Know Your Whisky - Whisky Types And Varieties

Know Your Whisky - Whisky Types And Varieties

There are a number of different types of alcoholic beverages, and in the midst of all of these, whisky stands out as different. With different types and varieties made from fermented grain mash, this highly desirable beverage has a number of different varieties. For example, there are different types of grain that is used in the production of whisky, such as barley, malted barley, maize, wheat and rye. The finished product is usually stored in an oak cask, and it gets better with age. Choosing the right variety of whisky that will best suit your palate can be quite a challenge and can pose a great deal of confusion. The list below can make this task a bit easier for you!

Scotch

One of the most popular varieties of whisky, Scotch is made from peat dried malted barley which has been distilled after fermentation. This distilled mixture is then blended with corn rye whisky. The corn rye is distilled at 180 proof whereas the initial distillation of the fermented barley is done at 140 proof. The end result is a light bodied smoky flavored drink that has its origins in Scotland.

Malt Whisky

Made out of malted barley, this type of whisky follows the traditional method of fermenting and distilling, and is very widely available. The pot in which it is made is traditionally shaped like an onion.

Single Malt Whisky

This type of whisky comes out of just one distillery and is not blended with any other type of whisky. It is made purely out of malted barley and bears the trademark of the distillery in its taste, which is specific to the distillery. This can be further blended with other varieties of this beverage for those who would like to have variations in the taste of Single Malt Whisky.

Vatted Malt Whisky

Malt whiskies from different distilleries are taken together and blended to form Vatted Malt Whisky. There are different types of labels that denote this type of whisky. Look out for labels that say "Malt, "Pure Malt" or "Blended Malt", and you will know that this is Vatted Malt.

Straight Whisky

This type of whisky is distilled at nothing more than 160 proof and is known for its full flavour, aroma and body. The minimum strength of the finished product is 80 proof, contains no additives apart from water, and is left to age for at least 2 years in charred oak barrels. Depending on the type of dominant grain used in the mash, the name of the whisky is labeled. When corn is used, it is known as Straight Corn Whisky and when wheat is used, it is known as Straight Wheat Whisky.

Blended Whisky

Blended Whisky is usually a blend between grain whisky and malt whisky. As grain whiskies are generally accounted to be of lower quality taste, a blend of malt whisky improves the quality of the final product. Blended Whisky is a product derived on blending malt whiskies of a number of different distilleries.

Grain Whisky

Malted as well as unmalted barley, apart from other grains such as maize and wheat are used to produce grain whisky. It was first in the 1930's that this type of whisky was produced, as a special still was invented for the purpose of its production. Used primarily in blends, this whisky is also good for consumption by itself.

Cask Strength Whisky

Cask Strength Whisky is whisky that is bottled as soon as it is taken from the cask, without any dilution. The alcohol content in this type of whisky is higher due to this.

Pure Pot Still Whisky

Pure Pot Still Whisky is whisky that is distilled in a pot-still, using mash that is composed of malted and unmalted barley. It is a product of Ireland and can be found exclusively there.

Rye Whisky

Rye Whisky is not very popular and is generally used in mixed drinks. However, many whisky lovers like it because of its heavier body that is made out of a fermented mash of a minimum of 51% rye.

Bourbon Whisky

A product of the United States, Bourbon Whisky is the finest spirit made in this nation. With at least 51% corn, this whisky is distilled at nothing less than 160 proof and stored in new charred oak barrels. The flavour is sweet and full bodied.

Irish Whisky

A blended malt of half oats and half barley is used to make Irish Whisky. There is no sweet or smoky flavour and has a blended taste of its own.

Canadian Whisky

Produced primarily in Canada, Canadian Whisky is usually made with corn. However, it can also contain wheat, barley or rye. The mash is distilled at a rather high proof and prior to bottling, it is filtered. Stored in either a new or an old barrel, it is expected to be left to age for at least 2 years before use. The taste is slightly sweet and is basically light.


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