FAQs
If there is something that you wonder frequently (preferably about our store/whisky), please get in touch and we will add the answer to our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Questions
Scotch refers to any whisky made in Scotland, but actually covers five different types of spirit. The two most important for us are Single Malt and Blended Scotch.
>Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made at a SINGLE distillery from expensive MALTED barley in copper pot stills. It usually has more intense flavours.
>Single Grain Scotch Whisky is made at a SINGLE distillery from cheaper GRAINS and a column still which gives lighter, buttery flavours.
>Blended Scotch Whisky is made by combining (BLENDING) many Single Malt and Single Grain whiskies together. This can be considered the best of both worlds, with complexity coming from the Single Malts and smoothness coming from the Grain whiskies.
A dram is a measure of whisky as generous as the person holding the bottle! There is no definition of the size and it is used to describe a glass of whisky shared amongst friends.
In short, however you like!
We usually recommend tasting the whisky without water first, but that can be a shock to your tongue.
Water: Adding water will 'open up' the whisky and release extra flavours. Some people swear by a few drops of water, some say 10%, some say 50/50 water and whisky. It is best to experiment with how much you like, but add it slowly as you can't take it out again if you add too much.
Ice: is more controversial. By chilling the spirit you are likely to 'numb the flavour' and taste less, a bit like drinking white wine straight from the fridge. However, as long as you enjoy it, (especially if you are in a hotter country than Scotland) then feel free to add water.
Cocktails: are another option. Again, the purists may tell you that it is sacrilege to add anything to your whisky. But cocktails are an incredibly popular way to enjoy all kinds of drinks. The bold, complex flavours of Scotch Whisky are the perfect base for mixed drinks. Make sure that the quality of every ingredient matches the whisky and avoid using straws where possible.
We welcome thousands of people a year to Aberfeldy and want to offer the same personal service to our online guests. Feel free to email aberfeldydistillery@dewars.com or call us on 01887 822010 during office hours.