Glossary
Scotch
malt, grain or blended whisky made entirely in Scotland
Malt Whisky
whisky that is made from a fermented mash produced primarily from a malted grain (usually Barley) and distilled in copper pot stills.
Grain Whisky
whisky made, at least in part, from grains as well as a small amount of malted barley to start the process.
Whiskey
An American or Irish misspelling of “whisky”
Dram
unit for drinking Scotch
Peaty
a smokey or medicinal flavour
Nose
the aroma of a whisky, how it smell
Taste
the sensation of flavour perceived in the mouth and throat from the whisky
Finish
the taste left in the mouth after swallowing the whisky
Single Malt
the product of a single distillery
Blended
the product of blending multiple malt and grain whiskies together
Maturing
the process of ageing in an oak cask
Cask
an oak vessel used to mature the whisky over many years
Finishing
an extension of the maturation process, when the spirit is subsequently filled into empty casks that previously held other wines or spirits for a further relatively short period at the end of maturation.
Body
how the Scotch feels in your mouth
Colour
the deep golden hue of a whisky
Jigger
A bartending tool used to measure the volume of spirit or liqueur to go in a cocktail.
Large Jigger
Usually between 40 to 50ml
Small Jigger
Usually around 25ml
Dash
A very small amount, usually a quick flick of the wrist would do.
Splash
A looser term, giving you free reign to pour in a good glug.
Shot
A small shot glass worth (around 25ml)
Part
An equal measure, whether it’s a shot, splash or jigger.
Muddler
A bartending tool used like a pestle to mash or muddle fruits, herbs and spices in the bottom of a glass to release their flavour
Muddle
Pressing the ingredients against the side of a glass with a muddler
Strainer
A bartending tool used to remove ice from a mixed drink as it’s poured into a serving glass
Rocks
Any drink that is served with or over ice
Shaker
A bartending device used to mix beverages by shaking
Bar spoon
A long handled spoon used for stirring and layering of drinks