Scotch Hunter

Knowing Single Malt Scotch ::
To have created the pleasure of the single-malt Scotch is a magnificent achievement. How odd, then, to keep it almost a secret, which the Scots have done for decades. There is a charm to the reserve of the Highlander and Islander, but thank heavens they let slip the gift of single malts. The single malts are the most natural of spirits, formed more than any other by their environment. For the same reason, they are the most individualistic. One arouses the appetite before dinner, another soothes the digestion; one likes to follow a round of golf, another prefers a book at bedtime. No other spirit offers such diversity of character. The same single malt may evolve in character with age and strength, according to the type of wood in which it has come to maturity. The products of more than a hundred malt distilleries have at one time or another in recent years been made available as single malts. Some are available at only one standard age, others are "vintage" dated, with the year of distillation and sometimes of bottling. Some are available in a wide variety of ages, and others at more than one strength. Some single malts can currently be found in half a dozen or more bottlings. Which malt is best? Some are clearly more characterful than others, but they also vary in dryness and sweetness, fullness and lightness, crispness and roundness, assertiveness and elegance; in nose, body, palate and finish. A light, dry, aromatic malt may be better before dinner; a fuller, sweeter, rounder one afterwards. A soft malt may be a restorative after a walk; a heavier, smokier one might be better at bedtime. This web site provides its user with a basic introduction to the world of the single malt. A few pages of history and the manufacturing process are followed a brief encouragement to store and serve properly this most precious of liquors. But perhaps the most helpful guidance found in these pages is the listing of distillery regions, the corresponding characteristics of the scotch produced in them, and a ranking of the various distilleries. Much of the information contained in this section of the web was obtained from Michael Jackson's Malt Whiskey Companion, 3rd Edition and the Whiskey Shop. The authors wish to acknowledge these important resources.Once this orientation is complete, develop your own tasting skills and visit our tasting notes. Then begin your own quest to find the perfect single malt.
More Information about "Knowing Single Malt Scotch" can be found on our official website: ScotchHunter.com
Whisky / Single Malts Storing and Serving
Distillery Regions Distillery by Rank
Distillery by Regions
More on Scotland
More on Single Malt Newsletter
Appreciating Single Malt Scotch ::
First, remember that before one can truly appreciate the subtleties of a fine single malt, one must train the senses. Appearance, aroma, taste, and feel are all important and there is a method by which these can be focused to enhance the experience. The information on the "Nosing and Tasting" and the "What to Look For" pages will be of great help to you. Second, appreciating anything of quality must be done with concentration and devotion. Give yourself plenty of time to savour the experience.

And finally, we suggest that you first focus on the flavors you find most pleasant as a way to get started. Consult "Scotch Tasting for the Novice" or "Best by Flavor" for some specific recommendations. Read these pages carefully and you will find consuming your favorite dram much more pleasurable.

More Information about "Appreciating Single Malt Scotch" can be found on our official website: ScotchHunter.com
Nosing and Tasting What To Look For
Terms To Know Novice Scotch Tasting
Our Star Ratings Best By Region
Best By Flavor
Newsletter
Hunting for Single Malt Scotch ::
Those searching these pages may be fortunate to live in large cities where fine liquor stores stock plenty of single malts. Even better, some may be fortunate to live across the pond much closer to the source of this most magnificent elixir. For these lucky mortals, finding something new to taste presents no challenge at all. In Virginia (US), however, the sale of fine spirits is controlled by the Commonwealth through its package stores. As a result, the variety of single malts available to us is limited. The more popular, less expensive, and more common single malts are plentiful but our tastes require more. The rare and extraordinary single malt requires a purposeful hunt.

As we travel from state to state, we have found several merchants that seem to understand the specialness of the single malt and stock a wide variety of excellent scotches. We have honored them as "Fine Purveyors" and have listed them, commented about their inventory, and given the particulars about their shops on a separate page linked at the right. In case you are ever in the area, stop, look, and purchase. You will not be disappointed.

To help us with our hunt, we have also identified several "Worthy Scotches Not Yet Found." The names of these brands appear on a separate link as well. If you have located these rarities, drop us a note. We are prepared to travel almost anywhere to find these treasures.