As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that Scotch is not always 80 proof. In fact, Scotch whisky has specific regulations regarding its alcohol content. According to these regulations, Scotch cannot be distilled to more than 94.8% alcohol by volume. This means that even if a distillery wanted to, they couldn't produce a Scotch with a much higher proof.
However, when it comes to the actual production of Scotch, most distilleries tend to cut their newmake spirit to a lower proof before it is aged in barrels. Newmake spirit is the high-proof, clear spirit that is distilled from malted barley and water. It is then aged in oak barrels to develop the complex flavors and characteristics that Scotch is known for.
In my experience, most Scottish distilleries cut their newmake spirit to a proof between 120 and 150. This means that they add water to the spirit to bring down its alcohol content before it goes into the barrels. This step is important because higher-proof spirits can be too harsh and overpowering, and the aging process allows the flavors to mellow and develop over time.
So, while the initial newmake spirit may have a higher proof, the final product that we know as Scotch is typically bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). This is the legal minimum requirement for Scotch whisky to be called Scotch. Anything below this ABV cannot be labeled as Scotch.
It's interesting to note that the choice of ABV for bottling Scotch can vary among distilleries and even among different expressions from the same distillery. Some whiskies may be bottled at higher proofs, such as cask strength releases, which can be anywhere from 50% to 60% ABV or even higher. These cask strength whiskies offer a more intense and concentrated flavor experience for those who enjoy a stronger drink.
Scotch is not always 80 proof. While it cannot be distilled to more than 94.8% ABV, most distilleries cut their newmake spirit to a lower proof before aging it in barrels. The final product, Scotch whisky, is typically bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), but there can be variations in the ABV depending on the distillery and specific expressions.