It must age for at least two years in charred casks before being poured into bottles.Ĭanada is more liberal as they often use different malts and blended grains - it’s not uncommon for this type to have 20 or so varying ingredients. Based on the US Federal Laws, rye has to be made with 51 percent rye or malted rye. Unlike the other variants, there are no geographical limitations as to where you can make bottles of rye, but most of the world’s stock is produced in North America. Rye lends its spicy, peppery flavor to the liquor. But thanks to the resurgence of American bourbon, rye whiskey is slowly picking up traction and is being used more often by bartenders. The rye whiskey suffered the most after Prohibition as it was never truly reestablished when the period ended.

It is a top-shelf sipping bourbon that’s won many awards in international spirits tasting competitions. Woodford Reserve is a straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey by definition. Check out the popular Kentucky Bourbon Festival right here.īourbon is generally sweeter and fuller in flavor than the other products because of the corn. It must also age in new charred oak barrels for at least two years and poured into bottles at no less than 80 proof. This variation also follows strict regulations such as it has to be made with 51 percent corn, distilled to no more than 160 in proof, and barrelled at no higher than 125 in proof. Bourbonīourbon can only be made within the United States, but it is commonly produced in Kentucky.

This 25-year-old scotch is aged in Spanish sherry casks. This type of whiskey is divided into varying regions, with each having its signature malts and unique characteristics depending on where it’s from.īowmore Scotch from Islay is produced in a 300-year-old distillery. Scotch’s signature taste is an overall smoky flavor. This type uses malted barley and must age in oak barrels before being poured into bottles for no less than three years. Just like the name suggests, scotch is typically made in Scotland. Whiskey brands can be broken down into these major types: scotch, bourbon, rye, and English. Specific regulations are also followed when it comes to whiskey production to ensure quality. Of course, there are nuances in flavor depending on the brand, variety, and region the product comes from. You’d also be able to detect notes of vanilla and caramel in this liquor. In general, whiskeys taste smoky, grainy, and oaky, with a spicy kick. In other countries, including Scotland, Canada, and Japan, whisky without the E is the norm. In the United States and Ireland, whiskey with an E is preferred. You may have wondered why some brands use the word “whiskey” without the letter E.īoth spellings are accepted depending on the region they’re from. Today, this spirit is being distilled all over the world, including Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Japan, and Canada. Whiskey spread all over the world and gained extreme popularity with the help of Irish and Scottish immigrants.

It was initially used for medicinal purposes, most commonly as an internal anesthetic or external antibiotics, and production was limited to apothecaries and pharmacies until the late 1500s. The earliest-recorded production was either in Ireland and Scotland between the 12th and 15th centuries (in fact, the oldest Irish whiskey distillery, Old Bushmills Distillery, is still operational today). They derived the term from the Latin phrase aqua vitae - uisge beatha - which translates to “water of life.” The word comes from the Gaelic word uisge, meaning water. No artificial products must be added anywhere in the distillation, meaning those that are flavored with chocolate, cinnamon, or others, will not be classified as whiskey. The resulting liquid needs to age inside wooden barrels prior to bottling, and this can take anywhere from two to twenty years. Once the fermented grain mash is ready, the product is distilled until it reaches the desired ABV. They may also be malted, especially in the case of barley. The commonly-used grains are barley, corn, wheat, and rye. Whiskey is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grain mash. Whiskey Bottle Label: What You Should Know.

Macallan whiskey shot price