Whisky is one of the most popular drinks in the world – but what exactly is it? And how do you choose the best bottle? We’ve put together this handy guide to help answer those questions.
There’s a lot of information here in our Whiskey resource and it’s so fun to learn! You’ll find everything from basic definitions to tasting notes, where to buy it, and even some great videos about each type of spirit.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Types of Whiskey
Scotch is a type of whisky produced in Scotland. There are many different types of Scotches, including single malt, blended, and unblended. Single Malt Scotch is traditionally made from one variety of grain, such as barley, rye, wheat, oats, corn, or even rice. Blended Scotch contains multiple grains, usually 2-3. Unblended Scotch is simply straight up grain whiskey.
The regions of Scotland produce unique variations of Scotch. Speyside produces strong, peaty, smoky, and fruity flavored whiskeys. Islay produces sweeter, lighter, and fruitier whiskeys. Campbelltown produces sweet, fruity, and floral tasting whiskeys. Highlands produces dry, spicy, and peppery flavored whiskeys. Lowlands produces mellow, smooth, and lightly flavored whiskeys.
What is the difference between Types of Whiskey?
Whiskey is one of those things you either love or hate. For some people, it is a drink that brings out the best in others. For others, it is something they’d rather not think about. So what exactly is a whiskey? Well, there are many different types of whiskeys, including scotch, bourbon, rye, Irish, Canadian, Japanese, etc. But what makes them unique? What sets them apart from other spirits? And why do we call them “whiskey”? Let’s find out. Whiskey is one of those things that people love to argue about. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what makes up a “whisky.” A good place to start is to understand the differences between whiskies. This video covers five basic whisky categories: scotch, bourbon, Irish, Canadian, and Japanese. Whiskey is one of the most popular spirits in the world. There are many varieties of whisky, including scotch, bourbon, Irish, Canadian, Japanese, etc. Each type of whisky is distinct in flavor and production process. This guide covers the differences among whiskies and how you can tell them apart.
Is it Whisky or Whiskey?
The word “whiskey” is derived from the Gaelic words uisgebeatha meaning water of life. In the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Macau, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan, the term “whiskey” refers to distilled spirits produced from grains such as corn, rye, barley, wheat, oats, millet, rice, sorghum, buckwheat, etc.
In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Turkey, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Israel, the term “whisky” refers to distilled spirits similar to bourbon, scotch, Canadian whisky, Japanese whisky, Irish whisky, Scotch whisky, cognac, Armagnac, calvados, brandy, rum, tequila, vodka, gin, aquavit, pisco, gimlet, and many others.
In Mexico, the term “tequila” refers to both types of spirits while the term “mezcal” refers to agave spirits.
What is American Whiskey
In 1783, George Washington gave his friend Thomas Jefferson a bottle of whiskey as a gift. Jefferson liked it so much he brought some home to Virginia where he distilled it himself. This became the first batch of what we now know as bourbon.
The United States is the world’s largest producer of whiskey, producing over 80 million gallons annually. Most Americans drink bourbon, though Tennessee whiskey is another popular choice.
There are many different varieties of whiskey including single malt scotch, Irish whiskey, Canadian whisky, Japanese whisky and Welsh whisky. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and flavors.
Bourbon
Could Be Coming To An End In America
The American whiskey industry is facing some tough times. There are fewer people drinking it, and many of those drinkers are switching over to craft beers, wines and spirits. Bourbon isn’t doing too well either. Some experts say there could soon be no more bourbons coming out of the United States.
Originally and most distilleries were from the South, particularly Kentuckiana, but doesn’t have to be. Must be made in USA. Must be made from at leat 51% corn. Must be aged in charred oak barrels for at least 2 yrs. No additives but water allowed. Must be aged in charrred new-oak barrels for a minimum of 2yrs. Must be distilled in copper pot stills. Must be bottled at 80 proof or less. Must be stored in bonded warehouse.
Tennessee sour mash whiskey (Tennesse Bourbon)
Jack Daniel’s is one of America’s most famous whiskeys. But what makes it unique isn’t just the name; it’s also the way it’s produced. The Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee produces a type of bourbon called sour mash whiskey. This is because it uses a special recipe that includes some extra ingredients like molasses and corn syrup. These are added during the distillation process to give the final product a distinctive taste.
