Why I Enjoy Scotch

 Credit: neilbetter

Credit: neilbetter

Anyone who drinks alcohol will always have a “type” that is their favorite. Whether it’s India Pale Ales or vodka or scotch, there is always going to be a type that resonates.

For me, it’s Scotch.

Or more generally, it’s whisky (or whiskey!).

My first encounter with whiskey was something a lot of college kids first meet – Mr. Jack Daniels. Jack Daniels is a far cry from scotch. Jack Daniels is sour mash, which is mostly corn with a bit of rye and barley malt. It can be harsh, often mixed with a Coca Cola, and very rarely do you see Old No. 7 drank neat. I’ve actually never seen anyone drink it neat. :)

Eventually, as I got older, I started enjoy nicer whisky. At first it was blends, like Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal, but also Canadian and Irish Whiskey. It wasn’t until much later that I discovered single malt Scotch and found that it resonated most with me.

I’m not one of those people that “looks down” on any whiskey that wasn’t produced in Scotland – far from it. I’m willing to try anything and everything, I just find myself returning to Scotland when I’m by myself.

Why do I enjoy Scotch? (and these also apply to many other whiskies) There is so much depth and character in all the various distilleries and it shows in the product they produce. There is so much variety that you couldn’t possibly drink every single expression from every distillery – it’s just not possible. There are almost a hundred different distilleries in Scotland, there are only six in Ireland.

Variety is the spice of life, right?

I do enjoy beer from time to time but whisky, and all distilled spirits, simply has less volume! I don’t mind cracking open a beer when I do yard work but for relaxing after a long day, I prefer to leisurely sip on my glass of Glenkinchie.

As for rum, vodka, gin, and all the rest? I enjoy them but rarely do I drink them by itself. I’ve sipped some high end rums and tequilas, they’re certainly very tasty, but it’s not something I see myself enjoying time and time again. Maybe it’s too many bad memories with bad rums, vodkas, and tequilas…

Why do you enjoy scotch?

4 thoughts on “Why I Enjoy Scotch

  1. I just happened upon your web site as I was looking to expand my knowledge and therefore tastings of different scotch whisky. For me, I never really liked Jack Daniels until about a year ago when a friend introduced me to Gentlemen Jack. That’s where it all started. I stuck with GJ for awhile and then went to Makers, Knob Creek and others. However, recently on an out-of-town trip, I had a whisky sampler and found a new, but more expensive habit. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban. The color is alluring and enticing, the aroma is intoxicating, and then….salud!
    Any suggestions on what I should try next? I enjoy your postings.

    • Ahhh Quinta Ruban, so of all the names you listed it wasn’t until this one that you mentioned an actual scotch (scotch is just whisky produced in Scotland, just like champagne is sparkling white wine produced in region of France). That said, it’s one that is finished in port casks, that is barrels that once held port.

      I love port finishes, probably than any other finish, because of the warmth and sweetness it provides. If you really enjoyed it, I’d look around for other scotches finishes in port. They’re generally going to be more expensive (Glenmorangie 10 YO is only like $30 per 750ml, Quinta Ruban is around $70) but I think they’re worth it whenever you want to treat yourself. 🙂

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