George Bernard Shaw referred to it as “liquid sunshine.” Contributing writer, Robin Robinson is here to give us all a little bit background on God’s first “energy drink.”

The word for Scotch whisky is “beguiling”: first because I like that word, and second because (IMHO) it’s the only distilled spirit that truly conveys the characteristics of its origin and production (actually, according to the Scotch Whisky Association, it must do that to be considered whisky).When we get to Single Malt Scotch Whisky, no two will be alike, even though the ingredients are always the same: water, barley and yeast. From the source of the water and barley to the method of production and maturation all the way to bottling, each whisky retains specific identifiers that make it unique, distinctive and yes, beguiling. Along with the ingredients, there’s a little adventure, romance, myth, MacBeth and Braveheart in every bottle. Here’s how to know the difference, and why.

Let’s start with a shortened definition of whisky mandated by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and part of the Scotch Whisky Order of 1990:

– a mash of fermented cereal that is
- distilled to an alcoholic strength of no more than 94.8% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), then
- aged for a minimum of 3 years in an oaken cask, and
- bottled at no less than 40% ABV (double this number for an approximate “proof”), and
- it must contain the color and aroma of both the raw materials used and the method of its production and maturation.

There’s some vague language in there, but it’s done on purpose. Basically, it means you can make Scotch whisky out of any type of cereal grain (barley, wheat, corn, maize, rye) in either kind of still (Coffey still or pot still) as long as it meets these conditions.

Malted whisky takes it one step further and says that the grain used can only be barley and it must go through a malting process. “Malting” means that the barley is soaked in water to begin germination (which starts the starch-to-sugar cycle) and stopped by the application of heat. This is where each Scotch whisky will now start to take on its distinctive style, where the kind of water and type of still used in distillation begin to affect the final flavor and aroma. You’ll typically start seeing a little longer in the aging process here, climbing up to 5-7 years, and the type of still will now be a pot still only, which makes whisky in individual batches.

Single malt whisky now means that all of the above can take place only at one distillery. So, there are single malt distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Japan, US, everywhere, and they all play by the very same rule (with the exception of the French, but that figures). You’ll now start to see a minimum aging of 8-10 years in oak.

Single Malt Scotch whisky means all of the above must take place only in Scotland, from production to bottling. Its rare to find them younger than 10 years, but some distilleries are getting impatient or experimenting with different innovations in maturation.

In order to ensure consumer quality and protection, the SWA is seeking legal protection to ensure the regional names of Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Cambeltown and Islay appear only on bottles that were distilled in those areas (more about these regions later).

Not confused yet? How about this: Single grain Scotch whisky, blended Scotch whisky, blended malt Scotch whisky, blended grain Scotch whisky. Bourbon, rye and Irish? You’re making me tired with all your questions, let’s pick up later. Right now, I need a drink. Class dismissed.

Robin Robinson is the Brand Ambassador for Compass Box Whisky, a line of hand-crafted, artisanal Scotch whiskies created by John Glaser. Robin first came upon single malt Scotch whiskies in 1984 when he faked his way through hosting a Scotch whisky dinner for a bunch of Park Avenue swells while knowing absolutely nothing about the subject he was talking about. After cleaning off the tar and feathers, he bought his first single malt Scotch and a love affair was born. Since then, Robin has cast a wary eye on anyone calling themselves an “expert”. He edits the whisky blog www.onemalt.com. Compass Box Whisky can be found at www.compassboxwhisky.com and in fine spirits stores near you.