Identifying the fittest whisky could lead you to visit every Scottish distillery, or even to bustling whisky auctions. Wherever you are on your whisky journey, a little knowledge about flavour and technique can go a long way.
We know what you’re thinking. WHISKY OR WHISKEY?
Finally, an answer.
One time world leaders in whiskey production, Ireland added an ‘e’ in 1875 to distinguish their product from the Scottish version in the American market. The influx of Irish immigrants meant America adopted the same spelling. Today, with Single Malt Scotch Whisky recognised as the world’s leading whisky, every other country has opted for the original spelling.
Scotch Whisky.
There are hundreds of operating distilleries in Scotland, but everyone must mature its product in the country for at least three years and one day, using oak casks.
Irish whisky.
Most Irish whiskey is made in a pot still and distilled three times, as opposed to the more common Scottish double distillation, and is famed for its smooth character.
Bourbon
This is a spirit made from any cereal grain including rye, corn, barley and wheat. Around a third of American whiskies are bourbons.
To be a Bourbon, the whiskey’s mash must contain at least 51% corn, and the resulting spirit always has to be matured in new oak casks, although there is no minimum for how long. Those aged for at least two years are called Straight Bourbon.
Japanese whisky
Nearly 100 years old, the Japanese whisky industry offers traditional flavours like peat, but also includes new, innovative elements such as ageing in plum wine casks.
Canadian whisky
Known for the inclusion of a small amount of rye in their maltings, Canadians also use a combination of barley, corn and wheat grains to create a liquid famed for its smoothness.
Types of Scotch Whiskies.
Single Malt
Scotch Whisky
A single malt Scotch Whisky is a whisky that's produced in batches from only water, malted barley and yeast at a single distillery using copper pots stills.
Single Grain
Scotch Whisky
The products of a single distillery, using other grains like wheat and corn (maize) as well as barley, made in a continuous still to give a lighter, subtle flavour which makes it ideal for blending.
Blended Malt
Scotch Whisky
The product of more than one distillery, this is the combination of different Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to achieve a specific flavour and character.
Blended Grain
Scotch Whisky
This is a blend of minimum two Single Grain Scotch Whiskies, usually produced at different distilleries across Scotland.
Blended
Scotch Whisky
Some of the world's best-selling spirits, a blend is a combination of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies.
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