In simple terms, it is a dark, distilled spirit made from a variety of grains such as rye, wheat, barley, and corn. Whisky is distilled pretty much throughout the world, although more vastly in countries like the United States, Japan, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. The word ‘whiskey’ itself comes from the Gaelic uisge, shortened from uisge beatha which translates to ‘water of life’.

Much like champagne, the distillation and production process of whiskies are regulated by specific stipulations in certain countries and regions. For instance, rules of Scotch whisky production have been in place as early as the 15th century, with The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 being the latest set of rules to have been established.

What is the difference between whisky and whiskey?

You may have noticed that there are two different spellings: whisky and whiskey. Is there any significance to it?

Although both spellings of the word are correct, they carry different references. The difference also carries to the plural. It's whiskies for whisky, and whiskeys for whiskey.

You can tell the difference just by understanding which drinks were made where. Drinks produced in Scotland, Canada, or Japan are referred to as whisky, while those from the US or Ireland are called whiskey. Nonetheless, they are pronounced the same!

Another interesting fact is that the variation in spellings have little in common with how the drink is produced in those countries, although every region has its own set of stipulations.

Just like beer, whisky starts out with a mash of grains - corn, rye, barley, wheat - and are mixed with water and yeast for fermentation. In some cases, grains like barley are malted. During this process, starches are converted into sugars. As soon as the maximum yield of sugars has been extracted, the mixture, known as ‘wort’ can now be fermented. A process that takes anywhere from 48 to 96 hours, fermentation involves the conversion of sugars into alcohol. Different lengths of fermentation durations produce a range of different flavours. The beer is then run through a still that heats the liquid, turning it into very concentrated vapour that comes out the end as clear liquid distillate.

Typically aged in wooden casks for a couple of years, the choice of barrels depends on the producer. Barrelling imparts oaky and woody flavours, darkens the liquor, and helps in mellowing out the alcohol. After the maturation process, the whiskies are usually bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV, an abbreviation for alcohol by volume.

Although the production of whisky varies from region to region, depending on the style, where it originates from, and other factors, the process largely remains the same.

Generally, whisky has a woody and oaky taste, with some having a harsher alcohol burn and others being smooth in flavour. Again, understanding the taste of whisky will require a deep dive into the different types of whiskies available and their more common taste profiles. With a little bit more reading and perhaps drinking, you’ll find the tipple for your taste.

We’re only getting started.

Whisky used to conjure images of older men drinking in pantsuits, but the perception is slowly changing. No longer a drink reserved for country club members, whisky is quickly becoming a favourite drink for the young and old, in cocktails and neat. Let’s get the terminology sorted first.

Understanding the composition of different whiskies

• Single Malt Whisky - Exclusively made of malted barley, water, and yeast, single malt whiskies are some of the best tasting in the alcohol group. Matured for at least three years in oak casks, they are products of an individual distillery. For example, even though Glenfiddich 12 may be produced from several hundred barrels, they all come from the Glenfiddich distillery. Our detailed guide on single malt whisky has all the information you need on this fine beverage!

• Blended Whisky - A combination of single malt and grain whiskies, these are commonly misconstrued to be second-rate to single malt whiskies. However, that is largely untrue. Blended whiskies simply are different. They offer a diverse range of flavour complexity. Like the name suggests, they are created by mixing whiskies from different distilleries. You can rely on our blended whiskies guide for a comprehensive understanding.

• Grain Whisky - It’s usually corn or wheat as the main ingredient in this drink. Grain whiskies are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility, affordability, and range in flavour. They work great in cocktails as well.

A list of different whisky types

With many variations, classifications, and origins, there is a lot to uncover in the world of whisky. As daunting as these terms may sound to a beginner, rest assured - this drink is for everyone. A little tasting goes a long way!

• Scotch Whisky - As the name suggests, all scotch whiskies originate from Scotland. A lot of Scotch whisky is aged in used bourbon barrels and aged for a minimum of three years. There are around five Scotch regions known for distillation: Campbeltown, Islay, Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside. Also like wines, different distilleries offer unique flavour combinations and profiles.

The use of malted barley gives scotch whiskies a prominent malty taste. Depending on the producer, different bottles of Scotch whisky can contain notes of spice, vanilla, smoke, and dried fruit. Other factors like the ageing time, the process, ingredients and type of malt also contribute to its final flavour.

Notable brands include Johnnie Walker, Macallan and Glenfiddich.

• Irish Whiskey - Endearingly termed as the ‘father of them all’, Irish whiskey - produced in Ireland - differs from Scotch in one distinct way. It is stored away from fire and smoke, plus is kept at low temperatures during distillation so as to preserve the honey sweet, toasty flavour.

Aged in bourbon or wine casks for at least three years, Irish whiskeys are often unmalted. The Irish Slammer and Irish Coffee are two very popular cocktails that incorporate the whiskey into the recipe. Perfect for parties!

• Bourbon Whiskey - A type of American whiskey, bourbon has a mash bill of at least 51 percent corn. Also aged for a minimum of two years in charred oak barrels, bourbon is a common choice among those who enjoy mixed whiskey drinks. Bourbon whiskeys do just fine for cocktail recipes that call for the use of bourbon.

Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, and Jim Beam are some of the popular names for bourbon whiskey.

• Rye Whiskey - Often produced in the US and Canada, rye whiskey is made from barley and wheat. According to stipulations in the US, 51 percent of the grain needs to be rye. Close tasting in flavour profile to the bourbon, rye whiskeys are spicier and much more bitter.

Rye and bourbon whiskeys are essentially American. There are a lot more American classifications when it comes to whiskey.

