As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that there is a common misconception when it comes to butterscotch and its association with Scotch whisky or alcohol. Many people assume that butterscotch contains trace amounts of Scotch or that it is somehow related to the alcoholic beverage. However, this is simply not true.
To clarify, butterscotch is a type of confectionery made primarily from butter and brown sugar. The name “butterscotch” itself is derived from the words “butter” and “scotch” which originally referred to the process of cooking the sugar and butter mixture to a “scotching” or bubbling state. This process gives butterscotch its distinct caramel-like flavor and texture.
It is important to note that traditional and modern butterscotch recipes do not call for any Scotch whisky. The basic ingredients generally consist of butter, brown sugar, and sometimes cream or milk. The mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, resulting in a smooth and creamy butterscotch sauce or candy.
However, I must admit that there are adventurous cooks who may choose to enhance their butterscotch recipes with a hint of Scotch whisky for added flavor complexity. This is purely a personal preference and not a standard ingredient in traditional butterscotch recipes. It is similar to how some people may add a splash of alcohol to their desserts, such as rum in a cake or brandy in a sauce. These additions are optional and not inherent to the original recipe.
In my personal experience, I have come across variations of butterscotch recipes that incorporate Scotch whisky as an additional ingredient. These versions often aim to create a more sophisticated or adult-oriented flavor profile. However, it is important to note that these variations are not representative of the traditional or standard butterscotch recipe.
To summarize, while some adventurous cooks may choose to enhance their butterscotch recipes with Scotch whisky, the vast majority of traditional and current butterscotch recipes do not contain any trace amounts of Scotch or alcohol. Butterscotch is primarily made from butter, brown sugar, and sometimes cream or milk. It is important to understand the distinction between traditional recipes and personal variations to avoid any misconceptions about the presence of Scotch in butterscotch.