Scotch Whisky History & Regulations Flashcards
7 cards from real CSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Scotch Whisky History & Regulations flashcards as text
The Wash Act of 1784 was designed to suppress illicit distilling in which region of Scotland?
Answer: The Highlands
The Wash Act of 1784 targeted the Highlands, where illicit distilling was rampant, by drawing a 'Highland Line' to enforce different taxation zones.
Which individual is often credited with founding the first licensed distillery under the Excise Act of 1823?
Answer: George Smith of Glenlivet
George Smith of Glenlivet was the first to take out a license under the Excise Act of 1823, making The Glenlivet one of Scotland's earliest legal distilleries.
What minimum alcohol strength must new-make spirit reach during distillation to legally be called Scotch Whisky?
Answer: 94.8% ABV
The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 require that spirit must not be distilled to an alcoholic strength of 94.8% ABV or above to preserve the raw material's character.
Which treaty in 1707 unified the Scottish and English parliaments and had lasting effects on Scotch whisky taxation?
Answer: Acts of Union
The Acts of Union 1707 merged Scotland and England, bringing English malt taxes to Scotland and fueling widespread illicit distilling in response.
Under SWR 2009, what is the required minimum bottling strength for all Scotch Whisky?
Answer: 40% ABV
The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 specify a minimum bottling strength of 40% ABV for all categories of Scotch Whisky.
Which Scottish region historically dominated Scotch whisky production before the Victorian boom of the late 19th century?
Answer: Campbeltown
Campbeltown was once nicknamed the 'whisky capital of the world' with over 30 distilleries, before overproduction and quality issues caused its decline.
What technological innovation by Robert Stein in 1828 revolutionized grain whisky production?
Answer: The patent continuous still
Robert Stein invented the continuous (patent) still in 1828, enabling large-scale, efficient grain whisky production that later formed the base of blended Scotch.