Whisky,
like wine or beer, comes in many forms from many
places. Each of these regions, be they Scotland,
Ireland, the US, or Japan, have their own
individual style and create whiskies all their own.
All whiskies are essentially a distilled grain
spirit, but it is the choice of the grains, the
source of water, and the methods in the
distillation and aging that separate the different
styles.
In Scotland the choice grain is malted barley, and the whiskey is known for it's characteristic smokey and peaty flavor. Much of this peat comes from the water which has picked up the flavor of the peat over time as it runs through the land. In addition to this, the malted barley is traditionally dried over smoked peat, imparting the smoky flavor and even more peat. Single malt scotch is any scotch that is made of a single distillery's malts, whereas a blended scotch is made up of malts from many distilleries and often some unmalted grain whisky as well. Scotch is often aged for at least 10-12 years in previously used bourbon casks.
In Scotland the choice grain is malted barley, and the whiskey is known for it's characteristic smokey and peaty flavor. Much of this peat comes from the water which has picked up the flavor of the peat over time as it runs through the land. In addition to this, the malted barley is traditionally dried over smoked peat, imparting the smoky flavor and even more peat. Single malt scotch is any scotch that is made of a single distillery's malts, whereas a blended scotch is made up of malts from many distilleries and often some unmalted grain whisky as well. Scotch is often aged for at least 10-12 years in previously used bourbon casks.
American whiskeys on the other hand are made
predominantly from corn. Because of this, these
whiskeys are typically sweeter and lack the
smokiness that one finds in Scotch. However, most
all American whiskeys are aged (roughly 4 yrs) in
new charred oak barrels, giving them a distinct
vanilla character.
Irish whisky, like scotch, is typically aged in used bourbon barrels. But unlike scotch, the malt is not dried over peat, so you get more of the flavor from the bourbon barrels, resulting in an often sweeter whisky. Additionally, the Irish use a combination of malts and other grain whiskies like a blended scotch to produce a more complex drink.
Of course, even though the whiskies of a particular country may all follow similar guidelines, the individual distilleries in any given region may differ dramatically from one to the next. It is this variety that leads to such an astounding assortment of different styles and taste, such that anyone should be able to find a bottle to their liking.
Irish whisky, like scotch, is typically aged in used bourbon barrels. But unlike scotch, the malt is not dried over peat, so you get more of the flavor from the bourbon barrels, resulting in an often sweeter whisky. Additionally, the Irish use a combination of malts and other grain whiskies like a blended scotch to produce a more complex drink.
Of course, even though the whiskies of a particular country may all follow similar guidelines, the individual distilleries in any given region may differ dramatically from one to the next. It is this variety that leads to such an astounding assortment of different styles and taste, such that anyone should be able to find a bottle to their liking.
If you'd like to read some of my personal
tasting notes, please use the menu bar at the top
of the window.