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Quiz about Scotch Whisky  a Brief History
Quiz about Scotch Whisky  a Brief History

Scotch Whisky - a Brief History Quiz


This is a short quiz on the history and making of Scotland's most famous export - whisky. Cheers!

A multiple-choice quiz by Glaswegian. Estimated time: 6 mins.
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Author
Glaswegian
Time
6 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
301,429
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Difficult
Avg Score
5 / 10
Plays
1455
Awards
Top 20% Quiz
Last 3 plays: Guest 24 (6/10), Guest 61 (9/10), Guest 173 (3/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. Scotch Whisky has been around for years. Not many people know that it has a legal definition in UK law. Which law defines whisky? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Scotch whisky is normally matured in oak casks. What is the minimum maturity period permitted? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Whisky distillation in Scotland can trace its roots back to the early Celts, although it's unlikely we would recognise or enjoy the fiery spirit they produced. This early spirit was known by what Gaelic name? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. Whisky distilling soon proved popular in Scotland and became part of the social life. However, in the 17th Century, whisky production was driven underground - why? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Smuggling and illicit distilling then became the norm for many Scots. By the mid 19th century, more than half the whisky in Scotland was drunk without the payment of Excise Duty. Approximately how many illicit stills were being confiscated each year? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Whisky production had so far only been of malt whisky and in small amounts. However, in 1831 the Patent Still was invented which allowed a continuous distillation process and thus enabled the introduction of grain whisky. Who invented the new still? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. The whisky distillation process comprises 5 steps. Which step produces the sugar solution known as the Wort? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. What type of previously used oak casks are most preferred for the maturation process? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Which is the oldest of these single malt whisky distilleries? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Many whisky distilleries have distinctive names that even Scots find difficult to pronounce. How would you pronounce the name of this Islay single malt - Laphroaig? Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Oct 29 2024 : Guest 24: 6/10
Oct 27 2024 : Guest 61: 9/10
Oct 08 2024 : Guest 173: 3/10

Score Distribution

quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Scotch Whisky has been around for years. Not many people know that it has a legal definition in UK law. Which law defines whisky?

Answer: The Scotch Whisky Act 1988

The others are made up, although The Licensing Act does exist - but the latest version is dated 2003. The legal protection afforded by the Act is important as it protects the reputation of Scotch Whisky worldwide.
2. Scotch whisky is normally matured in oak casks. What is the minimum maturity period permitted?

Answer: 3 years

Technically, it's 3 years and one day. Whisky needs the time to mature and develop its unique taste.
3. Whisky distillation in Scotland can trace its roots back to the early Celts, although it's unlikely we would recognise or enjoy the fiery spirit they produced. This early spirit was known by what Gaelic name?

Answer: uisge beatha

The translation is "water of life". Aqua vitae is the Latin version, while the other two are actually brands of whisky. The name "Whisky" derives from "uisge" which is pronounced "oosh - kay".
4. Whisky distilling soon proved popular in Scotland and became part of the social life. However, in the 17th Century, whisky production was driven underground - why?

Answer: Taxes on malt and whisky were introduced.

The Scottish Parliament introduced taxes and these were increased following the Act of Union in 1707. Part of the aim was to try and tame the Scottish clans.
5. Smuggling and illicit distilling then became the norm for many Scots. By the mid 19th century, more than half the whisky in Scotland was drunk without the payment of Excise Duty. Approximately how many illicit stills were being confiscated each year?

Answer: 14,000

One of the Scottish nobles then suggested that the Government could make money from whisky production and the Excise Act of 1823 was passed which allowed distillation of whisky in return for a fee of £10.
6. Whisky production had so far only been of malt whisky and in small amounts. However, in 1831 the Patent Still was invented which allowed a continuous distillation process and thus enabled the introduction of grain whisky. Who invented the new still?

Answer: Aeneas Coffey

Naysmith invented the steam hammer, McAdam invented a new process for building roads and Buick went to America and founded the Buick car company. Coffey wasn't even Scottish - depending on your source, he was either born in Dublin or Calais!
7. The whisky distillation process comprises 5 steps. Which step produces the sugar solution known as the Wort?

Answer: Mashing

The dried malt or grain is mixed with hot water in a "mash tun". It is allowed to steep and the enzymes produced from malting (steeping the barley in water) convert the barley starch into sugar.
8. What type of previously used oak casks are most preferred for the maturation process?

Answer: Sherry

All the above can be used. However, Sherry casks are preferred, although bourbon casks are also popular. The type of cask contributes towards the overall colour of the final product.
9. Which is the oldest of these single malt whisky distilleries?

Answer: Bowmore

Bowmore was established in 1779, Glenlivet began in 1824. Glenmorangie existed as a farm in the 1700s but only began distilling in 1843. Glenfiddich is the youngest of the bunch, founded in 1886.
10. Many whisky distilleries have distinctive names that even Scots find difficult to pronounce. How would you pronounce the name of this Islay single malt - Laphroaig?

Answer: La froyg

Tricky, isn't it? Thanks for playing this quiz - hope you enjoyed it.
Source: Author Glaswegian

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.
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