy 750ml

Cardenal Mendoza Cardenal Mendoza Brandy De Jerez 750ml

Metaxa Greek Liqueur 7 Star Metaxa Greek Liqueur 7 Star Brandy 750ml

Kammer Pear Williams Kammer Pear Williams Brandy 750ml

Germain-Robin XO  German-Robin XO Brandy 750ml

Remy Martin 1738 Royale Remy Martin 1738 Royale Cognac 375ml

Marolo Mila Camomile Grappa  Marolo Mila Camomile Grappa Brandy 375ml

Comandon Xo Cognac  Comandon XO Cognac 750ml

Christian Brothers  Christian Brothers Honey Brandy 750ml

World Best Tequila

The blue agave plant is the source to tequila’s unique flavor and by law, tequila must be at least 51 percent agave to be considered tequila. The World Best Tequila uses 100% agave in production. To be considered tequila, it must be produced in one of five historically defined Mexican states.

The rich, red volcanic soils in the region of Tequila, Mexico are well suited for growing the blue agave, and more than 300 million of the plants are harvested there each year. Agave grows differently depending on the region. Blue agaves grown in the highlands Los Altos region are larger and sweeter in aroma and taste. Only Blue Agaves are used to make Tequila. This is the main distinction from mescal.

Mexican laws state that tequila can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. The agave plant takes about 10 years to fully mature for harvest. The heart of the agave, which can weigh over 100 lbs is used to produce this fine liquor. Almost 85 percent of all tequila produced is consumed in the United States and Mexico. Tequila is recognized as a Mexican designation of origin product in more than 40 countries.

Tequila must have between 35 and 55 percent alcohol content (70 and 110 U.S. proof). It must contain at least 40 percent alcohol (80 U.S. proof) to be sold in the United States and Canada.

Tequila Classifications

Gold Tequila: Considered to be the premium and refined tequila. Gold Tequila demonstrates the fruit, pepper, and spice flavor of the agave plant. This tequila adopts the golden color as it ages.

Margaritaville Tequila Gold Margaritaville Gold Tequila

Flavored Tequila: Many successful attempts have been done to add delightful flavors to the basic tequila creating additional great flavored products. Some of these include coconut, lime, strawberry, and jalapeno. These have been great additions to the tequila mystique.

Patrón Citronge Mango Patron Citronge Mango

Anejo Tequia: This is considered a high quality and expensive product, which must be aged for a minimum of 3 years. Having a bottle of Anejo Tequila on your table impresses your guest with your knowledge of a fine tequila.

Roca Patrón Añejo Roca Patron Anejo

Silver Tequila: This is tequila in its earliest and purest form being aged for only a few months, so it typically remains perfectly clear and an absolutely great drink.

Don Julio Blanco Don Julio Blanco Silver Tequila

Reposado Tequila: This is quiet and calming drink. As a tequila it is mild in flavor and does not lead to a significant hangover.
Cazadores Reposado
Cazadores Reposado

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Nosotros Nosotros Tequila Blanco

Cazadores Reposado Cazadores Reposado

Roca Patrón Añejo Roca Patron Anejo

Herradura Añejo Herradura Anejo

Zignum SilverZignum Silver Mezcal

Espolòn Reposado Espolon Tequila Reposado

Don Julio 1942 Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila

ZignumZignum Mezcal Anejo

Casamigos Añejo Casamigos Anejo

Cazadores Blanco Cazadores Blanco

Don Julio Don Julio Anejo Tequila

Don Julio Blanco Don Julio Blanco Silver Tequila

Patrón Citronge Mango Patron Citronge Mango

Espolòn Añejo Expolon Anejo

Herradura Silver Tequila

Milagro Silver Milagro Silver

1800 Reposado  1800 Reposado Tequila

1800 Silver 1800 Silver Tequila

Sauza 901Sauza 901 Silver Tequila

Corralejo Reposado Corralejo Reposado Tequila

El Jimador Reposado El Jimador Reposado Tequila

Xicaru Silver Xicaru Silver Mezcal

Patrón Reposado Patron Reposado Tequila

Xicaru Reposado Mezcal Xicaru Reposado Mezcal Tequila

Don Julio Real Don Julio Real Anejo Tequila

World Best Gin

 

The basis for the world best gin and gin’s unique flavor is the infusion of juniper berries as well as other potential botanicals giving way to a pine like aroma. The result is commonly high-proof, light-bodied and clear drink. Gin has been often associated with the classic martini with an olive.

Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks and alchemists across Europe, particularly in southern France, Flanders and the Netherlands, to provide aqua vita from distillates of grapes and grains. It then became an object of commerce in the spirits industry. Gin emerged in England after the introduction of the Jenever gin, a Dutch and Belgian liquor that was originally a medicine.

Gin today is produced in different ways from a wide range of herbal ingredients, giving rise to a number of distinct styles and brands. After juniper, gin tends to be flavored with botanical/herbal, spice, floral or fruit flavors or often a combination. It is most commonly consumed mixed with tonic water. Gin is also often used as a base spirit to produce flavored, gin-based liqueurs, traditionally produced by the addition of fruit, flavorings and sugar.

Gin was very popular in the 19th century England where it could be produced essentially by anyone and without any type of license. This resulted in many early social problems causing the governing bodies in institute heavy taxes to decrease availability.

London Dry Gin is the default definition of spirit, but there are many styles, including:

  • London Dry Gin: By definition the juniper berry must be the prime flavor. However, this gin does not need to be made in London or in the UK.  
  •     World Best Gin - Tanqueray London Dry GinTanqueray London Dry Gin
  • Modern Gin: This Gin emphasizes botanical dominance other than predominately juniper berries such as lavender, cucumber, rose coriander and citrus. This appeals to those that don’t like the strong flavor of the juniper berries.  
  • World Best Gin - Citadelle Gin de FranceCitadelle Gin de France
  • Plymouth Gin: must be made in Plymouth, England and has a slightly sweeter flavor. 
  •   World Best Gin - Plymouth English Gin Plymouth English Gin
  • Barrel-Aged Gin: This Gin is aged in oak barrels, unlike other gins, giving it a malty flavor. This one is acceptable to drink neat.

         World Best Gin - Barr Hill Gin barrel-aged Barr Hill Gin barrel-aged

 

Most Gins taste the best when mixed. Gin and Tonics, Martinis, Negronis, Singapore Slings, Gimlets and more.

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World Best Gin - Bombay Original DryBombay Original Dry

World Best Gin - The Botanist Islay Dry GinThe Botanist Islay Dry Gin

World Best Gin - Boodles GinBoodles Gin

World Best Gin - Hendrick's Scottish Gin Hendrick’s Scottish Gin

World Best Gin - St Geoge Terroir Gin  St Geoge Terroir Gin

World Best Gin - Farmers Botanical Gin Farmers Botanical Gin

World Best Gin - Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin

World Best Gin - No 209  London Dry Gin  No 209  London Dry Gin

World Best Gin - Junipero Gin Junipero Gin

World Best Gin - New Amsterdam GinNew Amsterdam Gin

World Best Gin - Uncle Val's California Botanical  Uncle Val’s California Botanical

World Best Gin - Cap Rock Organic GinCap Rock Orgainic Gin

World Best Gin - Dry Fly GinDry Fly Gin

World Best Gin - Barr Hill Gin  Barr Hill Gin

World Best Gin - Fords Gin Fords Gin

World Best Gin - Cap Rock Organic GinCap Rock Organic Gin

World Best Gin - Venus Blend 1 Venus Blend 1

World Best Gin - Uncle Val's Botanical Uncle Val’s Botanical

World Best Gin - Beefeater 24 Gin Beefeater 24 Gin

World Best Gin - Oxley English Gin Oxley English Gin

World Best Gin - Nolet Reserve Gin Nolet Reserve Gin

World Best Gin - Venus Gin Blend #2 Venus Gin Blend #2

World Best Gin - Oxley English Gin Oxley English Gin

World Best Gin - Bluecoat American Dry Gin Bluecoat American Dry Gin

 

World Best Gin - Damrak  Amsterdam Gin Damrak  Amsterdam Gin

Best American Whiskeys

Best American Whiskeys

There are quite a few of the best American whiskeys available with their own unique flavors, These whiskeys require they must be distilled from a fermented mash of cereal grain and water, aged in charred-oak barrels and contain no more than 80 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). The list below describes several of the Best American whiskeys, varieties and general description of their unique flavor contributions. Please review the selections below and take the time to sample and make a selection to meet your taste.