The quality of the whiskey depends on how long it spends in barrels before being sold. A barrel is a large container used to store spirits. In this case, the whiskey goes through three different types of barrels before it gets bottled. The first one is charred oak barrels. They add a lot of flavor to the whiskey. The second type of barrel is American white oak barrels. They don’t impart much color into the spirit, but they do make the whiskey smoother. Finally, there are French oak barrels. They help to preserve the whiskey and keep it tasting good over a longer period of time.
Bottled in Bond
A bottling and labeling set for American whiskeys was passed into law in 1897. This act was designed to protect consumers from fake products and ensure authenticity and quality. In addition, it was meant to help establish standards for the industry.
The Bottled-in-bond Act of 1897 was approved by Congress to ensure that whiskey was bottled under certain conditions. For example, the product must be produced by a single distillery during a specific time period. The alcohol content must be at least 100 proof. And the whiskey must be stored in bond for four years prior to being sold.
What Do American Whiskey’s Taste Like?
The United States produces many different types of whiskeys. While there are some commonalities among the whiskeys produced here, each type of whiskey has its own unique taste. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect to find in your local liquor store.
• Bourbon – This is one of the most popular whiskeys in America. It is generally smooth and light bodied, and is often used in cocktails.
• Scotch – This is another very popular whiskey. It tends to be stronger and heavier than bourbon. You might notice notes of smoke or peat.
• Irish Whiskey – This is similar to scotch, but lighter in color and body. It is sometimes referred to as “whiskey.”
• Canadian Whisky – This is traditionally much smoother than scotch or bourbon, and is usually blended with grain alcohol.
• Japanese Whisky – This is typically quite strong, and is often served neat.
• Australian Whiskey – This is a blend of malt whisky and wine.
What is Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky is often referred to as “rye whisky,” despite the fact that rye accounts for far less than half of the grains used to make it. In fact, the majority of Canadian whisky is actually produced from corn, barley, wheat, rice, oats, and malted barley. But there is no such thing as just “Canadian whisky.” Each province has its own regulations regarding what constitutes a legal blend. For example, Ontario requires that a minimum of 50% of the mash bill come from grain while Quebec mandates that 75% of the mash bill must be grain.
The spirit itself is distilled twice — once in copper pot stills and again in column stills. This gives Canadian whisky its distinctive flavor profile.
Canada does not produce enough grain to meet domestic demand, thus it imports large amounts of grain from around the world. About 70% of the grain imported into Canada is used to produce ethanol, a fuel additive.
As a result of prohibition, Canadians turned to rye whiskey as a substitute. Rye is a hardier crop than many others and can withstand long periods without water. As a result, Canadian distilleries began producing rye whiskey to satisfy the demands of drinkers during the period of prohibition.
In addition to being a popular drink, Canadian whisky is also a major export product. In 2017, Canada exported $1.3 billion worth of whisky.
What Does Canadian Whisky Taste Like?
Canadian whisky is generally considered easier to drink because it doesn’t contain peat smoke like Scotch does. But there are some differences between the two styles. Rye whiskies tend to be bolder and spicier while Canadian whiskies are smoother and less spicy.
Rye whiskies are traditionally aged longer, allowing them to develop flavors from the wood barrels. They are sometimes referred to as “smoky” whiskies. Canadian whiskies are typically aged shorter, making them lighter and sweeter. Some Canadian whiskies are even unaged. This allows them to maintain the characteristics of the grain used in the distillation process.
What is Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky is distilled grain alcohol. It is typically made from malted barley, although other grains such as rye and maize can be used. It is aged in wooden barrels where it matures into a mellow spirit that is ready to drink. There are many different types of Scotch whisky, ranging from single malt scotches, blended Scotches and even American whiskeys. Single malt scotches are made from malted barley grown in one specific area of Scotland called a distillery. Blended scotches combine multiple single malt whiskies together to make a product that tastes like the sum total of each individual whiskey.
What Does Scotch Taste Like?
Scotch whisky is a spirit produced primarily in Scotland. There are several types of scotches including single malt, blended scotches, and grain whiskies. Single malts are generally considered superior to blends, due to the fact that each batch of single malt is distilled separately and matured in oak casks. Blended whiskies are usually cheaper, though some premium blends contain single malts.
The term “scotch” refers to both the drink itself and the region in which it originates. In addition to Scotland, Scotches are produced in Ireland, Japan, and Canada. However, most modern Scotches are actually blends of multiple varieties of whiskey. While many people associate Scotch with the traditional category of single malt, there are a number of other types of Scotch including blended Scotch, Canadian whisky, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, and American rye whiskey.
