Opinion & Debate

The debate

The debate 08 October 2018

Is single malt still synonymous with Scotch?

How can single malt be inherently Scottish if so many countries are producing their own?
The debate 06 September 2018

Are whisky regions still relevant?

Do Scotland’s whisky regions help guide or confuse drinkers? Two voices argue their side.
The debate 08 August 2018

Is gin the future of Japanese whisky?

Shortages, price hikes and ‘dodgy’ brands – Japan’s whisky makers face difficult days.
The debate 09 July 2018

Are blended malts the future of Scotch?

Once known as vatted malts, could they hold the key to rekindling interest in blends?
The debate 18 June 2018

Does triple distilling define Irish whiskey?

The Irish have a long history of triple distilling their whiskey – but how important is that today?
The debate 14 May 2018

Do a cask’s previous contents matter?

Considering the impact of a cask’s past life on the taste of the whisky in your glass.
The debate 05 April 2018

Has Scotch whisky become too geeky?

Does the nerdy dissection of every element of production risk alienating casual drinkers?
The debate 08 February 2018

Is Scotch whisky Scottish enough?

It’s undeniably Scottish, but does Scotch whisky benefit its homeland as much as it should?
The debate 04 January 2018

Are bar staff ignorant about Scotch?

Could bartenders in the UK do a better job of advising and educating the curious customer?
The debate 20 November 2017

Is Scotch whisky too strictly regulated?

Some say that the rules stifle innovation, others that they protect Scotch’s integrity.
The debate 17 October 2017

Does it matter where whisky is matured?

Coastal warehouse or Central Belt bond: does maturation location affect whisky’s flavour?
The debate 07 September 2017

Does Scotch whisky need a change of image?

Is Scotch selling itself short (quite literally) when it comes to winning over new consumers?
The debate 01 August 2017

Is barley variety crucial to whisky flavour?

Are distilleries sacrificing quality and taste in favour of blander – but more profitable – barley?
The debate 22 June 2017

Is Irish pot still the new single malt?

As the Irish whiskey boom continues, will pot still ever challenge single malt Scotch?
The debate 23 May 2017

Are multinationals good for Scotch whisky?

Are big whisky producers a force for good – or are they holding the whole industry back?
The debate 17 April 2017

Can single malt whiskies be ‘too young’?

The minimum maturation age for Scotch is three years – but is that enough for single malts?
The debate 21 March 2017

Sherry bomb whiskies: joy or monstrosity?

While some savour heavily Sherried whiskies, others can find them grossly offensive.
The debate 13 February 2017

Can grain whisky ever be truly great?

Next to the mighty malt, do grain whiskies stand a chance of attaining real greatness? Discuss.
The debate 19 January 2017

Floor maltings: more than just marketing?

Only a few floor maltings remain, but do they enhance the whisky or just the visitor experience?
The debate 20 December 2016

Christmas pudding flambé: Scotch or brandy?

A heated discussion ensues over whether to use Scotch or brandy to light the Christmas pudding.
The debate 21 November 2016

Has Scotch whisky become too expensive?

Whisky price inflation ignites an inner debate in Royal Mile Whiskies’ Arthur Motley.
The debate 12 October 2016

Does ice ruin or improve single malt Scotch?

Richard Paterson and Fred Laing voice their difference of opinion over whisky and ice.
The debate 12 September 2016

Scotch whisky hybrids – friend or foe?

Two divergent opinions on the attractions and perils of the rising tide of hybrid Scotch products.
The debate 12 July 2016

Peated whisky: the ultimate dram?

A heated debate between Hamish Torrie and Stuart Hendry on the pros and cons of smoking in whisky.
The debate 07 June 2016

Would leaving the EU boost Scotch whisky?

As the polls narrow in advance of the Brexit vote, would a UK departure give Scotch whisky a boost?
The debate 10 May 2016

Is NAS whisky the enemy?

The case for and against NAS whisky, featuring Glenfarclas' George Grant and Macallan's Ken Grier.
The debate 13 April 2016

Can malts ever be more valuable than blends?

Could it ever happen? After all, the momentum of the mighty malts continues to grow by the year…
The debate 07 March 2016

Whisky investment: a bubble ready to burst?

Is whisky investment ‘the worm in the apple’ or a simple by-product of supply and demand?
The debate 08 February 2016

Spirit caramel: friend or foe?

Nick Morgan of Diageo and Bruichladdich’s Adam Hannett lock horns on this most vexed of issues.
The debate 11 January 2016

What’s the best whisky marketing message?

Investigating the best way to engage the modern whisky consumer: flavour or lifestyle associations?
The debate 03 December 2015

Do professional critics matter any more?

Jim Murray and Tom Sandham discuss the fast-evolving role of the modern whisky writer and critic.
The debate 16 September 2015

Virgin oak: Scotch's friend or foe?

Is the use of virgin oak to mature Scotch whisky a boon to the blender – or a catastrophe?
The debate 25 August 2015

Is honey-flavoured Scotch an atrocity?

Can flavours do Scotch a favour? Or should honeyed whisky buzz off?

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