  • Bourbon: A smooth sweet taste, with 51% corn mash, plus aged in a charred oak adds a smoky aftertaste.
  • Rye: Sample a rye for a strong and spicy flavor.
  • Malt: Go single malt if you wish to try a high quality drink.
  • Rye malt: This is another high quality malt whiskey, with a nut flavor.
  • Wheat: This type of whiskey must contain at least 51 percent wheat which is accompanied by a taste of honey and grain.
  • Corn: Another sugary option with a few notes of syrup and honey.
  • Straight Whiskey: The description says it all. It must remain unblended.

Straight Whiskey is whiskey that was distilled to not more than 80% alcohol by volume or 160 proof. It will be aged for at least two years at a starting alcohol concentration of not more than 62.5%. It has not been blended with any other spirits, coloring, or additives. A straight whiskey that also meets one of the other above definitions is referred to by combining the term “straight” with the term for the type of whiskey such as rye, corn or wheat etc.

Blended whiskey is a mixture that contains straight whiskey or a blend of straight whiskeys containing not less than 20 percent straight whiskey and, separately or in combination, other whiskey or neutral spirits. For the blended whiskey to be labeled with a particular grain type (i.e., blended rye, malt, wheat, or bourbon whiskey), at least 51% of the blend must be straight whiskey of that grain type. The part of the content that is not straight whiskey may include unaged grain distillates, grain neutral spirits, flavorings, and coloring.

Light whiskey is produced in the United States at more than 80% alcohol by volume and stored in used or uncharred new oak containers.

Spirit whiskey is a mixture of neutral spirits and at least 5% of certain stricter categories of whiskey.

Whiskeys are great tasting on their own, but can be served and appreciated with many types of mixes

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Fine Whiskey Selections:

Best American Whiskeys - Gentleman Jack rare Tennessee Whiskey
Gentleman Jack rare Tennessee Whiskey

 

Best American Whiskeys - Seagrams 7 Blended Whiskey Seagrams 7 Blended Whiskey

Best Amerian Whiskeys - Cyrus Noble Small Batch WhiskeyCyrus Noble Small Batch Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Wild Turkey 81 Rye Whiskey Wild Turkey 81 Rye Whiskey

Best American - Templeton Rye Whiskey 6 year Templeton Rye Whiskey 6 year

Best American Whiskeys - Dry Fly Wheat WhiskeyDry Fly Wheat Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Tin Cup American Whiskey Tin Cup American Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Balvenie 21 Year Portwood Single Malt Balvenie 21 Year Portwood Single Malt

Best American Whiskeys - Corsair Triple Smoke Small Batch Whiskey Corsair Triple Smoke Small Batch Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Kavalan Consertmaster Single Malt Whiskey Kavalan Consertmaster Single Malt Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Clyde May's Alabama Style Whiskey Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Pendleton 1910 12 Year Blended Whiskey  Pendleton 1910 12 Year Blended Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Whistle Pig 10 Year Straight Rye WhiskeyWhistle Pig 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Amador Double Barrel Whiskey Amador Double Barrel Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Kikori Blended Whiskey Kikori Blended Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Elmer T Lee Single Barrel WhiskeyElmer T Lee Single Barrel Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - High west American Prairie Blended Bourbon Whiskey High west American Prairie Blended Bourbon Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Mastersons 10 Year Old Barley Blended Bourbon Mastersons 10 Year Old Barley Blended Bourbon

Best American Whiskeys - Calumet Farm Bourbon Whiskey Calumet Farm Bourbon Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - George Dickel Rye Whiskey George Dickel Rye Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Bookers Rye Big Time Batch RyeBookers Rye Big Time Batch Rye

Best American Whiskeys - Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Best American Whiskeys - Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Jack Daniel's Tennessee WhiskeyJack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Bulleit Rye WhiskeyBulleit Rye Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt WhiskeyYamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Masterson's 10 Year Straight Rye WhiskeyMasterson’s 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Bear Creek Wheat WhiskeyBear Creek Wheat Whiskey

