Regardless of personal preferences, everyone can benefit from a better understanding of their favourite spirit. Allow yourself to get absorbed in this post before you immerse yourself in liquor if you don't recognise your Kentucky bourbon from your Australian Rye Whisky.
What Exactly Is
Whiskey?
Whiskey is a fermented grain mash distilled into an alcoholic beverage. This mash is usually matured in wooden casks, giving it a distinctive dark colour and flavour. However, within the category of "whisky," there are multiple perplexing subcategories, each with tiny (but significant) distinctions.
What
Distinguishes Bourbon From Other Whiskeys?
For a spirit to be named bourbon, the mash must contain at least 52 per cent maize, rye, wheat, malt barley, or malt rye grain. Furthermore, the combination must be preserved in charred wood casks, and no additives are permitted. That specification effectively divides bourbon from the rest of the world.
Is Tennessee
Whiskey Merely Another Moniker For Bourbon?
The location of these two whiskeys is the most significant difference between them. The Lincoln County Process, in which the whiskey is filtered through or soaked in charcoal before entering into the casks, distinguishes the two.
What Is Scotch?
Scotch is officially whisky that has been distilled and aged in Scotland. It's generally made of malted barley, whereas bourbon is made of corn. In layman's words, Scotch tastes similar to bourbon but with a distinct "bite" that lingers in the back of your mouth. This is why some people avoid Scotch, but for others, it's an absolute classic that enhances the overall experience. One thing is sure: novices should not begin with Scotch.
What Is Irish
Whiskey?
Unlike most Scottish whiskey, which is distilled twice, Irish whiskey is distilled three times before bottling. Irish whiskey, unlike Scottish whiskey, employs a lot of barley but doesn't have the smoky, burnt-rubber flavour that comes from peat as used for Scottish whiskey.
What Is White
Whiskey And Moonshine?
The word "moonshine" refers to unaged maize mash that has been distilled swiftly. It comes from the term 'moonrakers,' which was used for early British smugglers and the operation's secrecy (i.e., by the light of the moon). Because "moonshine" refers to illicit hooch prepared at home, when you find whiskey branded "moonshine" in retail, it's just white whiskey. Because it hasn't seen the interior of a wooden cask, this spirit is merely white.
What Is Japanese
Whisky?
Whisky from Japan is an absolute delight. Because Suntory's first master distiller MasatakaTaketsuru researched in Scotland and fell in love with the flavour of Scottish whisky, the letter "e" is omitted, as is the case with the Scottish and Canadians. It's difficult to categorise Japanese whisky into a single style, although it does have a distinct flavour profile like Scotch.
What Is Canadian
Whisky?
"Canadian whisky" and "Rye Whisky" are synonymous in Canada. Compared to other whiskies, Canadian whisky is often milder and more delicate. It's frequently produced from various grains, although maize is the most common. Rye was a common ingredient for a long time, hence the name interchangeability in Canada.
Is Rye A Viable
Option?
Rye produced whiskey is whiskey made from at least 52 per cent rye, as the name suggests. What exactly is rye? Rye is a grass that belongs to the wheat family and is closely linked to barley.
Summing Up:
Having educated yourself about the various options and story behind each type of whiskey, you would be in a position to enjoy your favourite drink even more deeply. Depending on your taste pallet and acquired taste, choose your favourite pick of whiskey.
