Intro:
The world of whiskey is a complex maze of grains, flavors and distillation processes. Four countries produce distinctly different whiskies: Ireland (Irish Whiskey), Scotland (Scotch), America (Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Blended American Whiskey), Canada (Canadian Whiskey). This wide market ensures that almost everyone will find a brand or type that they prefer and, when asked, every whiskey connoisseur has an pointed opinion on which is the best whiskey.Irish Whiskey:
Considered to be the father of all whiskey, Irish Whiskey is a triple-distilled blend of pot-stilled malt whiskey, pot-stilled unmalted barley whiskey and column-stilled corn-based grain whiskey. This complex blend and the fact that Irish Whiskey malt is dried in a closed kiln, away from fire and smoke, distinguish it from its closest whiskey cousin, Scotch. Great care is taken during distillation to keep the temperature low so as not to break the delicate sweet, toasty honey flavor.Scotch Whisky:
By tradition and standard, Scotch Whisky is the only one that uses the spelling for whisky without the "e". The distinct smoky flavor of this double-distilled classic is due to the malt drying process, part of which is done overtop a peat-fueled fire allowing the smoke to come in direct contact with the malt. Two types of Scotch are bottled: single-malt and blended.Single-Malt Scotch Whisky:
Single-malt Scotch is produced by a single distillery in one season from a single batch of whisky. There are over 100 distilleries in Scotland that produce a single-malt whisky and each has their own distinct characteristics and notes. After distillation, a 70% alcohol spirit called "plain British spirit" is pumped into casks and not until it has sat for 3 years is it considered whisky.Blended Scotch Whisky:
The majority of Scotch sold is blended and are preferred in cocktails that call for Scotch. The harsher tones of single-malts are dampened by blending them with mixed grain whiskies in a cask for several months after each has been aged separately. Scotch blends are an art and each Scotch house has it's own secret recipe. While exact blends are unknown it is typical for 20-25 single-malt whiskies to be used with around 20-50% of those a malt whisky, the rest are grain whisky.Bourbon:
When one thinks of Bourbon, Kentucky and a Mint Julep immediately come to mind. Bourbon received its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky and, according to a 1964 act of Congress, it must be made from a mash containing at least 51% corn. This straight whiskey must be distilled at 160 proof (80% alcohol) or less and must be aged a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels, although it is often aged for four years or more. No blending or additives (except water to reduce to 80 proof) is allowed in Bourbon.Tennessee Whiskey:
Tennessee Whiskey is very similar to Bourbon. It need only be comprised of 51% of any grain, with corn being the most often used. The distinct difference in Tennessee Whiskey is due to a filtration process where the whiskey is allowed to slowly drip through 10 feet of sugar-maple charcoal, a process that can take up to 2 weeks for one batch. The whiskey is then transferred to a charred barrel for aging.Rye Whiskey:
Wheat and barley are commonly used to make Rye Whiskey, however US law mandates that at least 51% of grain used is rye. Rye Whiskey is most similar in taste to Bourbon although there is a spiciness and slight bitter flavor to it that is due to the natural bitterness of rye. At one time Rye Whiskey was very popular, especially in the northeast, however Prohibition damaged the industry and only a few distilleries continued production after it was repealed.American Blended Whiskey:
Like blended Scotch, American Blended Whiskey is a careful selection of straight whiskies and grain spirits combined to create one distinct spirit. A blended whiskey must contain at least 20% straight whiskey and premium brands may have as many as 75 different straight whiskies and grain neutral spirits. This art of blending produces a balanced, rich, light-bodied whiskey, each with its own character.Canadian Whiskey:
When a cocktail calls for "whiskey" you may want to choose a good Canadian Whiskey because it is light-bodied, versatile and very mixable. Made primarily of corn or wheat and supplemented with rye, barley, or barley malt, Canadian Whiskey is aged in used oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years although most are aged for 4-6 years. Almost all Canadian Whiskey is a blend of various grain whiskies of different ages.More about Whiskey:
