Whiskey 101 – An Introduction to Distilled Spirits

As we continue our journey through the Food & Drink topics, we’re now including reviews on whiskey. We’ll start with this introduction blog and expand as we single out different brands and varieties. We used sources and content from Wikipedia, along with expert opinion in our research and posting.

Whiskey–What is it?

In the collective definition, whiskey is a distilled alcoholic drink made from a fermented grain mash. (And as a general overview for future postings, distilling is the process of separating components in a liquid by boiling then capturing the condensation byproduct). The most used grains are corn, wheat and rye, (grain whiskey) with barley, also used in grain whiskey or by itself (malt whiskey).

Whisky vs Whiskey

You may see a variation of the spelling, but it’s referring to the same beverage. The name whisky is an anglicization (or English-ing) the Gaelic word uisce, which means “water”. The two variations could be a regional dialect: Whiskey is a common spelling in Ireland and America, whereas Whisky is common in other producing countries.

A Brief History

Although distillation was practiced throughout the Middle East dating back to the 2^nd millennium, historical records of distillation for alcohol was in the 13^th century in Italy. The method reached Ireland and Scotland in the 15^th century where monastic orders accepted it, then by the secular who called upon it for medicinal use.

As whiskey evolved from a raw form into something palatable, it found its way from the monasteries to homes. In 1608 the Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland received the license to distill Irish whiskey and still does to this day, making it the oldest distillery in the world. In the 1700s, England merged with Scotland and implemented the Malt Tax of 1725 which led to rioting throughout Scotland. Not to be deprived, the Scots distilled at night to hide the smoke from their homemade stills which came to be know as “moonshine”.

In America, soldiers used whiskey as currency during the revolution and founding father George Washington operated a large distillery on his Mount Vernon plantation. But with history repeating itself some 60 years earlier, the first tax imposed on our fledgling democracy on distilled spirits (primarily American whiskey) met with resistance and violence under the Whiskey Rebellion.

Production

Whiskey production styles and laws vary by country, region, the type and differ in quality and alcohol content. Typically, most whiskies are at least of 40% (or 80 proof) of alcohol by volume, or ABV. But some, like American whiskey, can be as high as 90%.

The distillation happens in either copper pot stills (single heating and collection units that work with single batches of product) or in column stills (multiple heating systems that run continuously and not confined to single batches). Smaller production scenarios use copper stills and are less efficient, where column stills allow for larger, more efficient production. However, cognac, Irish and Scotch whiskies and single-pot still whiskey must, by law, be produced only using pot stills.

The ingredients used to produce (grain, water, yeast) mash bill or grain bill results in the wort. The wort is the liquid extracted from the mashing process and has the sugars needed for fermentation. After fermentation but before packaging, the product ages in wooden barrels that ranges anywhere from two to fifty years, depending on the maker.

(Sourced primarily from Wikipedia)

Styles

Since this blog is just an introduction to whiskey, we want to cover common terms and definitions and will make other recommendations as we single out individual products. Here are common styles you may see in your choices or purchases:

Scotland

All Scotch whiskies must age a minimum of 3 years and use ex-bourbon barrels unless otherwise stated. Basic terms to know:

Single Malt-made from a single malt grain from a single distillery and batch distilled in pot stills. Known for long term ageing, with some product pushing 50 years in oak barrels.

Single Grain–is from a single distillery but can be a blend of malted barley and other cereal grains, malted or unmalted and follows the other rules for scotch whiskies.

Blended Malt-a blend of two or more single malt scotch whiskies. Also referred to as vatted whisky or pure malt whisky.

Blended Grain–a blend of two or more single grain scotch whiskies.

Blended Scotch Whisky-a blend of one or more single malt scotch whiskies and one or more single grain scotch whiskies. Any age statement present will show the youngest whiskey in the blend.

Ireland

Like its Scottish counterpart, Irish whiskies age a minimum of three years and typically use ex-bourbon barrels unless otherwise indicated.

Single Malt-made from malted barley in a pot still from a single distillery.

Single Pot Still-made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley and from a pot still from a single distillery.

Grain Whiskey-produced from a variety of grains with the main difference being they must be in a column still or a Coffey still.

Blended Whiskey-a combination of one or more grain whiskies with either a single malt or a single pot still whiskey.

American

There are U.S. regulations that govern the production of several whiskies such as bourbon, corn, malt, rye and wheat.

Bourbon-No minimum age requirement but must age in new charred oak barrels and made in the United States. The mash bill must contain of 51% corn mash.

Straight Bourbon-must age a minimum of 2 years and cannot have any flavorings or coloring added. Any age statement on the bottle must show the youngest whiskey in the blend.

Bottled-in-Bond-Refers to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 in where regulations guarantee the consumer was buying actual whiskey. The act is specific on the aging requirements, such as bourbon aged to a minimum of 4 years. Only U.S. brands may carry a bond.

Blended Bourbon–Blended, as the name implies, may contain added coloring or flavoring but must be at least 51% straight bourbon. It can contain other spirits, such as unaged neutral grain spirit. 

Rye Whiskey-follows the same rules as bourbon but made from a mash bill of at least 51% rye grain. Rye whiskey that ages a minimum of 2 years and not blended with other spirits may be referred to as “straight”.

Canadian Whisky

As one would think, under Canadian law its whiskey is distilled and made in Canada. The regulations cover much as the other governmental bodies such as it must age for a minimum of 3 years and contain a minimum of 40% Alcohol By Volume. Canadian whiskey may contain coloring and flavoring and is mostly corn and rye in the mash bill.

Producers use rye for flavor and aromatic preferences, which led to Canada calling their whiskies “rye”. If rye grain is used for flavoring, the rye content can be as little as 10% and may still be referred to as rye. But if used in the mash bill a higher content of rye must be used.

We hope this blog can help fill in any answers to questions you have with whiskies. We’ll be publishing more distilled spirits blogs and articles, so check back often. You can also check our other reviews in the Food and Drink section. All the best!