Gryffindor's background knowledge

Standard definition: Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage made of barley, rye, oats, wheat, corn and other grains, fermented, distilled, aged and blended in oak barrels, belonging to distilled liquor. Alcohol is generally between 40 and 60 degrees.

Three key connotations: the definition of whisky itself is not very strict, but there are three key connotations that can distinguish whisky from other spirits. First of all, whiskey can only use grains as raw materials. Secondly, whisky needs to be aged. Sometimes whiskey that is still in a new state after distillation is almost the same as other neutral spirits (such as vodka and rum). Almost all kinds of whiskies need to be aged in oak barrels for a certain period of time before they can be bottled and sold, so we can list the aging process as a necessary process for whisky brewing. Thirdly, whiskey can retain the original flavor of grain during distillation, which is another clear definition requirement to distinguish it from vodka made of pure grain and filtered western grain wine.

Six factors affecting the quality of whisky;

1. Water quality: As the "water of life", whisky brewing is inseparable from water. Clear and pure water can improve the taste and quality of whisky. Throughout the world-famous whisky producing areas, every region has a good source of wine.

2. Peat: Peat is the key to prevent grain germination, and Scotland is rich in peat resources. In the process of making scotch whisky, peat is widely used to bake germinated barley, giving it a unique smoky taste.

3. Distiller: The size and shape of the distiller and the skill of the distiller directly affect the quality of the final alcohol. The size of distiller is directly related to the taste of wine. The bigger the distiller, the lighter the taste of the wine. On the contrary, the stronger the taste. Each brand has its own unique distillation furnace.

4. Oak barrel: Oak barrel is the cradle of whisky. Whisky has lost its vitality after distillation. To make it mature, it can only be improved by the action of tannin and other components in oak barrels, and the effect of alcoholization can be obtained. The barrel is very breathable, and the air around the barrel will penetrate into the whisky, so if the air is full of the fragrance of salt, seaweed, heather, pine and oak, these substances will give the whisky a unique flavor.

5. wine age: wine age determines the quality of wine, and sometimes it includes the price. The longer whisky is stored in barrels, the greater the change. This is the reason why the flavor of the same batch of distilled liquor is quite different because of different storage time.

6. Winery: Winery is the most important factor affecting wine making. In addition to the location of the winery, the talents and team of the winery are equally critical.

The reason why Scotland can brew world-famous whisky is due to the local natural resources, superior geographical conditions, traditional brewing technology and excellent historical development opportunities. These advantages can be summarized as: good weather, good geographical location and harmonious coexistence with people.

Time: In the12nd century, King Henry II sent troops to invade Ireland, bringing Irish wine-making technology to Scotland and forming the prototype of whisky. In the following centuries, although the development of whisky was hindered by the tax policy, the new rulers immediately changed the tax law, and the tradition of whisky brewing was revived in Scotland, which was promoted by the industrial revolution and achieved unprecedented development. Irish whisky is on the verge of disappearing because of the lack of weather help.

Location: Scotland is located in the northern part of the British Isles. Its geographical location enables the raw materials of whisky to grow in a favorable climate, which just makes these raw materials the most suitable for making whisky. First of all, the climate and geographical conditions in Scotland are very suitable for the growth of barley. Secondly, the peat contained in Scotland is also conducive to the drying of germinated wheat or grain, and at the same time gives scotch whisky a special and complex flavor. Furthermore, Scotland is rich in high-quality mineral water, which laid the foundation for the dilution and blending of wine.

Harmony between people: During the long development of whisky, Scots have accumulated rich traditional brewing skills. In addition, Scots are good at using strict quality management methods to monitor and check the quality of whisky. These unique "human harmony" factors make Scotch whisky have a pure taste and special flavor, and enjoy a high reputation in Europe and even the world.

Classification of Scotch Whisky

First, malt whisky:

Malt whisky is made from 100% germinated barley, fermented, distilled in a pot distiller, and aged properly.

Malt whisky can be divided into single malt whisky and barley malt whisky.

● Single single malt whisky: the oldest and most traditional whisky category. It is defined as: whiskey produced by the same winery and aged in the factory's own warehouse facilities for more than three years. Most Scotch single malt whiskies are mixed with grain whiskies. Only about 3% single malt whisky with perfect quality will be selected as single malt whisky and bottled, and single malt whisky is the best among whiskies. (Representative brands: Gryffindor, Baifu)

● Mixed malt whisky: the latest branch of the Scotch whisky family, also known as single malt whisky. Its definition is that a variety of single malt whiskies from different wineries are mixed in the same vat without adding other grain whiskies, which is different from the mainstream blended whiskies in the market. Mixed malt whisky is a transitional product between mixed whisky and single malt whisky. It has the advantages of two whiskies, but it often can't get rid of the disadvantages of two whiskies. This whisky accounts for a small proportion of scotch whisky. (Representative brands: Scotch Whiskey, White Horse Whiskey, johnnie walker Black)

Second, the grain whiskey (grain whiskey):

Grain whiskey is made from grains other than barley, which is distilled by a huge continuous distiller after fermentation. The common raw materials of whisky are corn, wheat, rye, rye and so on. However, sometimes barley itself is also used as the raw material of grain whiskey, but the difference is that all barley does not need to germinate.

The taste of cereal whisky is very dull, almost the same as that of edible alcohol. It belongs to light spirits and is mainly used to mix other whiskies. Grain whisky is rarely retailed, and most of it is provided to other blended whisky manufacturers as raw materials.

3. Mix Scotch Whisky:

Blended whisky is made of pure wheat and grain whisky from different wineries in different years according to the blending rules of bartenders. Whiskey is a mixture of one or more grain whiskies and one or more malt whiskies. Blended whiskies are usually divided into ordinary whiskies and premium whiskies. Generally speaking, single malt whisky with a dosage of 50- 80% is a high-grade blended whisky. If the proportion of grain whisky is greater than that of single malt whisky, it is ordinary blended whisky. Advanced blended whisky needs to be stored in oak barrels for more than 12 years after blending, while ordinary blended whisky can be sold after blending for about 8 years.

Although blended whisky was invented later than malt whisky, it has always occupied 95% of the sales of Scotch whisky. One of the main reasons is that the birth of mixed whisky has improved the output of whisky products and maintained the stability of quality and supply. Secondly, the mild taste of blended whisky is more easily accepted by many consumers who are not used to the complex flavor of malt whisky. Thirdly, most of the components (60-80%) of blended whisky are distilled in large quantities from cheaper grain raw materials such as barley (most of which do not germinate), wheat and corn by automatic continuous distiller, so the production cost and sales price are relatively low. (Representative brands: Royal Tiancen, Chivas Regal 12, Royal Salute 2 1, ballantine, johnnie walker Red and Gran Sherry)