!!!!!!! Simple Core Facts about Whisky !!!!!!

Whisky is the term used in connection with a broad category of alcoholic beverages that are made through distillation of fermented grain mash (barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and maize), which is then aged in wooden casks, made generally of white oak’.

There are five basic classifications of whisky - Irish Whisky, Scotch Whisky, Bourbon, Canadian Whisky and American Whisky. The beverage is consumed across the world, though in different forms. For example, Scotts prefer their own Scotch whisky, while Americans love their Bourbon. Whatever be the form, the beverage named whisky is loved by people of all countries.

Here are some interesting facts about whisky for your knowing pleasure.

1. Whiskey or whisky is an anglicization of a Goidelic name literally meaning "water of life".  It means the same thing as the Latin aqua vītae, which had been applied to distilled drinks since the early 14th century. The term “water of life” brings more meaning the older the whisky is. For example, a 21 years old whisky will bring more life to our body than a 12 years old whisky. Drink a few glasses of a 30 years old whisky and you will notice an unusual physical difference the next morning when you wake up (I am addressing to the male population)....if you know what I mean

2. The spelling whisky (and plural whiskies) is generally used in Canada, Japan, Scotland, and Wales, while whiskey (and plural whiskeys) is more common in Ireland and the United States.

3. Single Malt Whisky comes from a single distillery and a single grain. Pure malt whisky is produced only from malted barley. However, it is possible that it underwent maturing in multiple casks. There are more than 5000 types of Single Malt Whisky. Around 90 percent of Single Malt Whisky comes from Scotland.

4. Blended whiskies are typically made from a mixture of malt and grain whiskies — often along with neutral spirits, caramel and flavouring. A blend is usually from many distilleries so that the blender can produce a flavour consistent with the brand, and the brand name (e.g., Chivas Regal, Canadian Club) will usually not therefore contain the name of a distillery. Blended Scotch Whisky, believe it or not, constitutes about 90% of Scotland’s whisky output. 

5. There is a dispute between the Irish and the Scotts, as to who were the first to make whisky.

6. The dark color of whisky comes from the wooden barrels in which it is aged. The wood expands and contracts with the change in temperature, making the movie in and out of the wood. The compounds from wood give whisky its dark color.

7. A whisky stops maturing after it is bottled. A closed bottle of whisky can be kept for more than 100 years and it will still be good to drink. After opening, a half-full bottle of whisky will remain good for five years.

8. Blended whiskies are universally inferior to Single Malt whiskies? Single Malts are premium by selection. The distillery uses the best of the breed to produce their single malts, knowing that they will be the most profitable and scrutinized. Blends also give the brand or distillery a chance to reduce flaws and enhance flavors through careful mixing, something that isn’t an easy thing to do in single malts. So in this sense, Singles have a clear advantage over the bottom shelf mixers that are titles “Blends”.

My Whisky Philosophy

I have drunk many types of blended whiskies and single malt whiskies over many years… Concerning blended whiskies, whether it is a Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Johnny Walker, or even Royal Salute, I have come to very simple astonishing conclusion, but again that’s just how my palate feels:  they taste all the same ! Unless they are at least 21 years old. 30 years or older taste distinctively different and smoother. One exception would be Johnny Walker Blue which has a really good oak tree wood flavor.

Concerning Single Malt Whiskies, taste is distinctively different, whether it is a Maccalan, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Glenmorangie, or Laphroaig, whatever their age. So if you really want to drink a unique Scotch whisky, choose a Single Malt, choose a Macallan. And drink it straight, please. No water nor ice.

Cheers !!!