Whisky Myths Debunked

Scotch whisky myths, debunked. 🥃 Some are just simple misunderstandings, but others have been deliberately perpetuated for decades. Here’s some common misconceptions and the truths behind them.

Myth: Age always equals quality

While maturation of whisky can impart complexity and depth, age is not the sole indicator of quality. The truth is that the quality very much depends on the production techniques, distillation methods, cask selection and maturation conditions.

Single malt whisky is not blended

This is one that comes as a huge shock to some. Yes, it is blended. Single malt whisky is vatted (blended in a large container) after maturation, meaning that casks from the same distillery (often of differing ages) are combined before bottling.

It is only single cask whisky that is the product of one single cask from one distillery.

Myth: Sherry-cask Scotch tastes like sherry

You might be forgiven for assuming that, but it isn’t quite true. While sherry casks impart some notes of spice, nuts and fruit cake, it’s primarily the oak that imparts the flavour. So, if you don’t like sherry there’s no reason to steer clear of sherried whisky.

Myth: Aeneas Coffey invented the continuous still

No, he didn’t. A number of scientists, engineers and businessmen contributed to the development of the continuous still in the early 1800s, but it was Scottish distiller Robert Stein who took the design to the next level and introduced the two-column still we know today.

Aeneas Coffey took Robert Stein’s still and improved its efficiency - and most significantly patented the final design in 1830.

Myth: The raw materials for Scotch whisky must come from Scotland

While it’s true that all of Scotch whisky’s water comes from nearby sources, yeast and barley can be sourced from anywhere in the UK and beyond, into mainland Europe if necessary. There just isn’t enough suitable barley-growing soil available in Scotland to keep up with global demand.

Myth: Whisky should be stored in a similar way to wine

No, it’s unnecessary. Whisky should be kept upright, away from direct sunlight but maybe tipped horizontally twice per year (if it hangs around that long!) so that the liquid seeps into the cork, keeping it moist.

Myth: Whisky investment always pays off

There’s a misconception that investing in rare or limited-edition Scotch whisky bottles or casks is a guaranteed path to financial gain. While some may appreciate in value over time, there is no get-rich-quick aspect to whisky investment, it carries risks like any other financial product and the market is currently UNREGULATED.

Can you think of any other Scotch whisky myths? Let me know in the comments.

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