The Naked Scientists Podcast cover image

The Naked Scientists Podcast

Science of Scotch: How whisky is made

Jan 21, 2025
Richard Broadbent, a tour guide at Bairds Malt in Witham, shares his expertise on whisky production. He explores the fascinating journey of barley, detailing the malting process from steeping to kilning. The conversation dives into fermentation, emphasizing temperature control's vital role in flavor development. Broadbent also discusses the intricate art of distillation and how cask selection dramatically influences whisky maturation, highlighting that around 70% of flavor comes from the wood. This episode is a delightful blend of science, tradition, and craft in the world of Scotch whisky.
32:36

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The malting process of barley is essential in unlocking chemical components critical for producing high-quality Scotch whisky.
  • The aging of distilled whisky in casks significantly influences its flavor, reflecting the importance of the cask type and aging duration.

Deep dives

Origins of Scotch Production

The history of Scotch whisky production traces back to ancient times in Scotland, likely commencing with monks as early as the 15th century. The process of malt whisky distilling has evolved, yet it retains aspects that are considered an intricate art form. Key to this process is the malting of barley, which begins with steeping to initiate germination, effectively unlocking the chemical components necessary for whisky production. This traditional method of production not only contributes to the flavors and aromas of the final product but also highlights the rich cultural heritage of whisky in Scotland.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode