People love whiskey for a variety of reasons, including its rich flavour, smooth character, and versatility in cocktails. Additionally, whiskey has a long and storied history, with many people enjoying the traditions and rituals surrounding its production and consumption. Some people appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into producing high-quality whiskey, while others simply enjoy the taste and experience of drinking it.
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If you’re new to the whiskey world, you may be confused about where to start, what types of whiskeys you can try, and which one will suit you best. We’re here to help you with some interesting and valuable information on this popular and world-known drink so that next time you visit an online whisky store, you will be aware of the right drink for you.
Table of Contents
When it comes to whiskey, there are several types to know about, including:
- Bourbon
- Scotch
- Irish whiskey
- Tennessee whiskey
- Rye whiskey
- Japanese whiskey
- Canadian whiskey
Each type of whiskey is unique due to differences in ingredients, production methods, ageing processes, and the use of different types of oak barrels. These factors all contribute to the distinct flavour, aroma, and colour of each whiskey.
Let’s take a deeper dive and look at what makes each of these whiskey types unique, different, and loveable.
Bourbon
Bourbon is one of the most popular whiskey types and it’s made from a mash of at least 51% corn, with the balance made up of rye, wheat, or barley. It is aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years, which gives it a distinct, rich flavour and amber colour. Bourbon is known for its sweet, smooth taste and is a staple of American whiskey production.
Scotch
Scotch is a whiskey made in Scotland from malted barley, water, and yeast. It is aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks, which can impart a variety of flavours, including vanilla, caramel, smoke, and peat. Scotch can be divided into two main categories: single malt, which is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery, and blended, which is made from a combination of single malt whiskies from multiple distilleries.
For single-malt Scotch whisky, you can try the highly limited Macallan 36-year-old whisky, a magnificent example of Scotch whisky craftsmanship.
Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey is made from a mash of malted barley, corn, and/or rye. It is aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks and is known for its smooth, easy-drinking character. Irish whiskey is also typically triple distilled, which gives it a lighter, more delicate flavour profile than other types of whiskey.
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey is similar to bourbon, but with a few key differences. It is made from a mash of at least 51% corn, with the balance made up of rye, wheat, or barley. After distillation, it is filtered through sugar maple charcoal, which gives it a distinct, smooth flavour. Tennessee whiskey is also aged in charred oak barrels, but it must be made in Tennessee to be labelled as such.
Rye whiskey
Rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye, with the balance made up of corn and barley. It is aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years and is known for its spicy, bold flavour profile. Rye whiskey was once a popular spirit in the United States but fell out of favour during the 20th century. It has since seen a resurgence in popularity and is now a staple of many craft whiskey distilleries.
Japanese whiskey
Japanese whiskey is made using traditional Scotch production methods, but with locally-sourced ingredients and aged in a variety of cask types, including bourbon, sherry, and wine barrels. Japanese whiskey is known for its high quality and attention to detail and has won numerous awards in recent years.
Canadian whiskey
Canadian whiskey is made from a mix of grains, including corn, rye, and barley, and aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. It is known for its smooth, light flavour profile and is often blended with other whiskies or flavours to produce a variety of styles. Canadian whiskey is a popular spirit in North America and is often used in cocktails.