A Guide to Buying the Best Whisky

For many years, whiskey has been one of the most popular spirits on the market, with a crucial part of the drinks success being its variety. With each type of Whisky possessing unique flavours and characteristics, there will be something for you, as well as suiting the varying needs of casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Whether it's Irish Whiskey or Scotch Whisky, there are many different types to choose from, the perfect excuse for a taste test! You may be wondering if all whiskeys are the same? The simple answer to this would be no, whilst both are technically whiskies, they are sub-categorised and defined by the distilling process of their region and the grains used.

American Whiskies

Bourbon

Distilleries were originally founded in the southern regions of the USA including Kentucky, and many are still used to produce authentic Bourbon today. Traditional Bourbon is made from at least 51% corn, any less and it is not classed as authentic.

American whiskey must be aged in charred new oak barrels for a minimum of two years to be considered “straight” bourbon No additives are allowed to be used in the production of Bourbon. Bourbon has a sweet caramel-like taste with undertones of vanilla and a hint of smokiness from being barreled in charred oak.

Rye Whiskey

Traditional Rye whiskey is made from at least 51% rye grain, and similarly to Bourbon no additives should be added. Charred new oak barrels should be used for at least two years to mature the flavour. Rye whiskey has a spicier flavour profile compared to bourbon, and is a little less sweet in taste.

Tennessee Sour Mash (Tennessee Bourbon)

Tennessee sour mash is a unique type of bourbon made in the state of Tennessee. It must adhere to a specific set of regulations to be called Tennessee Sour Mash. Regulations include filtering through maple charcoal before ageing which is known as the Lincoln County process Tennessee Sour Mash is made from 51-79% corn. Tennessee sour mash tastes similar to bourbon, but offers a more mellow and sweeter flavour with a slight hint of smokiness, thanks to the additional charcoal filtering.

Scotch Whisky

Scotch Whisky, originally made in the Scottish Highlands is still a firm favourite amongst Whisky drinkers. The taste of Scotch whisky varies significantly depending on which area of Scotland it comes from, with the whiskies from Lagavulin and Laphroaig have a much stronger smoky peat flavour, while those from Speyside are a lighter and sweeter option. All Scotch whisky is made in Scotland and primarily made with malted barley, as well as other grains, such as wheat and corn.

Single-Malt Whisky

Single-Malt Whisky is produced using 100% malted barley in small pot stills. The Whisky is distilled once and then aged for at least three years in oak casks to produce the flavour The distilling pot (alembic still) is an ancient distilling tool, the design of which has remained essentially unchanged for over a thousand years.

Blended Malt Whisky

Blended malt Scotch Whisky is a mixture of 100% malted barley whisky from at least two different distilleries.

Single-Grain Whisky

Single-grain whisky is mostly used for blending and is made from 100% wheat or corn. The Whisky is produced in a column still instead of small pot stills. Single Grain Whisky can be separated into two main categories depending on location, Island Single Malt Whisky and Lowland Single Malt Whisky.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is made in Ireland, of course, which is considered to be the original birthplace of whiskey — with production dating as far back as the sixth century. In terms of taste, it’s very smooth and less sweet than bourbon and generally lacks the smokey flavour of Scotch, which is why some consider Irish whiskey to be easier to drink than its Scottish relative.

Single-Malt Whiskey

Irish Single-malt whiskey is essentially the same as single-malt Scotch, It’s the product of a single distillery. 100% Malted barley is roasted over gas or coal in a closed kiln to give it a distinct barley flavour, and is aged for at least three years.

Grain Whiskey

The process of distilling grain whiskey involves wheat or corn being distilled in a column still. Grain whiskey is lighter than single malts.

Single Pot-Still Whiskey

Single pot-still whiskey is a type of whiskey unique to Ireland. Made from 100% barley, (both unmalted and malted) in a pot still, it is a favourite amongst traditional Irish whiskey drinkers.

Japanese Whisky

Japan’s distilleries were first inspired and modelled after Scotch whiskies in the 1920’s, which means the distilling process is near identical. Whilst there aren’t many Japanese distilleries, those that exist tend to be of the highest quality. The taste is similar to Scotch, which is no surprise, but don’t be surprised if you discover Japanese whiskies with sweeter flavours and a similar taste to what you’d typically associate with bourbon. The main difference between Japanese and Scotch distilleries is usually the variety of shapes and sizes. This allows Japanese whisky makers to create a range of tastes and styles to accommodate the needs of their consumer.

Want to know more about the whiskeys available?

Get in touch if you would like to know more about the different whiskeys available here at Drink Finders and our team would be more than happy to help out. Explore our range of red, white and rose wines, and spirits, whatever your favourite drink we’ve got something for you.