Scotch whisky 101: The ultimate guide

Find out everything you need to know about Scotch Whisky with our ultimate guide. From the regions to recognise, to tasting notes and our M&S favourites.

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Florence Head

What is Scotch whisky?

Scotch whisky is part of Scotland's history, culture, and identity. With a heritage dating back over 500 years to the first recorded distillation in 1494, Scotch whisky was originally known as "Uisge Beatha," which means "The Water of Life" in Gaelic. Today, it's a drink known all over the world, employing over 41,000 people in Scotland and accounting for 22% of all UK food and drink exports.

To be called Scotch, whisky must be made in Scotland using only three natural ingredients: water, yeast, and cereal. It must also mature in oak casks for at least three years and one day. This strict process ensures that every bottle carries the authentic taste and tradition of Scotch. Interestingly, the spelling of whisky depends on whether the country has an 'e' in its name. For example, in Ireland, it’s spelt ‘whiskey,’ while in Scotland, it’s spelt ‘whisky.’

From the rolling hills of the Highlands to the shores of Islay, Scotch whisky is woven into the fabric of Scotland - an iconic drink that continues to be enjoyed by millions worldwide.

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The 5 regions of Scotch whisky

There are currently 151 whisky distilleries in Scotland spread across five whisky regions which all have their own flavours and personalities.

Campbeltown is the smallest whisky region in Scotland and is known for dry whiskies with flavours of smokiness, dried fruit, and toffee. Whereas, Speyside is home to almost half of Scotland's distilleries. Whiskies from this region typically show notes of pear, honey, and spices.

Whiskies from the Lowlands are often lighter in character and perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Soft and smooth malts are characteristic of this region, offering an elegant taste reminiscent of honeysuckle, and cinnamon. The Highlands offer a Scotch Whisky for all palates. This region, which also takes in the islands, has a huge diversity of flavours, from lighter whiskies to salty coastal malts. And finally, Islay is an island off Scotland's west coast, where the majority of its population are involved in whisky production and is famous for fiery whiskies.

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Single malt Scotch whisky

Our Collection Kilchoman Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is an elegant and sophisticated Islay. Our Lead Product Developer and in-house whisky expert, Jenny Rea, describes it as having "lots of juicy fruit, plus a perfect balance of citrus and peat smoke, that creates a harmonious marriage of flavours.' She also recommends that while it’s absolutely delicious on it's own, 'it also makes an amazing pairing with dark chocolate." For the ultimate experience, try it with one of our Collection dark chocolate bars.

So, what makes it a Single Malt? It’s all about the process. The “single” means it’s from just one distillery - Kilchoman, in this case. The “malt” refers to the grain used, which in this whisky is exclusively malted barley. And to earn the title of Single Malt, it’s got to be distilled in copper pot stills, ensuring a rich, distinctive flavour in every drop.

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Blended whisky

This 8-years-aged Blended Scotch Whisky is a true find, offering great value for money. Our M&S Whisky expert, Jenny Rea, notes, "the eight years age gives it fantastic complexity, but it is silky smooth on the palate, with a lovely honeyed note on the finish." It’s the perfect drink for those chilly evenings, especially when enjoyed in a hot clementine toddy - the ideal winter warmer.

Blended Scotch whisky is the largest category of whisky, combining both single malts and single grain whiskies - those made with a variety of grains, not just barley. These whiskies are expertly blended to create a smooth, well-balanced whisky that delivers a high-quality taste of Scotland.

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How to drink Scotch whisky

As with glasses, how you enjoy your whisky is very much down to the occasion and to personal preference, there is no 'correct' way.

If you are trying a whisky for the first time, we recommend smelling and tasting the whisky neat initially, to allow yourself to fully appreciate the delicate flavours, aromas and personality of your chosen dram. You can also try adding a few drops of water into the glass, this will enhance its flavour and aroma and is often referred to as “opening up” the whisky.

Some simply prefer their whisky served on the rocks for a chilled, refreshing experience. If you like your whisky chilled but prefer to avoid dilution, whisky stones are a great option to keep it cool without altering the flavour.

Whisky is often drank to celebrate Burns Night with a warming winter drink in hand. Traditionally, drams of Scotch whisky are enjoyed throughout the evening, particularly during toasts and speeches.

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The best glass for Scotch whisky

The most familiar whisky glass is the Glencairn glass, the world’s first official whisky glass. Tulip shaped with a short, stable base, the wide bowl allows the whisky to be swirled, opening up the aromas, which are then concentrated through the narrow rim.

Another type of glass is known as the Copita, or Blenders Glass, a Spanish glass traditionally used by sherry bodegas. This is similar in shape to the Glencairn, except the Copita has a long stem, which prevents the drinker’s hand (and the whisky's smells) from coming too close to the nose.

Then of course there is the High Ball, a taller and straighter glass. With more space for ice and other ingredients, the High Ball is ideally suited for making whisky cocktails and long, relaxing drinks.

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Food pairings with Scotch whisky

The M&S Collection Scottish Salmon Gravadlax is an ideal match for whisky, with the rich, oily texture of the salmon complementing the whisky's complex flavours beautifully. For something more traditional, Scottish Haggis is another fantastic pairing. Its peppery, earthy richness pairs particularly well with a higher-strength whisky, creating a bold and satisfying combination.

For dessert or after dinner, try pairing whisky with cheese, like our Bleu D'Auvergne PDO with M&S Glengoyne 12 Year Old. The intense, salty sharpness of the blue cheese contrasts beautifully with the rich, sweet vanilla notes of the whisky, whilst the whisky’s alcohol content helps cleanse the palate, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing both the cheese and the whisky.

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How is our Collection Glengoyne 12 years old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky made?

At Glengoyne, the whisky-making process begins with barley, which, after being steeped in water, is only ever dried by air. This method allows the true Glengoyne spirit to shine through from the very start. Then, the dried barley is ground into a coarse flour, and mixed with hot water in the Mash Tun before fermentation. After 56 hours, the result is Wash, a fruit beer with an alcohol content of around 8%.

Next comes distillation. Glengoyne’s uniquely shaped copper stills turn the wash into spirit. The distillation process is done at a leisurely pace; for every minute other whiskies spend in their stills, Glengoyne’s spend three. This prolonged copper contact brings out the sweet and fruity notes of apples, pears and bananas for which Glengoyne is known.

After distillation, the spirit is ready for its long maturation journey and transformation into whisky. At Glengoyne, maturation is never rushed. The whisky is allowed to develop at its own pace for 12 years, the whisky tells the team when its ready to be bottled.

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Published 2.8.2025