  Best American Whiskeys -Georgia Moon Corn WhiskeyGeorgia Moon Corn Whiskey

Best American Whiskeys - Duke Kentucky Straight BourbonDuke Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Best Scotch Whiskey

BEST SCOTCH WHISKEY

There are two basic types of the Best Scotch Whiskey, from which all blends are made:

  • Single malt Scotch must be made from a mash or malted barley and distilled at a single distillery using a pot still distillation process.
  • Single grain Scotch
  • made from a mash of malted barley
  • whiskey is a Scotch whiskey distilled at a single distillery
  • made from a mash of malted barley
  • “Single grain” refers to the fact that this is made in a single distillery and does not mean that only a single type of grain was used to produce the whiskey. Making a single grain requires using a mixture of grains such as barley and some malted barley as must be used in all Scotch whisky.

Excluded from the definition of “single grain Scotch whiskey” is any spirit that qualifies as a single malt Scotch whiskey or as a blended Scotch whiskey. The latter exclusion is to ensure that a blended Scotch whisky produced from single malt(s) and single grain(s) distilled at the same distillery does not also qualify as single grain Scotch whiskey.

Nearly 90% of the bottles of Scotch sold per year are blended whiskies. Three types of blends are defined for Scotch whiskey:

  • Blended malt Scotch whiskey means a blend of two or more single malt Scotch whiskies from different distilleries.
  • Blended grain Scotch whiskey means a blend of two or more single grain Scotch whiskies from different distilleries.
  • Blended Scotch whiskey means a blend of one or more single malt Scotch whiskies with one or more single grain Scotch whiskies.

The five Scotch whiskey definitions are structured in such a way that the categories are mutually exclusive. The 2009 regulations changed the formal definition of blended Scotch whiskey to achieve this result, but in a way that reflected traditional and current practice: before the 2009 SWR, any combination of Scotch whiskies qualified as a blended Scotch whiskey, including for example a blend of single malt Scotch whiskies.

As was the case under the Scotch Whiskey Act 1988, regulation 5 of the SWR 2009 stipulates that the only whiskey that may be manufactured in Scotland is Scotch whiskey. The definition of manufacture is “keeping for the purpose of maturation; and keeping, or using, for the purpose of blending, except for domestic blending for domestic consumption”. This provision prevents the existence of two “grades” of whiskey originating from Scotland, one “Scotch whiskey” and the other, a “whiskey – product of Scotland” that complies with the generic EU standard for whiskey. According to the Scotch Whiskey Association, allowing non-Scotch whiskey production in Scotland would make it difficult to protect Scotch whiskey as a distinctive product.[5]

The SWR regulation also states that no additives may be used except for plain (E150A) caramel colouring.[56]

Single malt

To qualify for this category the Scotch whiskey must be made in one distillery, in a pot still by batch distillation, using only water and malted barley. As with any other Scotch whisky, the Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009 also require single malt Scotch to be made completely and bottled in Scotland and aged for at least three years. Most are aged longer and received 4-5 years.

Another term is sometimes seen, called “double wood” or “triple wood”, sometimes incorrectly referred to as “double malt” or “triple malt”. These indicate that the whisky was aged in two or three types of casks. Hence, if the whisky otherwise meets the criteria of a single malt, it still falls into the single malt category even if more than one type of cask was used for ageing.

Another nuance is that Lowland Scotch malts used a triple distillation just like the Irish do, breaking away from the general rule that all Scotch is double distilled.

Single grain

Single grain whisky is made with water and a malted barley but the distillery then adds other grains or cereals, wheat, corn or rye, for example. From that moment on, it can no longer be called single malt. This type of product must be from a single distillery and is often used in making blended Scotch.

Blended malt

Blended malt whisky—is one of the least common types of Scotch: a blend of single malts from more than one distillery.

Blended malts contain only single malt whiskies from two or more distilleries. This type must contain no grain whiskies and is distinguished by the absence of the word “single” on the bottle. The age of the vat is that of the youngest of the original ingredients.

