Charles MacLean in a panelled room, holding a glass of whisky

Charles MacLean MBE

MacLean's Miscellanies

Readers' questions about Scotch whisky, answered by Charles MacLean MBE, Founding Director of MacLean & Bruce.

Peat and sherry casks, water and age, blending and the right time of day for a dram: short pieces drawn from more than four decades of writing about whisky.

Artificial Intelligence and Sensory Evaluation

Can AI be expected to take over Flavour Assessment?

The Origins of Blended Scotch

When was Blended Scotch invented, who invented it and why did it become so popular?

MacLean Whiskies

Can you please recommend four Scotch whiskies that you have been directly involved with.

Peat and Whisky

What influences the peaty/smoky/medicinal character of some whiskies?

Thoughts on Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

What is the optimum strength at which to drink whisky?

Sacred Mysteries

Some have claimed that distilled spirits had their origins in religious rites. Do you agree with this?

Whisky & Whiskey

Why are some whiskies spelled with an ‘e’ and some not?

Location, Location

Does the location of the maturation warehouse contribute to the flavour of mature whisky?

Whisky Tasting

Can you give me some tips about organising a successful whisky tasting?

Sherrywood

When was maturation in sherry casks first introduced and why?

Whisky & Water

Should whisky be drunk straight?

Whisky & Women

I have heard it said that women are generally better ‘noses’ than men. Is this true?

Regional Differences

I notice that the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is currently focussing on regional differences. Are ‘regional differences’ still relevant?

Drinks Time

What is the best time of day to drink whisky?

Cheers!

I have often wondered why some people raise a glass with ‘Cheerio!’ as if they are saying goodbye. Can you explain this?

More About Location

Arising from your location article, does the actual design and location of a distillery affect the flavour of its make?

Now & Then

Is whisky the same today as it was in the past?

Worm-Tubs

What are distillery worms and worm-tubs? Do they affect flavour?

Pairing Whisky & Food

Does whisky pair well with food?

Double Maturation

What is ‘double maturation’? Is it the same as ‘wood finishing’?

The Fifth Ingredient: Time

Does age equal quality?

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