ALL ABOUT WHISKY
Whiskey or whisky (the spelling varies regionally) is simply the generic term for spirits that are barrel aged and distilled from grain. This is different from brandy (which is distilled from fruit) or rum (which is distilled from sugar/molasses) or vodka (which can be distilled from grain, but is not barrel aged).
Usually "whisky" (without the 'e') is used by the Scots and "whiskey" (with the 'e') is used by everybody else.
What is Scotch?
With 92 distilleries, Scotland is the undisputed home of whisky. But to achieve legally protected ‘Scotch whisky’ status, it must use only whole grain, be distilled in Scotland, age for a minimum of three years, in oak barrels only, AND aged in Scotland for the full duration.
Hence the difference in title: ‘whiskey’ in Ireland and ‘bourbon’ in the USA, since these tipples can’t meet those criteria.
Production
In the production of Malt Scotch Whisky the basic raw materials are limited and consist of barley, water and yeast.
• Malting (between 8 and 21 days): The barley is made wet and spread on the malting floor to allow the germination process.Malting process includes steeping, germination and drying.
• Mashing: Which produces Wort (sugar solution) from ground or crushed Malt. The quality of the water used in the Mashing process is important.
• Fermentation: In order to start the fermentation of the Wort, yeast is added.
From now the difference between the process of making beer or whisky will become obvious. Beer will be perfumed with hops, while whisky will be distilled without alterations.
• Distillation: The two main operations in distilling are turning liquid into vapor and then vapor into liquid.
• Maturation: To have the right to bear the name of whisky, a grain spirit must be aged at least for 3 years in an oak cask. The casks, the warehouse and the taste of the air are vital in the aging process.
• Bottling: Unlike wine, whisky does not mature anymore in the bottle. 12 years old whisky stays a 12 years old even 12 years later. During bottling, the alcohol percentage is reduced. The minimum percentage of alcohol for whisky is 40%.
Appearance
The whisky's appearance should be a guide to how it has been matured, and for how long, since the color comes from the wood.
TYPES OF WHISKY
Malt whisky
Malt whisky is made primarily from malted barley. It is still made in the traditional, onion-shaped pot.
Grain Whisky
Grain whisky is made from wheat and/or maize, a small amount of malted barley, water and yeast.
Single Malt Whisky
A single malt whisky is a whisky from single distillery made using 100% malted barley. Scotch malt whisky must be matured in oak casks in Scotland for a legal minimum of 3 years. It has a taste that is specific to the distillery in which it is made.
Cask Strength Whisky
Also known as barrel-proof whisky which has been taken straight from the cask and bottled without reduction with water - usually between 50-62% alcohol by volume.)
Vatted Malt Whisky or Blended Malt Whisky
A mixture of malt whiskies from different single malt distilleries.
Blended Whisky
A whisky which contains a mixture of both malt and grain whiskies. On a bottle of blended there is an age statement. This refers to the youngest whisky within the blend's composition. Aged blends are generally known as deluxe or premium blends.
Bourbon Whisky
Bourbon whisky is among the first spirits ever taken into the United States. It must contain atleast 51% corn, have been distilled at more than 160 proof and stored in new charred oak barrels. It has a full-bodied, sweet flavor.
Whisky Liqueurs
With a Scotch whisky base the majority of whisky liqueurs are made using a blend of honey and mild herbs and spices. Cream is added to produce the whisky cream liqueurs.
Irish Whisky
Irish whisky is made from blended malt of half barley and half oats. There is no trace of a smoky or sweet flavor.
Canadian Whisky
It is produced in Canada, basically with corn, but it may also contain some rye,barley, and wheat. A minimum 2 years of aging is required before use, in a new or old barrel. Canadian whisky is light and slightly sweet.
Scotch Whisky
("Scotch" for short) means very specifically, whisky made exclusively in Scotland and aged for a minimum of 3 years in wooden barrels. This can be further divided into "single malt" The barley whisky is distilled at 140 proof and the corn rye at 180 proof.
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