There’s virtually nobody of legal alcohol-drinking age who doesn’t know what whisky is. India in particular is full of whisky fiends and we make up the highest percentage of whisky consumers the world over. But does that mean we understand it better than anyone? Maybe not. Because although we tend to use the bucket term whisky for almost every dark spirit, there are many nuances within the world of whisky and to fully understand the space, it’s worth understanding what each type really stands for.
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What Is Whisky?
the fermentation of grain mash. The term "whiskey" finds its roots in the Gaelic expression uisce beatha, meaning "water of life." Typically, whiskey matures in wooden casks and must undergo distillation to achieve a minimum alcohol content of 40% by volume, or ABV. Regarding its composition, whiskey can be made from various grains such as rye, barley, wheat, corn, and sorghum. These grains undergo a heating process with water, leading to fermentation and the production of what whiskey producers refer to as "mash." This process facilitates the breakdown of starches in the grains into sugars, resulting in a rich, dark liquid known as "wort."
9 Types Of Whisky You Should Know
Rye Whiskey
This whiskey hails proudly from America and is distinguished by its mandatory 51% rye content in the mash. Distillers may also include barley and corn, while some opt for experimentation with other ingredients in special batches. The ageing process mirrors that of bourbon, and if the barrels age for two or more years, it earns the label "straight rye whiskey." Expect spicier notes and a less sweet, smooth taste compared to bourbon.
Tennessee Whiskey
While technically falling under the bourbon category, some distillers prefer the label "Tennessee Whiskey." Produced in Tennessee, state law mandates the use of the 'Lincoln County Process' filtration before ageing. This unique step is a distinctive feature of Tennessee Whiskey.
Irish Whiskey
Renowned for its smooth flavour, Irish whiskey is traditionally crafted from a malt mash, distilled using both water and caramel colouring. The Irish insist on a minimum three-year ageing period in wooden casks for it to be rightfully called Irish Whiskey.
Bourbon Whiskey
Following the American style, bourbon is made with a minimum of 51% corn mash. It must be aged in new oak barrels and produced in the USA. While there's no set minimum ageing period, it must be bottled at 80-proof or higher.
Japanese Whisky
Japan has swiftly gained recognition for its quality whiskies, adopting a process similar to Scotch production. The end result often rivals some of the finest Scotches.
Canadian Whisky
Unique to Canada, its whisky must be barrel-aged for a minimum of three years, resulting in a smoother and lighter character. Typically high in corn content, Canadian whiskies may also include rye, wheat, and/or barley.
Scotch Whisky
Exclusive to Scotland, Scotch follows strict regulations and laws governing its distillation process. Whether malt or grain, each whisky must age for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, and an 'age statement' is mandatory on each bottle. Scotch is known for its complexity and nuance, often featuring a smoky flavour from peat water.
Blended Whiskey
Blended whiskey, as the name implies, is a mix of more than one single malt whiskey or a blend of other whiskies. This term also extends to whiskies blended with additional flavours, grains, or colourings. While high-end blends exist, they are sometimes considered inferior, making them a budget-friendly option, suitable for cocktails.
Single Malt Whiskey
Single malt whiskey or scotch is crafted from a single batch at a distillery. All single malt must age a minimum of three years in oak barrels before bottling. The name 'single malt' derives from the key ingredient, malted barley, although, in America, it can sometimes be made from rye instead of barley.
With this crash course on whisky, you’re ready to go and be the star of the next party and dazzle your friends with your in-depth knowledge.