Welcome to the Whisky basics.
You may be unclear about the different whiskies and perhaps be under the impression that the higher the price, the better the whisk, the “older” the whisky, the better it is, or that whisky is whisky and whisky end whiskey is just about the same thing!
The terminology, basics, history, and culture of these alcoholic beverages are vast and we encourage the more inquisitive readers to Google the topics and watch YouTube videos, it is extremely interesting and actually FUN!
But, for your convenience, we’ve selected a few terms, which once understood and appreciated, will contribute a lot to your enjoying your next glass of amber pleasure!
Allow us to guide you through a few basics so you can enjoy a glass of the amber stuff like a PRO!
Whisky, or Whiskey?
The obvious difference between whisky and whiskey is of course the spelling.
The words Whisky or Whiskey come from the original Scots and Gaelic derivations of the word ‘Uisce Beatha’, meaning Water of Life, with each variation being carried through to modern use.
The difference, in reality, is vast!
Spirits (Alcohol) distilled in Scotland (and Canada) are spelled “Whisky”.
Spirits distilled outside of Scotland, e.g. America, Japan, and Ireland, are spelled “Whiskey”.
Irish immigration to America in the 18th century means that we also refer to American ‘whiskey’ which is spelled with an e.
But ‘whisky’ and ‘whiskey’ are just two varieties of a wide family of spirits and alcohol – understanding what makes each one different is key to unlocking a spectrum of flavors and experiences…
A Quick Gaelic Lesson on Whiskies…so you can appear smart!
Aqua Vitae
- The Meaning
- The Pronunciation
Slàinte Mhath !!!
- The Meaning
- The Pronunciation
Dheagh shlàinte
- The Meaning “Your health too”
- The pronunciation: ‘do slawncha’
Uisge Beatha
- The Meaning
- The Pronunciation
Distilling, aging, profiling, and finishing of Scotch Whisky:
Scotch Malt Whisky is primarily distilled from the mash obtained from barley (malt) mash.
Once the barley (malt) sprouts, it is smoked to stop the sprouting since the maltose sugars have formed.
The smoked barley is then mashed, and mixed with water with a bit of yeast to develop the alcohol.
Once the required alcohol percentage is reached, the mash is ready to be distilled in the pot.
After a double distilling process, the collected alcohol is clear and ready to be casked for aging.
The aging process develops the color, flavors, and taste as the alcohol penetrates into and extracts out of the charred white oak bringing with it the sap from the charred wood.
Scotch Whisky has a mandatory aging period of a minimum of 3, to a period of 24+ years, in charred American white oak barrels. After the master distiller qualifies the whisky as ready, it will be profiled (Mixed with mix older whisky to obtain the same taste, and bottled. In some instances, the whisky may first be finished in used Port or Sherry casks for another period before bottling.