Different types of whiskey?!
Is there another type of whiskey I've left off my list?
Answers: What's the difference between Scotch, Malt and so forth in terms of taste and how they're made?
Is there another type of whiskey I've left off my list?
Whiskey or whisky (the spelling varies regionally) is simply the generic term for spirits that are barrel aged and distilled from grain. This is different from brandy (which is distilled from fruit) or rum (which is distilled from sugar/molasses) or vodka (which can be distilled from grain, but is not barrel aged).
Usually "whisky" (without the 'e') is used by the Scots and "whiskey" (with the 'e') is used by everybody else.
"Scotch Whisky" ("Scotch" for short) means very specifically, whisky made exclusively in Scotland and aged for a minimum of 3 years in wooden barrels. This can be further divided into "single malt" which is made exclusively of malted barley and from a single distillery. Then you have "vatted malt" or "pure malt" which is exclusively made of malted barley, but is a blend from multiple distilleries. There is also "blended Scotch whisky" which is a blend of malt whisky and grain whisky.
In terms of taste, Scotch's signature flavor is derived from a combination of the malt, the water, and mostly peat. Single malt Scotches vary by the region where they're made. The islands tend to have more peaty/smoky flavors. For more (tons, really) information on Scotch, the regions and distilleries, check here:
http://www.scotchwhisky.net/distilleries...
"Irish Whiskey" is similar, but made exclusively in Ireland. The Irish also make single malts, blends, etc., but they aren't called "Scotch" (it should be obvious why, now).
Irish whiskey has a broad range of flavors, not unlike Scotch, but generally without the peatiness (there are exceptions here and there).
Canadian whiskey is simply the blanket term for whiskey made in Canada (whether it's malt, rye, corn, etc.).
Canadian whiskey's flavor varies from harsh nastiness to very smooth, complex styles. It's mostly grain (i.e. not specifically malt, corn, etc.) and that lends to a more consistent flavor (or lack thereof) from year to year for the same brand.
American whiskies also have a few specific divisions.
"Blended American Whiskey" can be compared to brown vodka. It can be any ratio of aged whiskey to neutral grain spirits (think Everclear) and even can have color added. Really, the only thing that makes it able to be called whiskey is that it's brown, made from grain and made in the US.
"Bourbon" is much more specific. While most people think it must come from Kentucky, this is not true...it must be made in the US (there are a few legitimate Bourbons from outside Kentucky). It also must be made mostly (>51%) of corn, and must be aged in unused, charred, American white oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years.
"Rye" (short for Rye Whiskey) must be made of at least 51% rye to be labeled as such.
"Tennessee Whiskey" is almost exactly the same as Bourbon...there's just one (although significant) difference between Tennessee whiskey and Bourbon. "Charcoal mellowing" which is also known as the "Lincoln County process" is an extra step where the newly distilled whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before it goes into the barrels for aging. This extra step is what keeps Jack Daniels and George Dickel (the only two Tennessee whiskies) from being called Bourbon.
Here's my favorite source of information on Bourbon:http://www.straightbourbon.com/homepage....
American whiskey, if you don't specify a style (like Bourbon, single malt, etc.) is pretty much unremarkable...it's what you'll get if you order the cheap stuff at a bar. Bourbon runs on the sweet side compared to others...it's a combination of the corn and the charred oak barrels (sugars in the wood get caramelized during the charring process). Rye is a little more on the spicy side.
You can also find such things as single malt, rye, and other styles of whiskey from other countries. Japan's Suntory company makes an impressive single malt. US microdistilleris are making some good single malts and Bourbons.
If you want to try a variety to see how they compare side by side, find a good sized liquor store that sells the small, "airplane sized" 50 ml bottles and pick up a couple of each style and see if there's a particular style you prefer.
Whiskey is Scottish. Whiskie is irish.
sour mash
Whiskey is just a generalized name for liquor.
Scotch Whiskey, Malt is more like a beer or Malt Liquor. There is Sour Mash Whiskey,
If it isn't a burbon, rum or wine, it is classified in the whiskey category.
There are different types of Scotches and Whiskeys (single malt scotch and blended scotch, islay, etc.). All are very good, and you wouldn't be able to really tell a difference until you have tried a lot. My least favorite is blended scotch. A good is Gentleman Jack, it's not very expensive, but it is better than a lot of the more expensive ones. A good islay (which is really strong, and has a unique, almost like an olive taste) is Ardbeg Oogandale (I hope I spelled that correctly.). It's delicious.
Tenessee(Jack Daniels), Bourbon(Jim Beam), and Scotch(Chivas Regal).
I prefer Jim Beam because it taste good, but isn't as expensive as Chivas Regal. However Chivas Regal is by far the best but it cost $80 a bottle.
Whiskey- A type of alcohol aged in wood barrels
--Scotch Whiskey- a whiskey made in Scotland aged in old bourbon barrels Smooth, sweet some have a smoky taste. (these can be single malt- coming from one batch, or blended - coming from many batches and mixed by an experienced mixer to achieve a particular taste.
--American Whiskey - An alcohol made from less than 50% corn usually a sweet and un remarkable concoction Segrams 7 is one example
--Irish whiskey- Like american whiskeys only destinctive to Ireland usually made from a lot of wheat. Tullamore Dew is an example
-- Bourbon Whiskey- Made primarily in Kentucky of more than 50% corn aged in charred oak barrels - usually hot tasting makers mark is a variety
-- Sour Mash- a bourbon that uses a portion of an older starter from a previous batch to start the new one. destinctive style Jack Daniels is a variety
There are many different types of whiskey.
To start there is:
Scotch (Glenfiddich) - only from Scotland
Irish Whiskey (Jameson) - only from Ireland
Canadian Whiskey (Crown Royal)- only from Canada
Whiskey (Jack Daniels, Jim Beam) - Made in America
Bourbon (Makers Mark, Wild Turkey)- Only made in Kentucky
Malts - are a blend of two or more whiskies from different distilleries
They all have very unique tastes and styles when it comes to crafting the beverage. Bourbon is the sweetest and great for mixing in soda (coke, sprite, ginger ale) as well as american whiskies and canadian wiskies. Scotch, Malts, and Irish whiskey are usually best drank straight (no mixer) or with water, on or off the rocks (ice).
You want a single malt scotch, aged 15+ yrs. That's all you will need to know.
Scotch is a category of Whiskey..
You have Scotch Whiskey which can be a Single Malt or a blend like Johnny Walker..
You then have your Whiskeys like Jack Daniels, Jim Beam and Wild Turkey which are Bourbons or American Whiskeys.