Whiskey is one of the oldest distilled spirits in the world, with records that date its production back to the 15th century. While whiskeys made from grain have existed for centuries, it wasn’t until the last few decades that they saw a resurgence in popularity. Today there are so many different types of whiskey available that it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time and money. If you love drinking whiskey and have been looking for some new flavors to try, this article is just for you. In this article we will explore some of the best whiskeys currently on the market including Blanton’s Full Set and give you recommendations on which bottles you should add to your liquor cabinet as soon as possible.
What is Whiskey?
Whiskey has its origins in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic word “uisce beatha” which translated means “water of life.” This concept is rooted in the belief that consuming whiskey could help people avoid harmful diseases and live longer. If you ever see a group of people sitting around a table drinking whiskey out of small glasses and making small talk, that’s the origin of that. People drank whiskey in small portions to avoid getting drunk, and in small glasses to avoid wasting it. Today, whiskey is produced in almost every country in the world, with consumers enjoying a wide variety of different flavors.Whiskey is distilled from fermented grain, usually barley, rye, or wheat. The grains are first mashed in water to extract the starches and convert them into simple sugars. After this, the mash is fermented, and then distilled to make a clear liquid that is roughly 80% alcohol by volume. Whiskey is then generally aged in wooden casks, and blended. Each distillery will have their own process, which affects the final taste and quality of the product. As a result, there are many different types of whiskey with wildly different flavors and qualities. The Weller Special Reserve is a type of whiskey that is known for its smooth taste and quality.
Scotch
Scotch is a type of whiskey that is produced in Scotland. There are many different types of scotch whiskey and they all have their own unique flavor and blend of grains. Traditionally, scotches are aged for 10 years or more, but today many are aged for much less due to the high demand for this drink. While there is no exact definition of what constitutes a scotch, the majority of scotches are made from barley and contain no rye. Because of their higher price, scotches are traditionally served in a rocks glass with a single ice cube or a nosing glass. There are so many different types of scotch available that it would be impossible to cover them all in this article, but our top recommendations are as follows: Johnnie Walker Collection, Glenlivet 12 Year Scotch Whiskey, Glenfiddich 18 Year Scotch Whiskey, and The Macallan Fine Oak 18 Year Scotch Whiskey.
Bourbon
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is produced in Kentucky. It is a type of whiskey that is made from a fermented mash of corn, rye or wheat, and barley that is distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume. Bourbon is generally aged between two and four years in charred oak barrels, though some premium bourbons may age for up to 20 years. This aging process adds extra flavor and color to the drink and also removes some of the more astringent flavors of the original distillate. Bourbon can be served neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails. Our top recommendations are as follows: Case of Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, and Eagle Rare Small Batch.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is a whiskey that is produced in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In Irish, the word “uisce beatha” translates as “water of life” which is the same Gaelic word that is used to describe whiskey. Irish whiskey is made from a mixture of barley, corn, and rye. It is generally triple distilled, with the third distillation taking place in a copper pot still. There are many different types of Irish whiskey produced in both Ireland and the United States. Irish whiskeys are known for their smooth, lighter flavors and are traditionally served neat in a rocks glass or a tumbler. Our top recommendations are as follows: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, and Bushmills Irish Whiskey.
American Whiskey
American whiskey is a broad term that is used to describe any whiskey that is produced in the United States. There are many different types of American whiskey ranging from the light and sweet flavor of corn whiskeys to the heavy, spicy flavor of rye whiskeys. American whiskies are generally made from corn. The corn is often blended with barley or rye to create a wide range of flavors. American whiskies are generally aged in used barrels that have previously held other liquids such as bourbon, scotch, or sherry. As a result, the flavors from these other liquids often seep into the American whiskey during the aging process and give it unique flavors. American whiskey can be served neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails. Our top recommendations are as follows: Wild Turkey 101, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, and Jim Beam Black.
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is produced from a mash of rye grain. The rye grain is a difficult grain to grow and therefore rye whiskey is more expensive than other types of whiskey. Rye whisky is commonly mixed with bourbon to create a blended whiskey that is called “rye bourbon” or “rye whiskey.” Rye whiskeys are typically served neat or on the rocks. Our top recommendations are as follows: Knob Creek Small Batch, Wild Turkey 101 Rye, and Templeton Rye.
Conclusion
Whiskey is a drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and all walks of life. It is best enjoyed in a social setting over a conversation with friends and family. As long as you drink responsibly, there is no reason that you can’t enjoy a glass of whiskey every once in a while. There are so many different types of whiskey available that there is sure to be a flavor out there that suits your tastes. From the sweet and light flavors of corn whiskeys to the more mature and spicy flavors of rye whiskeys, there is a whiskey out there for everyone.