What is Irish Whiskey
Ireland is home to over 200 different types of whiskeys. Single malt whiskies are produced from one type of barley grown exclusively in Ireland. Grain whisky is a blend of several different types of grains. Blended whiskies are blends of single malt and grain whiskies. Single pot still whiskeys are unique to Ireland and use a type of still called a pot still. These whiskeys are lighter than single malts and tend to be sweeter. They are sometimes referred to as “Irish Cream.”
What Does Irish Whiskey Taste Like?
Irish whiskey is one of those things that people either love or hate. While some people think that Irish whiskey tastes like cheap blended scotch, others claim that it has a distinct flavor profile that is unlike anything else. So what does Irish whiskey taste like?
There are three main types of Irish whiskey: single malt, blended whiskey, and grain whiskey. Single malts are made exclusively from barley grown in the counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone, and Donegal. Blended whiskeys are produced by blending different varieties of whiskys together. Grain whiskeys come solely from corn.
The most popular type of Irish whiskey is blended whiskey. These blends contain a variety of different whiskys including single malts. They tend to be cheaper and smoother than single malts. However, because they are blends, they don’t always have the same flavors as single malts. Depending on the blend, Irish whiskeys can range anywhere from $20-$200 per bottle.
Single malts are generally much pricier than blends. A good quality single malt might cost around $100-$300 dollars. This price tag reflects the fact that single malts are made from pure barley grown in specific regions. If you want to try an authentic Irish whiskey, look for a single malt.
Grain whiskeys are also known as pot still whiskeys. They are mostly inexpensive compared to single malts and blends. In addition to being inexpensive, grain whiskeys are often described as having a lighter flavor than single malts. Because grain whiskeys aren’t aged as long as single malts, they tend to have a fresher flavor.
So now you know what Irish whiskey tastes like, but how do you actually drink it? You take a sip of water, swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, spit it out, and swallow. Then repeat this process until you finish the glass. When drinking Irish whiskey, you shouldn’t feel too thirsty after every sip.
What is Japanese Whisky
Japan’s distilleries were first modelled after the Scotch whiskies. They produce similar products, though there aren’t a ton of Japanese distillers. However, the ones they do have are quite good. Distillation nearly identical to Scottish whiskey. Commercial production began in the 1920s and continues today. A Japanese whisky is regularly found on “best of the best” lists.
Scotland distilleries will usually only have one or two house stills, creating a specific style, while Japanese distilleries will typically have many different sized stills, producing several styles. In fact, it’s common for Japanese distilleries to even make multiple varieties of single malt whiskies.
How Does Japanese Whisky Taste:
A Guide To Japan’s Best Whiskey”
In the early 2000s, I had never heard of Japanese whiskey. But one night while watching “The Bourne Identity,” I saw a scene where Jason Bourne was drinking what looked like a clear liquid. At the end of the film he was seen pouring some into his coffee. I thought, “That looks good.” So I did a little research and found out about Japanese whiskeys. I couldn’t find much information online, but I knew there was something special about Japan.
I wanted to try a few different types of Japanese whiskey, so I began my journey. After tasting many styles, I settled on Yamazaki single malt, because it reminded me most of American whiskey. I liked how smooth it tasted and how it went down easy. This led me to believe that Japanese whiskey could be a great addition to my collection.
Single Malt Whisky
Single malt whisky needs to be produced from one batch of Scotch at a single distillery, aged for 3 years in oak barrels, and distilled from malted barley. In addition, it must be bottled at cask strength (100 proof). This type of whisky is usually served neat, without ice.
The term “single malt,” however, does not necessarily mean that there is no added water. A high percentage of single malt whiskies are blended with grain alcohol, especially in Scotland where blends account for 80% of production. Blended whiskies are often called “blends.”
In America, single malt is often made from rye and not malted barley. Rye is a hardy grass native to North America. It is used as a substitute for wheat in bread making because it produces less gluten than wheat. Rye is also used to produce bourbon and some whiskeys like Old Overholt.
Malt
Malt whisky is produced from a fermented grain mash consisting predominantly of malted barley. Some whiskies are aged in oak casks; others are distilled directly into glass bottles. Whisky is generally bottled at 60% ABV, although some premium brands are bottled at 80%. A few blends contain both bourbon and Scotch whisky.
