Whisky Lovers: 8 Types Of Whisky That You Should Know About

Whisky lovers may want to try new whiskies they find in the market. Knowing that there is more than one variety to choose from is an exciting revelation. But how does one settle for a whisky type when they do not know what to look for. A good guide is necessary even as you familiarize yourself with the different brands in the market. Fortunately, there are a lot of different types to check out, depending on where you are. Below are eight different whisky types that should be part of your collection. Find out which one should be your regular go-to and which one should be saved for special occasions. Either way, it is excellent to know that you can select from the many available whisky types depending on your day’s mood. It would be interesting to note that the origin of your favorite drink has a lot to do with its popularity and reference. Whether you enjoy Irish or Scottish drinks, knowing that you have options is a great relief. Here are a few choices to look at.

Irish Whisky

Whether you enjoy the more acceptable luxurious brands such as the Louis Xiii Cognac, you know that the Irish played a significant role in whisky-making. The Irish whisky is distinct as it is made from a malt mash. At least three in a barrel, it takes a few years to attain the much-loved smooth flavor that makes it easy to sip. The distillation process can either be done using water or caramel coloring.

However, the distillation must happen in wooden casks for not less than three years. While the resultant drink is perfect for sipping on its own, it’s also an excellent ingredient for making whisky cocktails. Anyone that enjoys their whisky drink will undoubtedly love the Irish whisky anytime.

Scotch Whisky

Popularly known as Scotch, this is a whisky type that originates from Scotland. It is made from either grain or malt. The grades and regulations around whisky-making in Scotland are rather severe, and there are strict laws to ensure that distillers adhere to the rules and procedures. For instance, it is mandatory for the spirit to age in an oak barrel for not less than three years.

Besides that, the bottle must also indicate the age of the youngest whisky used to make that whisky blend. In the end, these procedures result in a smooth and perfect blend with a neat sip. This is probably why it is an ideal choice of drink for after-dinner parties and one of the reasons the Scotts enjoy their Scotch.

Japanese Whisky

Moving away from the world’s most popular whisky brands, we get into other variations that you may want to know. Top on this list is the Japanese whisky which is astonishingly one of the best quality brands worldwide. The Japanese whisky has made its termination mark by observing high standards in quality and close similarities to the famous Scotch. What’s more, it uses similar distillation methods, which could explain its perfect taste. Many people love it with mixed drinks or sometimes add a dash of soda to make it perfect to taste.

Bourbon Whisky

Another interesting whisky type is the bourbon whisky which is majorly from America. It’s made from corn and aged in a new oak barrel. This type of whisky must be made from at least 51% of corn. Usually, this American product requires no aging limit and can be bottled at 80 percent proof or more. If you have taken mint juleps, you have probably tasted the bourbon whiskey in the mix since it is a significant ingredient.

Interestingly, a group of American distillers from Tennessee love to categorize themselves differently and refer to their whisky as the Tennessee whisky. However, legally, the state requires them to produce their whisky and follow the distillation technique known as Lincoln County Process before aging their whisky. This is probably why they stand out from the other types of bourbons.

Canadian Whisky

The Canadian whisky has a few similarities with the Scotch, but not so much. First, it must be aged for at least three years in a barrel. However, the ingredients used in making this type of whisky differ from typical Scotch. Canadian whiskies are lighter and smoother than most other whiskies you will sip because of the high amounts of corn. Many of the Canadian whiskies are made using corn and rye. However, others may include some barley and wheat in them.

Blended Whisky

As the name suggests, this is a type of whisky that combines different other types of whiskies. The flavoring, colors, and even grain are additional. It works perfectly when making a cocktail. It allows the flavors to marry quickly and encourages the drink to be decently or reasonably priced compared to the individual whisky types. If you love a mixture of everything, then blended whisky is your best choice.

Rye Whisky

Sometimes the name of the product gives it away. In this case, Rye whisky, majorly an American creation, is made from over 51% rye as the significant ingredient. The additional elements are barley and corn. However, it follows a similar distillation process to bourbon. There is a unique product known as straight rye whiskey, which is made from unblended rye that has been aged for over two years. Anyone who wants spicy or a change from sweet bourbon or smooth whiskies will enjoy the rye whisky more.

Single Malt Whisky

Again, the name gives it away. This type of whisky is made from a single scotch at a single distillery. Like all other scotch whiskies, it has to be aged for over three years before it is bottled. The single malt is derived from the one ingredient used to make it, which is malted barley. However, Americans found a way to go against this rule as their single malt whiskey is made from malted rye instead of barley.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the type of whisky, you enjoy most, it is interesting to know that you have many choices. Just like there is no one-fit solution for everyone, different whisky types allow users to enjoy making a choice they like. Whether one loves single whisky varieties or is more comfortable taking mixed blends, the option is available. So, the next time you order your favorite whisky, check the bottle for the exact type you are consuming.