• Canadian Whisky - Canadian whiskies are usually a blend of various grain whiskies, mainly comprising wheat or corn together with rye or barley malt.

Light-bodied and versatile, canadian whiskies make for great cocktail ingredients. Perfect for highballs, modern cocktails, and sweet drinks, these are also much more affordable compared to other whisky brands on the market.

• Japanese Whisky - Largely made in the style that scotch whiskies are made, Japanese whiskies are light but nuanced. There are a broad range of styles being produced as well, with notable brands such as Yamazaki and Hibiki.

You don’t have to be an experienced tippler to enjoy a dram of whisky. Now, there really isn’t a right or wrong way to drink whisky - as long as you’re enjoying your drink, that’s all that really matters. That said, there are some practices you could follow to get the most out of your tasting experience. From different tasting glasses and temperatures to cocktail recipes, you’ll find the groove that fits you best. Experiment with different whiskies today!

1. Choosing your glass

A short glass with a heavy bottom, otherwise known as a tumbler, is perfect for drinking whisky neat. Highball glasses are slim and tall, making them the right choice for long whisky drinks. Choosing the right whisky glass itself could require a guide of sorts, especially for connoisseurs. Here are some important factors to look at for glasses alone:

• Glass structure should make swirling the liquid easy, optimising the nosing capabilities. It should also have a curved mouth for easy drinkability.
• Aesthetic in terms of the look and feel of the glass matters, even more so for the experienced tippler.
• Types include a Tumbler, Glencairn, Tulip, Snifter, and Neat glass.

Have a friend who is a whisky aficionado? Personalised whisky glasses add a nice touch to any gift!

2. Inhaling the scent of the whisky

Your nose can identify a trillion different aromas more than what your taste buds can cover. Once you have your whisky served in a glass of your choice, the first thing you’ll need to do is to nose - or sniff - it. Swirl the liquid in the glass while keeping your mouth slightly open to take the aromas in.

We’d recommend you to spend some time nosing your dram of whisky as aromas can evolve. Like most other things, the more you practise, the better you’ll get at sniffing the various aromas and flavours that emanate from the whisky itself.

3. Sipping your whisky

After you’ve spent a couple of minutes nosing your whisky, it’s time to taste it! When you take your first sip, let the whisky linger on your palate for a bit and spread through your mouth. Once you’ve had a taste of the whisky, swallow it and breathe out through your nose.

Take some time sipping and assessing your whisky. Does it taste acidic, sweet, or spicy? Is it creamy or thin in mouthfeel texture? This is a good time to see if you were able to taste any of the aromas you had sniffed earlier.

You can choose to add some water, a few drops at a time, to your whisky as you drink it. The addition of water actually brings out new flavours in the whisky. At times, it may reveal flaws in the distillation or production of the drink.

Between sips of your drink, assess the finish - is it long or short? Whisky aficionados will tell you that an excellent whisky is a lesson in storytelling, starting with the first sniff of aromas to the finish of the sip.

4. Make sure to take notes

What really matters in the drinking of whisky is your enjoyment of the tipple. Taking notes of the aromas and different flavours during the whisky tasting can help you get closer to the tipple of your dreams. This can help you seek out similar whiskies in the future! 

If drinking whisky straight isn’t your preference, you can always enjoy the tipple shaken or stirred in a cocktail. Like recipes that use vodka and rum, whisky cocktails are equally eclectic and varied. As you’ve realised by now, whiskies boast diverse taste profiles. We’ll take a look at some of the most popular whisky cocktails now.

1. Old-Fashioned

Served since the mid-1800s, the old-fashioned cocktail remains a classic to this day. Staying true to the taste of whisky, this drink is one of the easiest ways to savour the spirit in an elaborate way. A combination of four ingredients - bitters, water, sugar, and whisky - the cocktail is incredibly easy to make. Rye whiskey is an excellent choice for the old-fashioned.

Most whiskies work well for this drink, especially the Macallan and Martell brands.

2. Whisky Sour

The recipe for a whisky sour is a base of sorts for an entire family of sour drinks. Although a sour cocktail, the flavours are well-complemented by the sweetness of whisky and the sharpness of syrup. If you must know, there is even a holiday after this drink. National Whisky Sour Day is on August 25th, if you need a reason to concoct one in your kitchen now!

For an interesting twist, try using the Benedictine Dom for your choice of whisky - make it a Benedictine Sour!

3. Mint Julep

A classic bourbon cocktail, the Mint Julep only requires a few ingredients, making it an easy drink to make for parties and get-togethers. Balancing sweet and smoky, this cocktail is mint. Because the Mint Julep is a recipe that has been around for some time, it has multiple variations. Don’t be shy to experiment with a couple!

Brands like Knob Creek and Michter’s do well for this one!

Is your interest in the whisky industry particularly piqued? For quick answers about the drinking, choosing, and specifications of the drink, read on.

How do I best enjoy my scotch whisky?

Purists will favour drinking it straight, or neat. That said, you can always add a drop of water to enhance and bring out more flavours. The whisky sour and old-fashioned are perfectly great cocktails for drinking scotch whiskies with.

How long can I keep an open bottle of whisky?

Many experts consider a time frame of one to two years for a half full bottle of whisky. If it’s only a quarter or less full, the whisky can go bad in approximately six months. With a higher amount of oxygen in the bottle, the whisky goes bad faster due to oxidation.

How old does scotch whisky need to be in order for it to taste good?

It doesn’t matter. Legally, scotch whiskies need to be aged three years. The number of years it ages in casks doesn’t determine the quality of whisky, only the flavours that are present. 

Already have a couple of cocktail ideas in mind? Perhaps, you’d be much more inclined to dip your toes into the world of whisky tasting and drinking after reading our spirited guide.

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