Scotch whisky is the whisky made in Scotland. The drink, which is termed, as whisky in Britain is known as Scotch in the United States. Scotch whisky is divided into four distinct categories: single malt, blended malt, vatted malt and single grain. A Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the product of one specific distillery and has not been blended with whisky from any other distilleries. Pure Malt is the name used for single malt whiskies. Pure Malt whiskeys do not contain any grain whisky unlike that in blended whisky .The Speyside region of northeast Scotland has the greatest concentration of malt whisky distilleries. Highland, Lowland and Islay are the other main malt whisky producing zones. Each of these regions has its own distinctive style of malt whisky and it is never possible for two malts to be identical. It is quite possible to distinguish from the taste, the origin of a particular whisky.

It is be noted that there can not be any "right" or "wrong" way to drink Scotch whisky – it is simply the question of personal taste. People who prefer to drink Scotch whisky neat say that they do not want to spoil the taste of the drink, by adding water. Some people of course have a different opinion. They think that by adding a dash of water, the distinctive flavor and aroma of a whisky gets enhanced. But it is always advisable to add pure spring water while drinking whisky, because tap water may contain chlorine.

Some people prefer adding ice to the whisky, to get the zing, but it should be noted that ice might ruin the fine taste and aroma of the drink and so should never be contemplated when conducting a "whisky nosing and tasting." Same can be said about carbonated water. It is never an ideal accompaniment for whisky. The addition of mixers such as ginger ale, soda or a coke, ruin the original taste of pure whisky.