Gift Guide
Spirits 101
The ultimate whiskey guide
A complete guide for whisky enthusiasts! Learn how is whisky made, the different types of whiskey, what are the best ways of drinking it, top brands & more.
Words: The Bar
Whiskey has come a long way. It used to be seen as a "man’s" drink, sipped on by the fire, or a drink men enjoyed together while smoking cigars and playing billiards or cards. Today, this outdated view of whiskey no longer exists and whiskey is enjoyed by everyone. And there are so many different types of whiskey out there it can be hard to keep up! That's why we’re giving you the lowdown on all things whiskey.
Who invented whiskey?
An interesting fact is that Ireland is the birthplace of whiskey but it was the Scottish that made it the world-renowned spirit that we know and love today.
It was first distilled in the 15th century by Scottish monks who picked up the technique from Irish settlers. And the first commercial distillery opened in Scotland in 1608. The rest, as they say, is history.
So, how is whiskey made?
It’s a long (but worthwhile) process, which all starts with soaking barley in water (kicking off the germination process, if you want to get technical) and then drying it with peat smoke or hot air. The barley is then ground into a coarse flour, mixed with hot water to create a mash, and fermented with yeast. The resulting liquid is twice distilled and aged in oak barrels for many, many years, giving it all those lovely flavors and aromas.
What are the different types of whiskey?
Scotch, Irish, American to Japanese, you don’t get more multi-cultural than whiskey. Scotch whiskey must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years (and one day, to be exact!). Irish whiskey is usually triple distilled, giving it a lighter taste.
American whiskey, including bourbon and rye, is aged in new charred oak barrels, giving it a distinctive flavor, while Japanese whiskey is heavily influenced by the traditional Scottish whiskey-making process. And also, by its landscape and culture, which we get into later.
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Is it whisky or whiskey?
It's both! And it's quite the story. The short version is this: Ireland added an 'e' to distinguish their liquid from the Scottish version in the American market. With lots of Irish immigrants making a home in the US, America adopted the same spelling. But with single malt Scotch whisky recognized as the world's leading whisky, every other country has opted for the original spelling.
So, in short, ‘whisky’ is typically used to refer to Scotch whisky and other types of whiskey that are made outside the US, while ‘whiskey’ refers to American and Irish whiskey.
What are the different whiskey regions in Scotland?
Scotland is the spiritual home of whiskey with five distinct whiskey-producing regions, including the Highlands, Lowlands, Islay ( pronounced "EYE-la"), Speyside and Campbeltown (which has only three distilleries). Each region has its own unique style and flavor. Oh, if you ever feel like embarking on a Scotch whiskey adventure, there are nine distilleries you can visit along the North Coast 500.
What is a single malt whiskey?
As the name suggests, single malt whiskey comes from just one distillery. And it's made using 100% malted barley. But, get this, even though it's called a single malt, it's usually a mix of different whiskies from different casks, as long as they're all from the same distillery. Blended whiskey, on the other hand, is made up of different whiskies from different distilleries, including single malts and grain whiskeys. It's kind of like making a recipe with a bunch of different ingredients.
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What does the number on the bottle represent?
Here’s a fun fact for you: the number on the label is the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle. But each bottle often has older whiskies that help create the complexity and long finish we all love about whiskey.
Are whiskey and bourbon the same thing?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey made in the United States. It uses at least 51% corn and is always matured in new oak casks (although there’s no minimum for how long). It can be made from a variety of grains, such as rye, barley, or wheat, each bringing different flavors.
How should you drink whiskey?
Neat, on the rocks, with a dash of water - basically any way you like! Whiskey is that versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in so many different ways. You can also mix it into classic cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour.
Whiskey is a timeless classic that pretty much never goes out of style, so it can be enjoyed all year. Shake it up a little (literally) by trying different cocktails through the seasons - lighter Highballs in summer and darker stirred down Manhattans in the winter.
What makes whiskey taste the way it does?
Every type of whiskey has its unique flavor because many things can influence the taste - like the culture, palate and location where it's made. For example, in Japan, they really value delicacy, complexity and balance because of their cultural history. And because Japan is so big, with all kinds of different climates and temperatures, that can also affect how the whiskey ages and tastes. It's the same with other countries that make whiskey, like the US, Ireland and Scotland. They all have their own cultural influences that make their whiskies taste special.
How long does whiskey last?
The good news is that time is on your side! An opened bottle of whiskey can last many years, but its flavor may change over time due to oxidation. To keep the flavor at its best, try to close the bottle tightly after each pour to keep the air from getting in.
Is whiskey a good gift?
Absolutely! From bourbons for a house warming or summer BBQ, to classic single malts to enjoy any time of year, you’ve got a bar-full to choose from to make it extra special.
Looking to commemorate a certain time a birthday or anniversary? Nothing marks the occasion like an 18, 21 or 25-year-old. And if the gift wrapping is making you nervous, then the elegance of Johnnie Walker Blue Label looks so gorgeous and it's pretty much already wrapped! Perfect for a timeless and beloved Father's Day gift.
Looking to try something new?
Sip your way through these whiskey brands…