Whiskies are usually categorized according to region, such as Scottish Highlands, Irish Whiskey, Canadian Rye, etc., but there is no legal definition of what constitutes a different type of malt whisky. For example, American rye whiskey could be labeled as “Scotch,” even though it contains little or no actual Scotch whisky. In fact, many people consider blended whiskies to be a separate category altogether. Blended whiskies are often referred to as “malt” because they typically consist of several types of malt whiskies.
Grain
Grain whiskies are produced by blending different types of grain together, such as corn, rye, oats, barley, and wheat. They tend to produce less alcohol than malt whiskies, but they offer a unique flavor profile. A lot of grain whiskies come from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and even New Zealand. Some producers even blend grain whiskies with wine grapes, cherries, pears, apples, peaches, plums, apricots, and raisins.
The process of making grain whiskies differs greatly depending on what type of grain is used. Corn and rye whiskies are usually distilled in pot stills while oat, barley, and wheat whiskies are often distilled in column stills. However, some distillers do use both methods.
Most distilleries use wheat because it contributes more to the overall supply than corn, which has become more expensive over the years. Wheat is also easier to obtain and store compared to corn. Malt whiskies are generally aged longer than grain whiskies. In fact, most grain whiskies are distilled and bottled within one year.
Straight
Whiskey Is Not Actually Straight – Here’s Why You Should Know”
There are many different kinds of whiskey. Some are blended; others aren’t. But what exactly does the word mean? If you’re looking for a specific type of whiskey, you might want to know how to tell the difference between different varieties.
Straight whiskey refers to a particular style of whiskey. This includes bourbon, rye, Canadian whisky, and Scotch whiskies. These products don’t contain any additives or flavorings. They’re simply pure alcohol.
If you’re looking for something that tastes great, you’ll probably want to look into flavored whiskies. Blended whiskies are often used to make cocktails. For instance, a Manhattan cocktail uses rye whiskey. Other popular drinks include margaritas, daiquiris, and mojitos.
But there’s another category of whiskey that isn’t technically straight either. It’s called blended whiskey. In fact, some people even use the terms interchangeably.
Blended whiskey is actually a blend of two or more different styles of whiskey. So, while it sounds similar to straight whiskey, it actually falls outside of the category.
For instance, a blended scotch could be a blend of single malts and peated whiskies. Or, it could be a combination of Irish whiskey and Scottish whiskey.
And here’s why it matters: Straight whiskey is typically much stronger than blended whiskey. A bottle of blended whiskey can easily hold up to 40% alcohol. While straight whiskey usually ranges around 45%.
Wheat
Wheat whiskey is a type of American whiskey distilled from fermented mash consisting primarily of malted barley. Unlike most whiskies, wheat whiskey must contain 50% wheat grain. This whiskey is considered distinct from rye whiskey, which typically contains at least 51% rye grain.
The first known reference to wheat whiskey appears to have been in 1795, where it was described as “a peculiarly American liquor.” In 1803, Thomas Jefferson wrote about his love for this drink, saying, “I am fond of wheat whiskey, because I think it less apt to inflame the passions than other liquors.”
In the early 19th century, wheat whiskey became popular among farmers during harvest season, due to its relatively low cost compared to other spirits. By the mid-19th century, however, demand had waned somewhat, and many wheat whiskey producers began switching over to producing bourbon for export to England and France.
Today, there are several different types of wheat whiskey produced throughout the world. Most commonly found in the US, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, wheat whiskey is often used as a mixer for cocktails. Some notable examples include Canadian Club Whisky, Bushmills Whiskey, and Old Overholt Rye Whiskey.
Corn
Corn whiskey is one of the most popular types of whiskey in America. It is produced by distilling high-proof grain alcohol into a lower proof spirit. This process creates a product that is both smooth and flavorful. It contains no additives or preservatives, making it a great option for those seeking natural spirits.
The name “corn whiskey” refers to the fact that the majority of the grains used are corn. However, there are many varieties of corn whiskey, including bourbon, rye, wheat, barley, and even malt. Each type of corn whiskey has its own unique characteristics, allowing consumers to choose the perfect flavor for their palate.
Light
Whiskey Is Not Low Calorie Or Diet Beverage; Here’s Why You Should Drink It Instead Of Regular Whiskey
Light whiskey is often confused with diets or low calorie beverages, but this type has nothing to do with either. This is because light whiskey is actually much heavier than regular whiskey.
