As we all know, we are in Autumn and are moving ever so close to Winter. You know what this means…Scotch drinking weather (apparently). The article that was published on ‘Sloshed.com’ below, describes ideal scotch weather as “Frosty nights, windy days, with an austere crispness in the air.” But as we approach these seasons, it is important to know your drink. Especially if you work in a more laid back bar (with your RSA Certificate) where scotch is the ‘smooth, man’s drink.’ Check out this article on the different Scotch recommendations.

“Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve (about 40 dollars): This is a non-peaty Highland Scotch from one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Glen Garioch (pronounced ‘geery’). Now owned by Japan’s Suntory corporation, this whisky curiously exhibits the characteristic dry maltiness of Yamizaki, Suntory’s flagship whisky. At a hefty 48% ABV, it’s a bruiser too, so a little water or ice might be a good idea to soften the edges. It’s a little hot for my taste, and more peat would be welcome (there’s no such thing as too much in my book), but this is a decent, well-rounded Highland at a nice price.

Glen Garioch 12 (about 60 dollars): As big as the Founder’s is, the 12-year-old is its meaner, hairier brother who probably drives a Camaro, or maybe an Iroc-Z. This whiskey is very hot (it’s also 48%), but also exhibits some strange taste components: oddly, I keep thinking of marshmallows, and there’s a weird chemical flavor here too, maybe something like methanol would taste if you could drink it without dying. This sounds unpleasant, and it is a little, but there’s still a nice woodsy character and a surprising complexity here, if you’re willing to stick it out.

Auchentoshan Three Wood (about 60 dollars): A Lowland favorite that is aged in bourbon barrels before before being finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. It’s a syrupy, swaggering, and fruity whisky with a pungent finish. It’s got just enough smoke to keep masochists like me happy, but retains enough of a softer character to please everyone else happy too. Definitely worth a try.

Auchentoshan 12 (about 40 dollars): As I’ve stated before, I detest the word ‘smooth’ as an adjective to describe liquor, but sadly, it was the first one to come to mind when I tried this. This means I need to try harder, so here it is: the 12-year is not too fruity, not too smoky, and very easy to drink—in other words, it’s boring. Maybe a little disappointing following the magnificent Three Wood, but it may be just the ticket for the less adventurous drinker in your life, poor souls they may be.

Bowmore 12 (about 40 dollars): From one of the most well known Islay distilleries in the world, this is their entry level whisky, and for the most part, it’s a good one. There’s the grassy, succulent mid-palate, the honeyed citrus notes, and the mildly peaty finish, but there’s not a hell of a lot else. It’s a nice and easy Islay; simple, but there’s nothing really wrong with that, is there? (Ed. note: Marleigh prefers the flavor of whisky to that of peat smoke, and the Bowmore 12 was her favorite. If you’re not a peat monster or you just like a nicely balanced Scotch, try this one.)

Bowmore 15 (about 70 dollars): Of all the whiskys featured here, this was by far my favorite (and unfortunately the most expensive). This is a well-balanced, smokey Islay, and while a tiny bit more brine and peat (I’m looking at you Lagavulin, and I’d start running were I you) would be good, it still delivers on all fronts. The sherry cask comes through nicely on this, as do heavy notes of fig, honey, and grass. If you can swing it, and are looking for a stunning whisky that will floor all your friends, this is a good bet that is easy to find.” Sourced From: www.Sloshed.com This article came from ‘Sloshed.com‘ and describes the different kinds of Scotch rather well if i may say so myself. You should note, though, that this is only one opinion and there are also a lot of other Scotch brands out there to choose from.

To summarize the article though: Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve is well rounded and strong (also cheap) Glen Garioch 12 is Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve, but a lot stronger. Auchentoshan Three Wood is a gentleman’s drink: syrupy, softer. Worth a taste. Auchentoshan 12 is boring, but smooth. Something for a non-adventurous drinker. Bowmore 12 has nothing wrong with it…but it’s net exactly…interesting…(It’s standard!) Bowmore 15 delivers on all fronts, it’s great (apparently) but it looks expensive… If you are planning to become a Scotch expert and know your liquor, then you should also know how to drink it. Perhaps no video is better than the one below on how to order and drink Scotch. Like a pro…

This next article comes from ‘Thedrinksreport.com’ and describes the dilemma we faced a while ago about labeling Scotch as brewed in Scotland, when it was actually not. Essentially, people wanted to bring back the class to Scottish Scotch. This all happened in 2009, but it’s interesting to note that now you know if what you are drinking is Scottish…or not. Big difference, right? To some it is.

“The regulations, that come into force on 23 November, mean:

• Compulsory use of category descriptions, such as ‘Blended Scotch Whisky’, will ensure consumers receive clear, consistent and accurate information;

• New presentation rules provide a unique opportunity to promote understanding of every category of Scotch Whisky, Single and Blended, to consumers;

• Additional protection for Scotch Whisky from unfair competition and deceptive practices, establishing a robust and comprehensive legal framework;

• New rules to require the bottling of Single Malt Scotch Whisky in Scotland will protect this growing category;

• New protection for the traditional regional names associated with Scotch Whisky production and clear rules on product age statements;

• Introduction of a strong enforcement mechanism, with HM Revenue & Customs designated as the Scotch Whisky verification authority;

• Use of the word ‘Pure’ which is to be banned as it has led to confusion as ‘Pure Malt’ may come across as being superior whereas the term is used to disguise the fact that the product is a blend of malts rather than a Single Malt;

• There is also to be tightening up of the use of distillery and regional names:

• These regulations will also serve to protect consumers as well as the industry through consolidation of the legal framework.”

This article was sourced from: http://www.thedrinksreport.com/full.articles/business.folder/full.1109_SWA_New_Regs.html

Or: The Drinks Report Online This is not really something that would effect someone who merely serves alcohol with the RSA Course Online Certificate, unless you had really picky customers. Either way, now you know two things – the different kinds of Scotch that there are (well, some) and that you can now tell if your drinking Scotch that was really from Scotland, or not!