Scotch - Alcohol Percentage In

Always check the bottle label – and enjoy responsibly.

New-make spirit is usually diluted to 63.5% ABV before barreling. alcohol percentage in scotch

Bottled directly from the barrel without adding water. High potency: Typically ranges from 50% to over 60% ABV. Always check the bottle label – and enjoy responsibly

[Distillation: 60% - 94.8% ABV] ---> [Cask Entry: ~63.5% ABV] ---> [Maturation: Loses ~1% ABV/year] ---> [Bottling: 40% - 60%+ ABV] 1. Distillation High potency: Typically ranges from 50% to over 60% ABV

Legally, Scotch whisky must be distilled to an alcoholic strength of less than 94.8% ABV. This legal ceiling is distinct from the distillation cuts used in other spirits (like vodka or gin, which may be distilled to near-neutrality at 96%+). The retention of congeners—flavor compounds such as esters, aldehydes, and phenols—is dependent on this cut point. By limiting the distillation strength, the law ensures that the spirit retains the flavor and aroma of the raw materials (malted barley) and the fermentation process.

This specific strength optimizes wood extraction over time.