Whiskeys of the World
Types of Whiskey
Have you ever wondered about the difference between single malt and blended whiskey? Or what scotch or bourbon is? Well, we’ve got you.
There are just so many varieties of whiskey, we thought we’d make you a handy little guide to navigate them all.
Sound good? Well, let’s get going.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey must be—you guessed it—made in Ireland.
Becoming an Irish whiskey is no easy task. It’s distilled at least three times, meaning the spirit passes through a still three times to create a smoother, cleaner flavor profile. That’s more than any other whiskey in the world.
Irish whiskey is known for its smoothness and drinkability. It has a slightly sweet, fruity flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel. Compared to bourbon, which is made primarily from corn and has a sweeter, more robust flavor, Irish whiskey is generally lighter and more delicate. Scotch, on the other hand, is made from malted barley and has a smoky, peaty flavor not typically found in Irish whiskey.
Scotch Whisky
Scotch is a whisky made in Scotland. The country’s unique climate and natural resources play a significant role in shaping its character. Scotch whisky is usually distilled twice.
Scotch and Irish whiskey can taste quite different. Scotch makers may use peated barley to create a smoky flavor, and barley (which must be malted) is the grain of choice. Like Irish whiskey, Scotch must age for at least three years.
What does that mean for flavor? While Irish whiskey is generally known for its roundness, creaminess, and spiciness, a scotch can lean smokier, drier, and fruitier.
Bourbon
Bourbon is an American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Bourbon is known for its sweet, rich taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla and oak.
Bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States, but most of it comes from Kentucky. The mash bill (the mixture of grains used to make the whiskey) must contain at least 51% corn. Makers can’t include any additives. Unlike scotch and Irish whisky, bourbon must only be distilled once.
Rye Whiskey
Rye is made using a similar method to bourbon, by fermenting a mash of at least 51% rye, along with other grains like corn and barley. Rye has a spicy, peppery flavor, with a hint of fruitiness, subtle sweetness, and drier finish than other whiskeys.
Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky is aged for a minimum of three years. It‘s distilled in column stills, which produce a lighter, smoother spirit than pot stills.
Canadian whisky is a blended whisky made from grains like corn, rye, barley, and wheat. The corn gives it a slightly sweet flavor, with notes of vanilla and caramel. Rye is often used in smaller amounts than in American rye whiskey, resulting in a milder, less spicy taste.
Japanese Whisky
Comes from, drumroll, please… Japan. Japanese whisky typically involves a double distillation process to achieve a smoother, more refined taste. The flavor tends to be lighter and more delicate, with less of a smoky or peaty flavor, and subtle fruit, floral, and honey notes.
Despite not having a smoky flavor, Japanese whisky is often compared to Scotch, as both whiskys share a similar production process and use of malted barley. Some Japanese whisky distilleries have even hired Scottish distillers to help produce their whisky.
Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey—produced in the state of Tennessee, of course—has production process similar to bourbon.
Tennessee whiskey must be filtered through maple charcoal, and, like bourbon, aged in new charred oak barrels. This filtering process, called the Lincoln County Process, involves dripping the whiskey through several feet of sugar maple charcoal, which removes impurities and gives it a distinct flavor. Tennessee whiskey is aged for at least two years.
Tennessee whiskey has a flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and smoke. It’s often described as slightly less sweet than bourbon, with a smoother finish.
Single Malt Whiskey
Single malt is made exclusively from malted barley, water, and yeast. It’s produced by a single distillery in pot stills, then aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years.
Blended Whiskey
Blended whiskey is simply two or more different types of whiskey mixed together. Jameson is a perfectly balanced blend of Single Pot Still and Grain Whiskey.
Putting Your Whiskey Knowledge to the Test
Well, we think we’ve poured you enough information to start. So, maybe you need a little sip to distill it all down. Now you’re armed with enough knowledge to…
Unleash your adventurous spirit and embark on a whiskey journey. Start with the smooth and rich taste of Jameson Irish Whiskey.