In fact, some light whiskies are even stronger than most single malt scotches. If you’re looking for something that’s light and easy to drink, try a bourbon or rye. These types of whiskeys tend to be lower in alcohol, meaning they’ll give you fewer headaches.
If you want to know what makes light whiskey different from regular whiskey, here are nine things to keep in mind.
1. Light Whiskey Has A Higher Alcohol Content Than Regular Whiskey.
The average American consumes about 12 ounces of pure alcohol per week. Most people don’t realize that light whiskey contains anywhere from 14 to 18% alcohol by volume. By comparison, regular whiskey usually ranges from 40 to 50% alcohol by volume. So, while light whiskey might seem like a healthier alternative to regular whiskey, it’s actually just another way to enjoy yourself.
2. Light Whiskey Isn’t Lower In Calories Than Regular Whiskey. But It Does Have Fewer Calories Per Ounce.
A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that light whiskey had less than half the calories of regular whiskey. However, one ounce of light whiskey contained roughly 150 calories, whereas one ounce of regular whiskey contained around 250 calories.
Spirit
Whiskey Is Back — And You Should Know About It”
The spirit whiskey category has been around since the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that people started drinking them regularly. During prohibition, spirits like bourbon, rye, scotch, gin and vodka were popular because they could easily be transported across state lines. After the ban was lifted, however, many distilleries stopped producing those types of whiskys, and the market dried up.
That changed in the 1990s, when boutique producers began making high-end spirit whiskies once again. Today, there are hundreds of varieties of spirit whiskies, ranging from single malts to blends, liqueurs to ports. Many of these products contain no ethanol whatsoever, meaning you don’t even need to drink alcohol to enjoy them.
Single Cask
Single cask whiskey refers to a type of bourbon that is produced using one unique barrel. These whiskeys are aged longer than standard bourbons, typically anywhere from 12 to 15 years. This allows the whiskey to develop a complex profile and distinctive flavors.
The name of this particular whiskey comes from the fact it has been distilled in just one barrel. Distillation is a complicated process that takes place in large copper stills. During the fermentation stage, grains are mixed with water and yeast to produce alcohol. After the alcoholic liquid passes over a condenser coil, it becomes steam. From there, it goes into a second chamber where it is heated again. When it reaches a certain temperature, it turns back into a vapor state and enters the third and final phase. Here, it is collected and condensed into a clear spirit called whiskey. A single barrel contains enough whiskey to make about 3,500 bottles.
In addition to the length of time spent in the barrel, the size of the barrel plays an important role in determining the character of the resulting product. Smaller barrels allow for deeper evaporation, which gives the whiskey a distinct taste. Larger barrels contain less liquid, which allows the whiskey to age faster. As a result, some single cask whiskeys have a lighter body and smoother finish than regular bourbons.
Cask Strength
Cask strength whiskey is exactly what it sounds like — distilled spirits that are matured in wooden casks.
Unlike most whiskies, which are distilled and then mixed with water to dilute the alcohol, cask strength whiskey is aged in barrels without any water added. As such, each bottle contains exactly the same amount of alcohol as what came out of its barrel during production.
This means you’re getting a much stronger shot of booze than you might expect. A 12-year-old single malt scotch, for example, typically has around 45 percent alcohol by volume. But a cask-strength version could contain anywhere from 50 to 60 percent ABV.
As a result, you’ll find some strong flavors in these bottles. For instance, a high-proof whiskey can taste like vanilla, chocolate, caramel, coffee beans, tea leaves, dried fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, tobacco, leather, smoke, peat moss, mushrooms, seaweed, tar, or anything else that’s been infused into the wood.
To make things even better, you can add water to a cask-strength drink and dilute the alcohol down to whatever level you’d prefer. Just remember that doing so will change the flavor profile of the whiskey.
Blended Whiskey
A blended whiskey is simply a combination of different types of whiskies. This includes single malts, grain whiskies, rye, bourbon, scotch and others. They’re often mixed together in ratios that make sense based on the taste profile of each type of whiskey. Some blends use one malt whisky as the base, while others use several.
