Whiskey 101

Scotch Whisky is the spirit of Scotland. Malt Scotches are made from barley malt, which is dried over a peat fire. The smoke from the peat fire is where much of the taste of the final product comes from. Once dried, the malt is mixed with yeast and water and allowed to distill. Single malt scotches are the product of a single distillery, while blended scotches are a mixture of several different whiskies, plus grain whiskey. There is also Grain Scotch Whisky, which is made by mashing wheat or corn with water. An enzyme is added to break the starch down into sugar, and then yeast is added to begin fermentation. Grain Whisky stays in a still throughout its distillation process and is then added to wooden casks to age.

Rye Whiskey follows the same basic procedures as Scotch, but is made from a fermented mash containing at least 51% rye. It must be produced at no more than 160 proof and aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least 2 years to be classified as "straight."

Canadian Whisky is a type of whisky produced in Canada. Most Canadian whiskies are blended multi-grain liquors containing a large percentage of corn spirits, and are typically lighter and smoother than other whisky styles. Because rye was once a standard ingredient in Canadian whisky, the terms "rye" and "Canadian whisky" are often used interchangeably, and erroneously, in Canada.

Irish Whiskey is usually a blend of several whiskies of different ages. Malted barly, unmalted barley and other grains (rye, corn) are used.

Bourbon is made in the United States. By law, it must contain at least 51% corn, but cannot contain more than 80% alcohol. The remainder is made up of various other grains such as rye or wheat. All Bourbons use what is called the sour mash process. This is a process in which a sample from the last batch is added to each consecutive batch to control the bacteria growth in the mixture. Bourbon is aged in new, charred barrels for a minimum of two years (but usually much longer). Bourbon is considered a "fuller bodied" whiskey than Scotch or Irish and some say it does have a bit more "sweet" taste on the palate.

Want to learn more about Whiskey? Join us for a Father's Day Weekend Whiskey 101 Class and tasting, featuring Ryan Caswell! The cost is only $10 per person. Click here for more info!