Is there an American made Scotch? This is a question that often comes up when discussing American whiskey and its relationship to Scotch whisky. While it is true that American whiskey and Scotch whisky share some similarities, there are distinct differences that prevent American whiskey from being called “Scotch.”
Scotch whisky is made in Scotland and is subject to strict regulations that dictate how it is produced. These regulations specify that Scotch whisky must be made from malted barley, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, and distilled to no more than 94.8% alcohol by volume. Additionally, Scotch whisky is known for its distinctive peat smoke flavor, which comes from the traditional practice of drying the malted barley over peat fires.
On the other hand, American whiskey, including bourbon and rye, is made in the United States and is subject to its own set of regulations. While American whiskey can be made from a variety of grains, including corn, rye, wheat, and barley, it is not required to be made exclusively from barley like Scotch whisky. Furthermore, American whiskey is often aged in new charred oak barrels, which imparts different flavors and characteristics compared to the used oak barrels typically used for aging Scotch whisky.
That being said, there are American distilleries that produce whiskies with similarities to Scotch. One such example is Tenmile, a distillery known for its fruity and elegant whiskey, reminiscent of the Speyside region of Scotland. While Tenmile's whiskey may share some flavor profiles with Scotch whisky, it is important to note that it is still distinctly American in its production methods and ingredients.
Another example is Westland, a distillery located in Seattle, which takes a different approach to whiskey production. Westland embraces its American identity and does not aim to replicate Scotch whisky. Instead, they focus on creating unique and innovative American single malts that showcase the flavors and characteristics of their local terroir. This includes using locally sourced barley and exploring different maturation techniques.
While American whiskey can exhibit similarities to Scotch whisky in terms of flavor profiles, there is no American made Scotch. The strict regulations and geographical indications for Scotch whisky ensure that it can only be produced in Scotland. American whiskey, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of styles and flavors that are unique to the American whiskey industry.
The question of whether there is an American made Scotch is answered with a resounding no. American whiskey and Scotch whisky are distinct categories with their own regulations and production methods. While American distilleries may produce whiskies that share some similarities with Scotch, they are still proudly American in their identity and cannot be classified as Scotch whisky.