The most common blending ratio is 50% malt whisky, 25% grain whisky, 20% rye whisky and 5% flavoring agent such as caramel coloring. Sometimes you’ll see 80% malt whisky, 10% grain whisky and 10% rye whisky. Other times, it’s 90% malt whisky and 10% grain whisky. Whichever way it goes, it’s always a good idea to check out the ingredients list on the bottle.
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is made in America from grain grown in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Rye is distilled twice and usually bottled unfiltered. It typically has about 45–50% alcohol by volume. Some brands are labeled as straight rye whiskey because it contains no added sugar, water or flavoring. Other ryes contain caramel coloring, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup.
The term “rye whiskey” refers to a type of American whiskey produced primarily from the malted cereal grains rye and wheat. Rye whiskey is considered one of the oldest types of whiskey produced in North America. In fact, rye whiskey originated in Scotland during the 17th century and was brought over to Ireland and eventually to the United States. Today, there are many different styles of rye whiskey including Scotch whisky, Canadian whisky, Irish whiskey and others.
Whiskey FAQ
How do I make my favorite cocktail?
There are many different types of cocktails out there, but the most popular ones usually include liquor, such as bourbon, gin, vodka, rum, tequila or scotch. You can use any type of alcohol, but we recommend sticking with spirits because they tend to taste better than wine or beer.
A classic combination includes equal parts of distilled spirits and citrus juice. If you want to go really simple, you can just combine a shot of liquor with club soda or sparkling water.
You can also experiment with sweeteners like sugar, honey or agave nectar. For example, you could combine a shot of whiskey with a splash of maple syrup. Or you could opt for something sweeter, like adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
If you want to take things even further, you can add fruits like strawberries or peaches. Try mixing your spirit with fruit juices, fruit purees, liqueurs or syrups.
What about bitters?
Bitters are used to give drinks a kick. They come in a variety of forms, including liquid extracts, powders and tinctures. In addition to being delicious, bitters are great additions to cocktails.
Bitters can be found at specialty stores, online retailers and grocery stores. Look for brands that have been around for a long time, since some older brands may not be available anymore.
Some of our favorites include Angostura bitters, Peychaud’s bitters, orange bitters, amaro (Italian bitter) and absinthe.
What about garnishes?
Garnishes are little extras that help bring a drink together. A few examples include olives, lemon wedges, cherries, cucumbers, lemons, oranges, mint sprigs, berries, nuts, chocolate chips, pretzels, popcorn, bacon bits and more.
2. What is flavored whiskey?
Flavored whiskeys have been around since before Prohibition. In fact, some people believe they date back even further. There are many different types of flavoring agents that you can use to spice up your favorite liquor. Honey, apple, and cinnamon are just three examples of what you might find in a bottle of flavored whiskey.
The majority of flavored whiskeys are produced in North America, but there are a few European ones out there too. A few popular brands include Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon, and George Dickel Rye Whisky.
3. What does peaty whiskey mean?
The word “peaty” refers to the distinctive smokiness of Scotch Whiskey. In fact, the term “peated” was coined by James Grant, one of Scotland’s most famous distillers. He invented the term in 1824, and it became widely accepted among his peers. Today, peated whiskies are still produced throughout Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and even Australia.
In general, peat is a natural moss that accumulates over time in bogs and fens. When people dig up the peat, they find it hard and black, like charcoal. This type of peat is called “brown.” Brown peat is used to fuel traditional kilns, especially in the Highlands of Scotland. These kilns are known as “lurgs,” and they’re used to dry the grain for making Scotch Whisky.
The process of drying the grain takes place slowly over many months, and the air inside the lurg is heated to around 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). As the heat rises, the moisture evaporates out of the grain. Eventually, the grains turn into a dark brown color. During this process, the temperature stays fairly constant, which allows the peat to remain intact while the water vapor escapes. After the grain dries, the peat is removed and sold to local farmers and gardeners who use it for horticultural purposes.
As mentioned above, there are different kinds of peat, including red, white, and green. Red peat contains high levels of tannins, whereas white peat is low in tannins. Green peat is generally considered the best quality, although it’s expensive. It contains less tannin than red or white peats, and therefore produces a milder, smoother flavor.
Conclusion
There are many types of whiskeys out there. Many people don’t even realize how much variation exists within the category. Some whiskeys are very similar, while others are completely different. But once you start looking into it, you’ll find that there are actually quite a few different kinds of whiskey. And if you learn more about them and try them, you’ll probably enjoy them more too. So let’s take a look at some of the most common types of whiskey.
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