A quick barcamp presentation to introduce people to the world of single malt Scotch whisky (with a nod to other types). Was accompanied by some whisky that wandered around the room when done live...that's not so easy over the internets.

1. Whisky for Beginners Billy Abbott Billy's Booze Blog http://bbblog.org @cowfish

2. There are many kinds of whisk(e)y from all around the world I'm going to focus on Scotch Whisky as I only have 20 minutes

3. What is Scotch whisky? Scotch Whisky has been defined in United Kingdom (UK) law since 1909 and recognised in EU legislation since 1989. The Scotch Whisky Act 1988 and the Orders made under it, which came into effect in June 1990 state "Scotch Whisky" means whisky: (a) which has been produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (to which only whole grains of other cereals may be added) all of which have been: 1. processed at that distillery into a mash; 2. converted to a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzyme systems; and 3. fermented only by the addition of yeast; (b) which has been distilled at an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 94.8% so that the distillate has an aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production; (c) which has been matured in an excise warehouse in Scotland in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres, the period of that maturation being not less than three years; (d) which retains the colour, aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production and maturation; and (e) to which no substance other than water and spirit caramel has been added. Both the Scotch Whisky Act and EU legislation specify a minimum bottling strength of 40% by volume. From the Scotch Whisky Association website - http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/swa/93.html#Legal

5. Distill it so that it still has some taste

6. Mature it in wooden casks for at least 3 years

7. Bottle it at a minimum of 40% alcohol

8. Do all of that in Scotland

11. Blended malt

12. Blended whisky

15. Tasting

18. Drink it how you want

19. If you don't like one, try another...