Blended

Blended Scotch whisky constitutes about 90% of the whisky produced in Scotland. Blended Scotch whiskies contain both malt whisky and grain whisky. Producers combine the various malts and grain whiskies to produce a consistent brand style. Notable blended Scotch whisky brands include Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Bell’s Ballantine’s, Cutty Sark, Bell’s, Chivas Regal, Cutty Sark, Dewar’s, and J&B.

The term blended grain Scotch refers to whisky that contains at least two single grain Scotch whiskies from at least two distilleries, combined to create one batch of the product.

Scotland treasures its  best Scotch Whisky and the Scottish government has established several regulations. Each of the roughly 100 distilleries in Scotland must adhere to the rules of the Scotch Whisky Association. These rules include and indicate:

  • The entire production process must occur within Scotland.
  • The product must be aged for at least three years and one day.
  • The product must be a minimum of 80 proof.

Many scotches use barley that has been dried using peat smoke, giving the whisky a natural finish. While most scotch whisky is aged in used bourbon barrels, some distillers use old sherry, wine or rum barrels for flavoring.Scotch whisky is crafted in six distinct regions, with each incorporating its own characteristics.

  • Highlands — light-bodied with a dry finish and a slight note of saltiness
  • Speyside — sweet with some note of smoke
  • Islands — soft and sweet in its peatines
  • Islay — Peaty and smoky as well as the strongest of all
  • Lowlands — A mellow dry Scotch
  • Campbeltown — A full-bodied Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - McClelland'sBest Scotch Whiskey - The Glenlivet  Best Scotch Whiskey - Talisker Best Scotch Whiskey - Ardbeg Auriverdes Best Scotch Whiskey - Auchentoshan Best Scotch Whiskey - Springbank

Scotch comes in two varieties; single malt and blends. Single malts are made from 100-percent barley at one distillery. Blended scotch combines single malts from multiple distilleries and also incorporating an aged grain whisky to creating a new unique Scotch.

Scotch purist consider it to be best consumed straight up, but many enjoy Scotch on the rocks or Scotch and water. Adding a little water actually opens up some flavors and aromas.

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Check out some great selection of the Best Scotch Whisky from, or course, Scotland or go to our main site for a complete selection of best Scotch Whisky as well as all our fine beverages.

Best Scotch Whiskey - GlenlivetGlenlivet 18 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Oban 14 Single Malt Oban 14 Single Malt, 14 Year

Best Scotch Whiskey - Macallan 17 Yr Fine Oak Single Malt ScotchMacallan 17 Yr Fine Oak Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Singleton Glendullan 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Singleton Glendullan 12 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Glenkinchie Scotch 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Glenkinchie Scotch 12 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Auchentoshan 21 Year Single Malt ScotchAuchentoshan 21 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Ballantine's 17 Year Single Malt ScotchBallantine’s 17 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Glenfarclas Scotch 10 Year Single Malt Scotch  Glenfarclas Scotch 10 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Aberfeldy 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Aberfeldy 12 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Highland Park 18 Single Malt 18 Year Highland Park 18 Single Malt 18 Year

Best Scotch Whiskey - Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Dewars Signature Blended Scotch Dewars Signature Blended Scotch

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is dewars-15.jpg Dewar’s 15 Year Blended Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Johnnie Walker Rye Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whiskey Johnnie Walker Rye Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whiskey

Best Scotch Whiskey - Buchanan's Master Blended ScotchBuchanan’s Master Blended Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Compass Box Peat Monster Blended Malt Scotch  Compass Box Peat Monster Blended Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Scotch Whiskey Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Scotch Whiskey

Best Scotch Whiskey - Bank Note 5 Year Blended Scotch Bank Note 5 Year Blended Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Great Kind Street Artists Blended ScotchGreat Kind Street Artists Blended Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Black Bottle Blended Scotch Black Bottle Blended Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Cragganmore Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Cragganmore Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch

Best Scotch Whiskey - Glengoyne Single Malt 21 Year Single Malt Scotch Glengoyne Single Malt 21 Year Single Malt Scotch
Best Scotch Whiskey - Aberfeldy 21 Year Single Malt ScotchAberfeldy 21 Year Single Malt Scotch