Scotch whisky, often simply called Scotch, is malt whisky or grain whisky made in Scotland. Scotch whisky must be made in a manner specified by law.  Scotch whisky was originally made from malted barley. Commercial distilleries began introducing whisky made from wheat and rye in the late 18th century. Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: single malt Scotch whisky, single grain Scotch whisky, blended malt Scotch whisky (formerly called “vatted malt” or “pure malt”), blended grain Scotch whisky, and blended Scotch whisky.


The first written mention of Scotch whisky is in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, 1495. A friar named John Cor was the distiller at Lindores Abbey in the Kingdom of Fife.

Many Scotch whisky drinkers will refer to a unit for drinking as a dram.  Source -

I included the above because it was information I did not know.  Now to the personal part.

I’m sure you know someone who is not much of a conversationalist until they have had a few drinks.  I’ve never been accused of not having anything to say, but a couple of drinks reduces my fear factor so I might be more apt to divulge inner feelings.

I know lots of people who like to do tastings of Scotch, all the different types listed above.  I also know people that like a Scotch that is so oaky it tastes like you just chewed on the wood itself.  Neither of those apply to me.  I’m much happier with bourbon.

I do have Scott blood.  My great-grandmother was a McIntryre from Perthshire, Scotland.  When I lived in England in the ’70’s I had a beautiful Royal Stewart Tartan coat.  I was stopped on the street one day and asked if I had the legal bloodline to wear it.  That was actually still a valid question at that time.  I happily told the person, “In fact I do!”  My immediate response sent them on their way.  I held my head high whenever I wore that coat.  I was sorry when I wore through the wool.