Whiskey’s complexity is shown through the several ways it can be enjoyed. It can be mixed into a cocktail, taken neat, or had any other way that suits the drinker. Rye and wheat are the main cereal grains used to create whiskey, an alcoholic spirit which is usually aged for 3-10 years.
Bourbon
There is no right or wrong way to enjoy whiskey, so it’s important to experiment and find what you like. However, there are a few guidelines to remember before your first sip. First, read the label to determine where the whiskey came from and whether it is straight or blended. It will help you decide how to prepare your whiskey and what kind of glassware to use. Once you have your glass, take a slow, measured sip. Notice how the whiskey coats your tongue and lingers for a moment. You may also sense other flavors, including spicy, oaky, citrusy, floral, fruity, or smokey. While you can enjoy bourbon neat or with ice, it’s often enjoyed in cocktails. It’s a great base ingredient for many drinks, from classics to new creations. Bourbon and whiskey are also excellent in cooking; it’s easy to add the rich flavors of these spirits to a wide range of recipes. Try these whiskey BBQ sliders, whiskey-glazed carrots, or this cozy mulled cider. With the popularity of bourbon increasing and shows, it’s no wonder more people are looking to explore the world of craft whiskey.
Scorch
There are many different types of whiskey, each with a unique flavor. A distilled beverage, whiskey, is created from fermented grain mash, usually barley malt, wheat, or rye. It is then aged in wooden containers, typically made of oak. Whiskey is a versatile spirit and can be used in various cocktails. However, not all whiskies are created equal; some can clash with others in certain cocktail recipes. Scotch whisky is typically aged for three years or more and can be enjoyed straight or added to cocktails. Scotch is often sipped rather than swallowed, which helps to savor the subtle flavors of this spirit. When consumed, you can notice a variety of flavor characteristics, including hints of smoke, baked bread, nuttiness, cereal and vanilla. These hints come from the distillery and its surrounding environment, known as terroir. Scotland’s heather-clad hills, peaty moorlands and seaweed-fringed islands contribute to the distinctive character of its whiskies. As a beginner, we recommend trying scotch neat first. Then you can decide whether to add a few drops of water or ice. A few drops of water open up the whisky and can reveal flavors that may not be immediately apparent. However, it is important to do this sparingly, as too much water can drown the whisky, and you will lose some of its delicate flavors.
Irish
If you want to try Irish whiskey for the first time, start with a single malt like Redbreast. This popular whiskey is smooth and fruity and hints at a wide variety of different flavors. It’s also a good idea to try a blended Irish whiskey made with pot still and single malt whiskies. If your palate can handle it, try a single-pot still whiskey. These are more complex than single malts and have a lot of great honey, toffee, wood, stone fruit and cereal flavor. Try a peaty single-pot still whiskey if you want to go the extra mile. These whiskies are a bit smokier than their single malt counterparts and have aromas of soot, lapsang tea, tar, kippers and burning heather. Some rules must be followed when making Irish whiskey, including that it must be made in Ireland and contain malted barley (plus unmalted for curious ones), and grain whiskey can’t make up more than 94.8% of the blend. As a final note, one thing to remember is that in the UK and Ireland, it is spelled “whisky,” while in the USA, it is spelled “whiskey.” The difference likely concerns the translation from the Gaelic uisge beatha or uisce beatha.
Pot Still
You might picture a cowboy bellying up to the bar in a Western movie when you think of whiskey. Whiskey isn’t just for cowboys; it’s a versatile spirit that can be used in cocktails, cooking, or even eaten neat. Whiskey is made from fermentable malted grain distilled to produce a clear spirit, sometimes mixed with other ingredients like water or other spirits to create blended whiskeys. Whiskey is usually stored in barrels until it’s ready to be consumed. Many distilleries still use copper to produce their whiskey. The copper is heated from the bottom, which causes the varying alcohols and water in the mash to vaporize and be sent to a condenser, where they’re separated. The liquid is then distilled until it reaches the desired alcohol content for the final product. Single-pot still Irish whiskey has become Ireland’s signature whiskey. Its vibrant, spicy tang can be found in popular brands.
