GRAPH: Scotch flavors made simple
Colin Joliat Thanks to it being Robert Burns Day yesterday, we talked a lot of scotch. I got a good number of tweets after that from people asking for a rule-of-wrist for single malt scotch flavor profiles. Thankfully there is a handy graph to help sort things out. Obviously this includes a select few whiskys, but using the 4 key taste variables you’ll be well equipped to describe to your local proprietor what you’re generally looking to try.
In addition to light, delicate, rich, and smokey, the location of the distillery can play a big roll in the taste of a scotch. There are four, or five if you separate Island and Islay, main regions in Scotland, each with its own characteristics.
Highland - The largest region, a little bit lighter and a little sweeter. Some peat and smokiness, but not they aren’t the dominating flavors. A little kick to them too.
Lowland - Light and mild with some floral flavors. Typically used in blends.
Speyside - My preference, and apparently most other people’s as well. Complex, often somewhat fruity, and contain the smokiness that most associate with scotch.
Islay/Island - Peaty. If you’ve tasted one you know it. They have big bold smokey flavor profiles and are certainly not a good starting point unless you want to quit before you give it a chance.
The graph, plus everything you could want to know on Malts.com. You should know though that they have skin in the game, so don’t just experiment with those listed on the site. I still like easing people in with blends, but you’ll have to choose your own adventure.
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