Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland from malted barley or other grains and aged at least three years in oak. The label tells you most of what you need to know: single malt or blended, the region, and the age. This guide explains how to read it, then points you to bottles you can pick up at CBC Liquors on Littleton Rd in Westford.
What makes a whisky scotch?
Scotch whisky has to be made in Scotland, and the rules are strict. It is distilled from cereals, mashed and fermented with yeast, and then matured in oak casks in Scotland for a minimum of three years. Nothing may be added except water and plain caramel colouring. That is why the word on the label carries weight.
If you want to see what we have on the shelf, start with the scotch page. It sits under our wider whiskey section, so you can also step across to other styles without starting a new search.
The spelling matters a little too. Scotland and Canada write whisky without the e, while American and Irish bottles usually write whiskey. When you see whisky on a bottle, that is a first hint about where it comes from.
What is the difference between single malt and blended scotch?
A single malt is made at one distillery, entirely from malted barley, and distilled in pot stills. A blended scotch combines malt whisky with grain whisky, often from many distilleries, and the blender's job is to make the result taste the same year after year.
There are two other terms you will see. A blended malt mixes single malts from more than one distillery with no grain whisky. A single grain is made at one distillery but with grains other than just malted barley.
Neither style is automatically better. Single malts tend to show the character of a particular place. Blends tend to be smoother, more even and easier to mix into a highball or a cocktail. Plenty of people keep one of each at home.
Scotch we stock
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How do the scotch regions taste different?
Scotland is split into whisky regions, and each has a loose reputation. These are generalisations, not rules, but they are a good way to narrow a choice.
Speyside is the most densely packed region and is known for fruit, honey and vanilla, often with a gentle sweetness. The Highlands cover a huge area and range from light and floral to rich and spicy. The Lowlands lean soft and grassy. Islay, an island off the west coast, is famous for peat smoke, iodine and sea air. The other islands and Campbeltown add their own briny, oily or smoky notes.
If you have never had scotch, Speyside is an easy first step. If you already like smoky food, a peated Islay whisky may suit you better.
What does the age on the label mean?
A number such as 10 or 12 is an age statement. It tells you the youngest whisky in the bottle spent at least that many years in the cask. A 12 year old can contain older whisky, but never younger.
Older does not always mean better. Time in oak adds softness and spice, but it can also push out the grain and fruit character that some people prefer. A well-made 10 year old can be livelier than a tired 18 year old.
Some bottles carry no age statement at all. Those are still at least three years old, and the maker is choosing the blend for flavour instead of for a number.
Which scotch bottles should you start with?
Here are six bottles we carry that show the range of styles, from easy blends to a smoky Islay malt.
Dewars White Label and Johnnie Walker Black Label are both blended scotches. They are a sensible choice if you plan to mix with soda or ginger ale, or if you want something approachable to sip.
Glenfiddich 12 Year and GLENLIVET 12 Year are Speyside single malts, so they are a good way to learn what a malt tastes like. MACALLAN 12 Year Double Cask is another Speyside malt, matured in a mix of oak casks, for a step up in richness.
Laphroaig 10 Year is the one for smoke. It comes from Islay and shows the peat, iodine and sea air the island is known for. Taste it before you give it as a gift, because it divides people.
How do you drink scotch?
There is no wrong way, but a few habits help. Pour a small measure into a glass with a bit of room at the top, so the aroma gathers. Smell it first, then take a small sip.
Many people add a few drops of water. It lowers the alcohol a touch and often opens up flavours you did not notice. A single large ice cube chills the whisky without melting too quickly. Peated whiskies and richer malts tend to do well neat, while blends work nicely with soda over ice in a tall glass.
For food, a fruity Speyside malt sits well beside cheese or dark chocolate. Smoky Islay whisky is often paired with strong flavours such as smoked fish or blue cheese. Take your time with it, and never drink and drive.
If you are comparing scotch with American whiskey, our bourbon page covers the sweeter, corn-based cousin.
How should you store an open bottle of scotch?
Keep the bottle upright, not on its side, because the high alcohol content can degrade a cork over time. Store it away from direct sunlight and from heat sources such as a stove or a sunny windowsill, since light and temperature swings dull the flavour.
Whisky does not mature in the bottle the way it does in the cask, so an unopened bottle stays as it was the day it was filled. Once opened, a bottle that is mostly full can keep for a long time with the cap on tight. If it falls below a quarter full, the air inside can slowly flatten the aroma, so it is worth finishing or decanting into a smaller bottle.
You do not need to refrigerate scotch. Room temperature, in a cupboard, is fine.
How do you buy scotch from CBC Liquors in Westford?
You can walk in to CBC Liquors at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886. We are open Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pickup runs on the same hours.
We also offer delivery and shipping. Delivery hours are Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. If you live in Chelmsford or Acton, check the town pages for how it works where you are.
Our Google rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 339 reviews. If you are not sure what to pick, ask at the counter and tell us what you usually drink. A good starting point is a bottle in the style you already enjoy.
Common questions
What is the difference between scotch and whisky?
Scotch is a whisky made in Scotland, matured in oak for at least three years. Whisky is the broader word and covers bottles from many countries.
Is single malt scotch better than blended?
Not automatically. Single malt shows the character of one distillery, while blends are usually smoother and more consistent. The right one depends on how you plan to drink it.
What does 12 year mean on a bottle of scotch?
It means the youngest whisky in the bottle spent at least 12 years in the cask. It may contain older whisky but never younger.
What is peated scotch?
Peated scotch is made from barley dried over burning peat, which gives a smoky, sometimes medicinal flavour. Islay whiskies such as Laphroaig are the classic example.
Does CBC Liquors offer pickup or delivery for scotch?
Yes. CBC Liquors in Westford offers pickup, delivery and shipping, as well as walk-in shopping.
Should I keep scotch in the fridge?
No. Store it upright at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat.
