Confessions of a Somm from the Whisky Trail So, how are you going to make Scotch work for Chasing Wine? It was a fair question. The rolling glens and dales of the Scottish Highlands and peat bogs of Islay represented a different sort of assignment from my usual vineyard tromping. Officially, I could say that…

From the Fertile Crescent to Scotland’s “water of life” In the world of whisky, barley holds a hallowed spot. It’s the only grain type that can be used for making single malt. Other grains, notably corn for bourbon and rye for rye, are the basis for spirits that also belong to the whisky family. Barley,…

All about that peat When it comes to the whisky aroma wheel, the more obscure notes to swirl from out of the glass are largely thanks to peat. Peat’s pungent array can cover everything from freshly cut lawn trimmings to smoldering campfire logs, smoked meats, and salty marsh. It also lends what is collectively, and…

Whisky’s secret ingredient The first thing to know about single malt whisky is that it’s made from three ingredients: barley, yeast, and water. The second thing to know is that most of the kaleidoscope of flavors comes from the casks used for maturation. Just how much of an imprint the casks leave behind is a…