9 Types of Whiskey to Make Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and All Other Drinks

PureWow editors choose every item on this page. The company may be compensated through affiliate links in the story. Learn more about this process.

 Your vodka soda days have long passed. You’re enjoying boozy Manhattans, fruity Bourbon Smashes, and classic whiskey sours ( without egg white TYVM) in its place. You should be aware that there are many kinds of whiskey available, each one unique and versatile. We’ve collected the details of a few major whiskeys, plus some of our favorite brands, to make it easy for you to get your bar cart set up.

Whisky vs. Whiskey: What’s the Difference?

No. These words are used interchangeably to refer to spirits that are made from a distilled mixture of fermented grains and wood. The spellings may vary depending on where the spirit is made.

In Ireland, whisky with an E is the default. The U.S. spelling of Scotch whisky is without an. Japan, India, and Canada also use the “whisky” spelling. Some U.S. brands, like Maker’s Mark, have also decided to omit the E. The company spells it “whisky” in honor of the founder’s Scottish heritage.

Bourbon Whiskey

It is the star ingredient in Mint Juleps as well as the most popular spirit for Hot Toddies (old fashioned) The most well-known American whiskey is Bourbon. The mash bill, a mixture of malted grains that is distilled, must contain at least 51 percent corn to qualify as bourbon. Next, the distilled spirit must be aged for at minimum two years in oak barrels charred, most commonly American white oak. To be bottled, it must have a minimum of 40 percent ABV. Although it is not required, some brands use separate barrels to finish their Bourbon. Although bourbon is mainly made in Kentucky, it can legally be made anywhere. Although the flavor of bourbon is different from brand to brand, it is sweet and smooth, with vanilla and caramel notes. This is due to the new oak barrels that it was finished in. It can also be spicy.

A note about straight and blended bourbon. The former indicates that the whiskey is from one American state and has been aged for at minimum two years. It also means that it has no additives like flavorings or dyes. Although blended bourbon may contain other spirits or flavorings, it must still be at least 51% straight Bourbon.

Rye Whiskey

This spirit is legally considered American if it’s made from a mash of at least 51 percent rye and aged for at most two years in new, charred barrels. If you see straight rye whiskey with no age specifications on shelves, it has been aged for four to years without being blended. Rye whiskey is bottled at a lower minimum ABV (62%) than bourbon, which is 125 proof. It was brought to America by Germans and Scotch-Irish immigrants, who were already familiarized with the grain. Rye makes a more earthy, spicy, and nuanced spirit than those made with mostly corn mash. Rye is more complex and full-bodied than corn mash, so it works well in cocktails such as Manhattans or straight on the rocks.

Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee whiskey is a lighter version of bourbon. Although it is made on the same principles as bourbon, it must go through the Lincoln County Process. This charcoal filtration process was named after the county Jack Daniel’s was once produced. It can’t legally be called Tennessee whisky without the charcoal step. This is the key to softening some of the stronger, bolder flavors of the spirit. It often has the same vanilla-like, toasty notes as bourbon.

Irish Whiskey

It is believed that Ireland has been producing whiskey 1405., which was originally made from grapes. Irish whiskey has enjoyed worldwide recognition since it switched to grains. In 2013, there were just four Irish distilleries. However, this number has exploded to 24 by 2022. Irish whiskey, like Scotch, must be aged for at least three years in wooden barrels. However, it is different in that any malted cereal grain can be used to make it. It is mandatory to bottle whiskey at a minimum of 40% ABV. This national standard allows for triple distillation. Irish whiskey is light and smooth with notes of caramel, fruit, and oak.

You may see single-malt or single-pot still labels on bottles when you shop. Single malt is a whiskey that was produced from one type of malted barley at one distillery. Single pot The Irish whiskey was produced with both malted barley and unmalted barley, even though it was also made from one type of malted barley at one distillery. 

Scotch Whisky

Scotch must be made from malted barley, and grain, and aged for at least three years in oak casks of 700-liter capacity or lower. It must be produced entirely in Scotland. The most famous single-malt Scotch is made with malted barley. This is not to be confused with single grains Scotch. It’s made with any single malted or unmalted cereal (barley and rye), etc. ).

There are key differences between Speyside, Lowland, and Islay Scotches. Highland Scotch is made from single malt and is found in the northern region of the country. Highland Scotches are unique in taste because of the vast terrain. However, they are generally peaty (referring to the smoke that is created by the peat fire used for drying malted barley) as well as floral. Lowland Scotch is typically milder and has more wheat and corn in the mash. It contains notes of cream, ginger, and toffee. Islay Scotches are known for their peat-forward, earthy flavor. However, this is a beloved taste by some. Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and other big brands are among the Speyside Scotches that hail from the country’s northeastern coast.

Canadian Whisky

Canadian whisky must be aged in barrels for at least three consecutive years. Many whiskies are made from corn or rye. This produces a sweet and smooth product. However, others may use wheat or barley. It must be mashed, distilled, and aged in Canada in barrels not larger than 700 liters. Canadian whisky is allowed to legally contain caramel and other flavors, despite the minimum ABV of 40 percent. Blends are the most popular. Canada can also add non-Canadian spirits into their whiskies. Canadian whiskies don’t have a mash bill. Instead, the individual grains are fermented and distilled before being aged. To enhance the whisky’s flavor, producers can choose the right cask for each grain. 

Japanese Whisky

Japan has been making its own whiskies since 1920. However, it has only recently become more popular in America. Double distillation of malted or peated barley is used to make it. The whisky is then aged in wooden barrels made of Japanese oak. You can choose from single malts or blends. This is a mix of one or more single malt whiskies and may be made from different distilleries. Japanese whiskies taste similar to Scotch but are drier and smokier. All Japanese whiskies must be aged, fermented, distilled, and bottled in Japan by 2024. It must also be aged for at most three years, and have an ABV of at least 40%.

Indian Whisky

Did you know that India produces 48 percent of all whiskies in the world? It is possible to overlook this fact in the U.S. because most of their stock remains within India’s borders. This whisky is unique because it’s often made from Molasses. It has a similar flavor to barrel-aged Rum. Because of India’s heat, some whiskies have malt or Scotch added to enhance their complexity. Due to their limited aging time and other ingredients, most Indian whiskies are not eligible for labeling as “whisky” internationally. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *