Using Cluster Analysis to Construct a Typology of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies by Flavour
lecture by Dr. David Wishart
School of Management, University of St Andrews
When George IV demanded Glenlivet whisky for the loyal toast in 1822, many illicit distillers on the river Spey promptly named their whiskies "Glenlivet". This became the first regional category for Scotch whisky, now known as Speyside. Together with Highland, Lowland, Campbeltown and Islay, the regional categories for Scotch whisky all have protected GI status in EU law.
David Wishart debunks this conventional classification by region, and instead defines a typology based on flavour. With sensory analysis and profiling he applied cluster analysis to categorize single malt Scotch whiskies on 12 cardinal flavours, and constructs a flavour chart using principal component analysis. A flavour "spectrum" is obtained by serialization of the dissimilarity matrix, with the closest flavour matches for each brand identified by nearest neighbours.
Following his lecture, David Wishart's flavour typology will be illustrated by a tasting of fine single malt Scotch whiskies that span his flavour spectrum.
This event is free for all AQMeN members to attend, but places are limited. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Venue:
Lecture Theatre 1, Stenhouse Building,
University of Strathclyde, Cathedral Street,
Glasgow
