What Do New Drinkers Need to Know About Whiskey?

Whiskey is a serious man’s drink, and a lot of people are serious about their whiskey. However, when it comes to whiskeys, the choice will depend on the person drinking them. According to where they are distilled, there are four types of whiskey, namely, Scotch, Irish, American, and Japanese.

The terms whiskey and whisky are generally used to refer to spirits with amber tones and smooth flavour profiles. However, these spirits differ in flavours due to where they are distilled and the recipes used during distillation. If you are new to the whiskey-drinking scene, it is important to know how to differentiate a Scotch whiskey from Bourbon, Bourbon from Rye Malt whisky, and Irish whisky from Japanese whisky.

Scotch or Scottish Whisky

Scottish whisky has long been the standard when it comes to whiskey. However, in honour of the geographic location in which this type of whiskey is distilled, Scotch is used. This type of whisky, spelled without an “e”, is made from the fermentation of grain mash and distilled to have 40 to 90% alcohol by volume.

There is a strict regulation on what whisky can be labelled as Scotch. For a whisky to be classified as Scotch, it has to be fermented, distilled, and aged for a minimum of 3 years within the Scottish Isles. Scotch whisky has a distinct leathery or woody flavour to it. For first-time whisky drinkers, Scotch whisky may be too intimidating.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey has a lighter and fruitier taste than Scotch. The triple distillation process that Irish whiskey goes through also decreases its woody taste. Whiskeys distilled in Ireland fall under the following classifications.

• Single Malt: Single malt whiskey is produced using malted grain such as barley in a single distillery. Also, no other types of grains are used.

• Single Grain or Grain: Grain whiskies are similar to single malt whiskeys, which uses only a single distillery. However, the grains used in the distillation do not have to be malted barley and corn, wheat, or a combination of the two are used.

• Blended: Blended whiskey is made by mixing malt and grain whiskies.

American Whiskey

Whiskies made in America are sweeter and have a less smoky taste. The most well-known types of American whiskey are Bourbon, Tennessee, and Rye Malt whisky.

• Bourbon: Bourbons is the whiskey that is made of 51 per cent corn mash. The original Bourbon was produced in Kentucky. However, it is now produced in different states as well.

• Tennessee: Tennessee whiskey and Bourbon share the same ingredients; however, the whiskey-making process in Tennessee involves filtering the spirits through charcoal to mellow its flavour.

• Rye Malt Whisky: As its name implies, Rye whisky must be composed of 51 per cent rye mash and must be distilled to have a maximum of 80 % alcohol. If you prefer a more muscular and spicier whisky taste, then this is the right spirit for you.   

Japanese Whisky

Japanese whiskies offer drinkers a smoother, more delicate and sweeter flavour profile in their spirits. The added sweetness and aroma come from honey.

You will mostly find the younger generation of drinkers ordering either the Japanese whisky or the Rye Malt whisky in today’s bar scenes. On the other hand, more mature patrons will often reach for a glass of Scotch or Irish Blended Whiskey. Whichever type of whiskey you prefer, remember one thing, whiskey is meant to be sipped leisurely and not to be drunk to get intoxicated.