Age

When a label has an age statement, it means all the whisky in the bottle must be at least that old.

Colour

Whisky begins its life as a clear liquid and gains its hue from the barrels it’s matured in.

Distillation

The process of separating the alcohol and flavours, from the water.

Finish

The aftertaste of a whisky.

Malt

Barley grains that have been soaked, dried and ground up.

Maturation

The period of time whisky is left in barrels to develop character.

Peat

Distillers can choose to use grain in their whisky that has been “Peated” or dried out with Peat smoke. This imparts a smoky, earthy and medicinal flavour.

Blended whisky

Whiskies mixed with liquids from multiple distilleries.

Bourbon

Bourbon Whisky is any whiskey that comes from the county of Bourbon, in the USA.

Islay

The most famous Scottish island for whisky production.

Single malt whisky

A whisky that is produced by a single distillery.

Scotch

Whisky distilled and matured in Scotland.

Dram

Measurement of whisky.

Neat

Whisky served without ice or water.

On the rocks

Whisky served over ice.