Beginner needs advanced hints

[dauph197]

Hello Guys,

First, I want to apologize for my poor English writing. I'm from Québec in Canada so I'm French speaking.

The reason why I am a new member of your forum is because I'm looking to know more about scotch... especially small private distillery?

I am a private wine importer in Quebec and I would like to offer a very specific scotch. The kind of scotch produce at a very small scale but with a high degree of quality. In the wine world, the small producers are often the best, now I try to figure out how it is working for the scotch world? I have to admit, I tried very time to drink scotch so I do not know nothing about distilleries and how many scotch are available.

It is clear that I'm looking for a great scotch taster, who has a great passion for this drink. I just love the ''ceremonial'' around alcohol so I would like to learn how to taste and appreciate a very nice scotch.

By the way... what is the difference between scotch and whisky? What is the difference between a scotch from Ireland and Scotland? Am I doing an error by saying ''Irish scotch'' ? I don't want to ''insult'' anyone, I just want to learn!

If the administrators think that I'm not at the good place, please let me know!

Thanks to all of you!

Sheers,

Martin Dauphinais

[jwise]

Wow. This might take a while. I'll start with the easy ones...

In the Scotch Whisky world, the distilleries produce a lot and sell internationally. The smallest is Edradour, and they still sell quite a bit. Single barrel offerings are the pinnacle of the whisky world. SMWS is best known for selecting the best of the best casks from the various distilleries to sell to their own membership.

Whisky (without the 'e') refers to Scotch Whisky. Whiskey is what everyone else in the world makes. Irish whiskey is typically triple distilled. Scotch Whisky is typically double distilled. Bourbon is made in a specific region of the U.S. There is a LOT more to the names beyond this, but this is basically it.

[Hunter]

In my area Oban and Talisker are very popular, both being excellent single malts.

[Dale]

I am a private wine importer in Quebec and I would like to offer a very specific scotch. The kind of scotch produce at a very small scale but with a high degree of quality. In the wine world, the small producers are often the best, now I try to figure out how it is working for the scotch world?

It is clear that I'm looking for a great scotch taster, who has a great passion for this drink. I just love the ''ceremonial'' around alcohol so I would like to learn how to taste and appreciate a very nice scotch.


Martin Dauphinais

Hi Martin - There is a lot to learn but it is a marvelous journey. As you're an importer and wanting to add whisky to your portfolio, you'll find the big brands are already being represented. For Scotch, these include blended whiskies brands like Johnnie Walker, Dewar's and Chivas Regal, and single malt brands like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and Macallan... Depending on the protections afforded distributors by the SAQ, you may or may not be able to represent already represented brands. That said, you can represent them through distributing for an "independent bottler."

For example, Macallan is with another distributor but you want to have Macallan whisky in your portfolio. You approach and independent bottler like Gordon & Macphail to represent them in PQ, and you select their bottling you want to distribute in PQ. From them, you're able to have a G&M bottling of Macallan.

The independent bottlers (the good ones) are great sources for great whiskies. Unfortunately, most store owners know nothing about them and don't carry any expressions from any independent bottler (in the U.S. anyway).

If you're wanting official bottlings of a few distilleries, make a list of every malt distillery in Scotland (around 100 of them currently producing) and contact the SAQ to determine which of those distilleries are not being imported into PQ and then contact those distilleries directly.

I'm in NY and can make a trip up to you if you'd like more info - just contact me directly through my e-mail address listed in my profile. I teach as well, so if you need a taster and someone with passion, again, contact me.