Single malt whisky (and sometimes a third) time. The final spirit, called "new make spirit", generally has an alcohol content of 60 to 70%. Most new-make malt whisky is diluted to about 62.5% a.b.v. before it is placed in casks to mature. The "new-make spirit", or unaged whisky, is then placed in oak casks to mature. By law, all Scotch whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks, though many single malts are matured for much longer. The whisky continues to develop and change as it spends time in the wood, and maturation periods of twenty years or
The Whisky Barrel The Whisky Barrel shop has retailed a variety of Scotch whisky bottlings which have been exclusive to the company. The Whisky Barrel has gained a number of awards from the drinks and e-commerce industries including ISIS (Internet Shopping is Safe) accredited retailer and Whisky Magazine's Icons of Whisky Scotland nominations. A study by the Scotch Whisky Association in July 2011 calculated that whisky tourism brings £30 million per annum to the UK economy. In addition, it was revealed that exports of Scotch Whisky reached £1.8 billion between January and June 2011. The Whisky Barrel The Whisky Barrel is a Scottish