Whiskey is a drink with history, context and it has been around since ancient times. It is enjoyed alone and in special moments since its taste and smell provide a unique experience. At present, whiskey has seen exponential growth, so we leave you a list with everything you need to know about this exceptional drink, as well as our recommendations as per your taste.
-
Types of whiskey by region
SCOTCH
It comes from four specific regions of Scotland. It is distilled two to three times and prepared according to the standards of the Order of Scotch Whiskey. The drink should age in oak barrels and you can try them on any whiskey tour.
CANADIAN WHISKEY
It is a corn and rye whiskey that is aged for at least two years after being bottled.
IRISH WHISKEY
What distinguishes this type of whiskey is its preparation since it includes malted barley and a mixture of corn. It undergoes three distillations and only coal is used in the furnaces.
BOURBON
It is originally from the United States and is prepared based on corn, which must be at least 51% of the mixture. This drink has been distilled and aged in Kentucky so that’s why it’s can be called bourbon.
TENNESSEE
It is produced only in the state of Tennessee in the United States. It is filtered in saccharine maple charcoal, an element that gives it a unique flavor and aroma.
SINGLE MALT
It is made with barley malt and in a single distillery. Its aging should be done in a single barrel and must age in it for at least three years.
-
Elaboration in barrels
The best whiskeys are aged in oak barrels so that the aromatic elements of the wood interact with the drink. Also, wood regulates the interaction of alcohol with the environment and allows it to perspire.
-
Age
When talking about the age of a whiskey, reference is made to the number of years spent in the barrels. The quantity that appears on the label of the bottle corresponds to the age of the minor whiskey since the final distillate usually contains whiskeys of various origins, barrels and years.
-
Cocktail or alone?
If you want to appreciate each of the whiskey tones, it is best to enjoy it alone. since when combined, its aromas and flavors change depending on the mixture. Next, we leave you our recommendations, ideal to delight even the most demanding palate and excellent for dinner with friends.
BRUICHLADDICH – SINGLE MALT
Aged in American and French oak barrels, this single malt amber color has floral, elegant and fresh tones, as well as touches of sweet and classic vanilla. The mouth of this whiskey has the perfect balance between smoked and creamy caramel with pear, citrus and sea salt.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL – SCOTCH
This scotch has a bright and intense color, as well as delicate amber tones. Its aroma is generous but especially enveloping. It has some smoky notes and nuances of raisins.
THE MACALLAN 12 YEARS OLD – SINGLE MALT
This single malt is made with a triple combination of barrels: one of American oak, one of Spanish cured with sherry and one of American cured with bourbon. Its color is that of golden straw and has a complex aroma and a fruity touch with vanilla. It has a medium palate, balanced by fruits, citrus, oaks, and spices.
SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT WHISKEY
The industry of this distillate has been modernized, expanded, developed in different territories to Scotland, has generated new markets and ways to be. This column demystifies some of the most common ideas about whiskey.
Are whiskeys aged for more years better?
Currently, we can be surprised by the dominant aromas of the distillate on the wood and the vibrant character of the young whiskeys (between 7 and 10 years of maturation). Note that some single malt exceeds wood over 15 years, while others are extraordinary – above 30. We can try 50-year-old grain whiskeys and discover the potential of it, meanwhile, we are witnessing how NAS (Non aged statement) whiskeys, with high quality, have become an alternative as it almost tastes the same.
Do all whiskeys taste like wood?
The passage of whiskey through the barrel is essential, this causes changes at the structural level, softening its flavor, provides color and promotes the formation of fruit aromas. Yes, in general, the barrel determines the characteristics we perceive with the senses when testing it. On the other hand, the flavor is a combination of factors, from the type of wood used, often from oak or in modern distilleries to combine woods from different trees, other times barrels are used to age wine, or other distillates such as Porto are used. It also influences the years in the barrel, the water with which it is distilled, how salty it is, the malts, and countless factors that make each whiskey or whiskey special and different.
Should whiskey be drank alone?
It is said that the most that can be added is a droplet of distilled water and should be served in an old fashioned glass. There will be someone who asks for straight-up whiskey, that is, cooled in a shaker, but without ice. So, without an argument, yes, whiskey should be consumed without any other sort of addition to it.
Whiskey glasses
We understand that in the countries closest to the poles and with harder winters, that is the rule, but further south, ice suits better. In addition, the immense curiosity of the human being and the search for flavors developed the mixology, which made the range of opportunities to mix the distillates enormous, and of course, whiskey could not be left out. From Manhattan to Mint Julep, there are thousands of combinations to try and discover.
Is “real whiskey” from Scotland?
Whiskey was created in Scotland, but that does not mean that everything it produces outside its borders is not whiskey. There are certain rules, such as the time in the barrel, the ingredients or the base process, which must be followed so that the distillate is called whiskey or whiskey, rye or bourbon, or that it is simply another beverage extracted from grains.
CONCLUSION
In many places in the world, such as France, the United States, Japan or India, there are distilleries that produce delicious whiskeys worthy of being named as well, some even very prestigious and that have been included in specialized guides such as Whiskey Bible. So make sure that you taste them all out on your quest to enjoy whiskey.
Be the first to comment