Scotch: Water of Life
Scotch is one of the most desired libations in the world. Its smooth, peaty taste is bold and stimulating to the palate, full of complex flavors and rich variety. What differentiates Scotch from most whiskies is that the entire process from mashing, malting, fermentation and maturation must take place in Scotland. It's made with malted barley, and if other grains are used, they must be whole and not malted. The barley and water are malted using smoldering peat from the Scottish moors, which gives it a distinctive rich smoky taste. Also, in order to be considered Scotch it must be produced by a large man named Angus who wears a kilt and plays bagpipes.
April 16 3PM Scotch Whisky Tasting-12 Year Single Malts[/caption] Japanese and German scientists have tried to reproduce Scotch but have failed, despite using the same processes, as neither country has the same climate as Scotland. (reference: 9 million in unmarked bills) Also they didn't have a large man named Angus on hand. Additionally, Scotch is highly regulated. The Scotch Whisky Act of 1988 primarily regulated the production of Scotch, in 2009 it was repealed and replaced with the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 which includes labeling as well as production laws. There's no mention of Angus or bagpipes, but that is kind of an unspoken law. So what makes it such a big deal? Scotch isn't just a beverage, it's the "water of life" , an oral (see what I did there?) history of Scotland, a tribute to a rugged land and a rugged people. It is an ancient and beloved drink, revered by poets and philosophers. Robert Burns wrote: "Let other poets raise a fracas Bout vines, an' wines, an' drucken Bacchus, An' crabbit names an'stories wrack us, An' grate our lug: I sing the juice Scotch bear can mak us, In glass or jug." Modern philosopher W.C. Fields said: “Set up another case bartender! The best thing for a case of nerves is a case of Scotch.” Finally, we'll hear from our bagpipe playing, kilt wearing, Scotch making friend Angus: "Scotch, it's good for what ails you, and better for what doesn't". Interested in learning about Scotch? Attend our Scotch tastings. You'll be glad you did!
April 16 3PM Scotch Whisky Tasting-12 Year Single Malts[/caption] Japanese and German scientists have tried to reproduce Scotch but have failed, despite using the same processes, as neither country has the same climate as Scotland. (reference: 9 million in unmarked bills) Also they didn't have a large man named Angus on hand. Additionally, Scotch is highly regulated. The Scotch Whisky Act of 1988 primarily regulated the production of Scotch, in 2009 it was repealed and replaced with the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 which includes labeling as well as production laws. There's no mention of Angus or bagpipes, but that is kind of an unspoken law. So what makes it such a big deal? Scotch isn't just a beverage, it's the "water of life" , an oral (see what I did there?) history of Scotland, a tribute to a rugged land and a rugged people. It is an ancient and beloved drink, revered by poets and philosophers. Robert Burns wrote: "Let other poets raise a fracas Bout vines, an' wines, an' drucken Bacchus, An' crabbit names an'stories wrack us, An' grate our lug: I sing the juice Scotch bear can mak us, In glass or jug." Modern philosopher W.C. Fields said: “Set up another case bartender! The best thing for a case of nerves is a case of Scotch.” Finally, we'll hear from our bagpipe playing, kilt wearing, Scotch making friend Angus: "Scotch, it's good for what ails you, and better for what doesn't". Interested in learning about Scotch? Attend our Scotch tastings. You'll be glad you did!
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