Whisky labelling

Using three different labels, we will show you what is important.

From the simple blended whisky to the more detailed single malt and the exclusive single cask bottling - discover the differences!

Using the well-known and best-selling blended whisky Famous Grouse in Scotland as an example, we show you what information you can find on the label. Much of it is obvious, but we will briefly explain other details.

Scotch

Whisky may only be labelled Scotch if it has matured for at least 3 years in oak casks in Scotland. Without the Scotch designation, this whisky could come from India, for example. India is one of the world's largest whisky-producing countries.

Age

If no exact age is stated on the label, you can assume that the whisky it contains is usually only the required minimum age of 3 years. Do not be confused by words such as 'Rare'. The Famous Grouse pictured, for example, is one of the best-selling whiskies in the world.

Bottle content

Various units are permitted when specifying the bottle content. For example, bottles can be labelled with 70 cl or 0.7 litres. The letter 'e' after the contents refers to the determination of the volume. 'e' stands for 'estimated'. In a technical process such as bottling, there are always small deviations.

Interesting to know: The most common bottle size on the American market is 75 cl.

Alcohol content

The alcohol content is given as a percentage of the bottle content (volume). Theoretically, you could also state a percentage of the weight. However, this is not permitted by law.

Region

The term single malt Scotch whisky may be preceded by the region, e.g. 'Highland'. The classic regions are Highlands, Speyside, Lowlands, Islay and Campbeltown. Since a change in the law in 2009, other regional designations (e.g. Orkney, Arran) may now also precede the whisky designation.

Age

The age on the label of a whisky bottle always indicates the age of the youngest whisky contained in this bottle. Single malt whiskies also usually combine whiskies of different ages, although they all come from the same distillery.

As a general rule, the longer a whisky matures, the smoother and often better it becomes, as sharp flavours degrade over time. However, age alone is not decisive, as other factors, such as cask size, also play an important role. Whiskies aged for 12 years in small casks often develop faster and become softer than those aged for 18 years in large casks, for example.

Age is an important indicator, but not the sole criterion - so don't just be guided by the number on the label!

There are now also many bottlings without an age indication - the so-called NAS whiskies. Here, older whiskies are blended with younger ones until a harmonious flavour is achieved.

Alcohol content

Higher quality whiskies are usually bottled with a higher alcohol content. This reflects the philosophy of many producers to offer the buyer of a more expensive bottle a more intense and authentic flavour experience.

But be careful: many whiskies develop their flavours better when diluted with a little water. This has nothing to do with "adulteration" or watering down, but rather with the possibility of bringing out the complex flavours better.

And there is another advantage to whiskies with a higher alcohol content: a bottle with a higher alcohol content often lasts longer, as it can be individually diluted according to preference - and is therefore more productive than a bottling that has already been reduced to drinking strength.

Whiskies without an age statement are known as NAS whiskies. NAS stands for"No Age Statement".

This means that no specific age of the whisky is stated on the bottle. Instead, these whiskies can consist of a blend of distillates of different ages. Producers often emphasise other characteristics such as flavour, cask maturation or special ingredients rather than focusing on age. Common reasons for NAS whiskies include flexibility in production with no minimum age statement, the ability to use younger whiskies to increase production and a focus on flavour profile rather than age.

NAS whiskies are now very common, especially in premium and special editions. Some well-known examples are:

• Macallan Rare Cask
• Ardbeg Uigeadail
• Talisker Storm

Age

Cask strength bottlings are labelled with precise information on the time of distillation so that the age of the whisky can be verified. This information, together with the date of bottling, is often found on single cask bottlings. The cask type is also indicated, which helps you to better assess the flavour of the whisky before tasting it.

Limited quantity

As whisky matures individually in casks, the flavour of each cask is different. This is why cask-finished whiskies are only available in limited quantities. If a whisky is successful in sales, the bottler will try to bottle a similar cask - with a slightly different flavour. The number of bottles bottled is often stated alongside the bottle number.

Alcohol content

Don't be put off by the high alcohol content of a cask bottling. These whiskies are usually reduced to drinking strength with still, low-mineralised spring water. This means the bottle lasts twice as long. In addition, the fresh dilution ensures a more intense flavour and gives you the opportunity to experiment with aromas, which significantly enhances your taste experience.

Filtering

When it comes to filtering, bottlers' opinions differ: some swear by the filtering process, while others are strictly against it. Some cool the whisky to a few degrees Celsius before filtering in order to capture all the components that are difficult to dissolve (chill filtering). Further information can be found in the article Alcohol and water.