Why I like Scotch

I get asked why I like it all the time. The answer is actually quite simple, and complicated. Just like the liquor.

Scotch is a variety of whiskey, which means that it is in the same family as Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Bushmills, and other whiskeys. Scotch is so called because it originated in Scotland. There are basically two kinds of scotch: blended, and single malt. Blended is a collection of single malts put into a single batch, and then bottled. The blending process is done for taste, smoothness, etc. Johnnie Walker is one that falls into this category. Single Malt on the other hand comes out of the distilling process, straight into barrels for aging. The average aging time for single malt is 10-12 years, but there are varieties ranging from 8 to 60 years. From there it is placed into bottles. No blending involved. It is generally accepted that single malt is a much more complex spirit, with more to offer the palate than a blended scotch.

The most common question I get asked is, "How can you stand the taste?" I will admit that initially, the taste can be quite startling. It took a while to get used to it. Now though, I can say that it has become really enjoyable. Scotch is not a drink that can be consumed fast. To really enjoy it, it must be consumed slowly, with intentionality. Huh? It's not Kool Aid. There is no overwhelming burst of flavor. The flavors in a good single malt subtly intermingle with each other, and if you try do drink it fast, you will miss them.

It starts with what wine, brandy, scotch, or any serious fan of expensive spirits calls the nose. The malt is poured into a glass (about one fingers worth). Some will then add a little distilled water (just a little). Distilled water is used so the the flavor of any minerals doesn't color the flavor of the malt. Then you wait for about 10 minutes, for the aroma or "nose" to gather in the glass. Then very slowly, bring the glass to your mouth and as you take some in, gently inhale the nose that has gathered. Slowly move the scotch around in you mouth so that all parts of your tongue get a taste sensation, then swallow. Finally, contemplate. If I am properly relaxed, to consume a finger's worth will take me 45 minutes or more.

That though is the core. Being properly relaxed. Being distracted means that you miss some (all?) of the flavors. Which incidentally can range from citrus, cream, oak, caramel, smoke, and the list goes on. Successfully deciphering the flavors requires that I sit still, without much distraction, and RELAX. Scotch isn't the only way I relax, but it is a very nice change on occasion. Relaxation is an art if you think about it, which lately has seemed to require more and more effort. It is easy to turn off the computer, TV, lights, and be alone. The scotch (or my guitar usually) provides something to concentrate on, which in turn keeps my mind from wandering to other things that keep me from relaxing when it's quite and I'm by myself. Work, or things that have happened at work being the two biggest culprits.

So there it is. Why I like scotch. Or single malt scotch more specifically. Many who read this will think that I'm weird. Probably so. Not because of the scotch though.