What Makes Scotch Whisky, Scotch?

Whisky is made all over the world, from India and Australia to Sweden and Japan. Often, Scotch is used interchangeably to describe any old whisky, but this is a blasphemous misconception. Scotch whisky must meet a specific set of rules, but most key is that it is distilled and matured in Scotland! And Scotland only - if it's made anywhere else, it isn't Scotch. Scotch can be made in several ways, but you'll most commonly find it as blended or single malt.

Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Blended Grain Scotch Whisky and Blended Scotch Whisky. All Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years and any age statement on the bottle must reflect that of the youngest whisky used to produce the final product.

The entry in the 1494-1495 Scottish Exchequer Rolls “To Friar John Cor, by order of the King, to make aqua vitae VIII bolls of malt,” made the first reference to Scotch Whisky in written record. The name aqua vitae, "Water Of Life" in Latin or uisge-beatha in Gaelic, is an early term used for distilled spirits. VIII bolls of malt is thought to be around 400-1500 bottles, suggesting that the practice had been well established for some time already. So, Scotch is not only proudly Scottish, it is a significant part of the historical heritage too.

What are the top 10 Scotch Whiskies?

If you're looking for the most popular, highly acclaimed top Scotch whisky brands that set the industry standard and scoop up awards, then we have you covered. The top 10 is impossible to categorise as everyone thinks differently, but this list balances popularity with critical acclaim.

1. Johnnie Walker Black Label - A top selling brand with consistent quality. Their range spans many labels and price points.
2. Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak - A brand that dominates auctions with exorbitant prices, this is more thier middle ground and an excellent drop.
3. Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Perhaps the world's favourite peated whisky, it's smoky and robust.
4. Talisker 10 Year Old - Winner of multiple awards, smoky and the finest from the Isle of Skye.
5. Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - An ideal everyday whisky with fruity, decadent notes.
6. Chivas Regal 12 Year Old - A leading producer of blended Scotch, Chivas 12 is a light, smooth Scotch and a timeless classic.
7. Dalmore 12 Year Old - A highland favourite matured in American white oak, ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. Roasted coffee and dark chocolate galore.
8. Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - A recent upgrade on their 10 year old, this is bright, balanced and fruity Scotch.
9. Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Full-bodied, peaty and smoky with a lovely sweetness on the finish.
10. The Famous Grouse - Truly a bestselling whisky, famed for it's smooth, easy-drinking taste.