Whiskey

Whiskey

 Whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains (barley, corn, rye, wheat) are used for different varieties. Whiskey is typically aged in wooden casks, Generally made of charred white oak.

The five primary steps to make whiskey are:

• Malting

• Mashing

• Fermenting

• Distilling

• Aging

Each distiller uses grain combinations chosen by distillers to produce a specific type of whiskey.

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of primarily corn-based whiskey that is made in the U.S. and aged in new charred-oak barrels. Although it legally must contain 51% corn in the mash (or total makeup of grains), most bourbons are often made with anywhere from 60-86% corn. The other grains in a bourbon can vary, but may include rye, wheat or barley. There are no regulations as to how long bourbon must age, but to be labeled straight bourbon it must age for at least two years.

Official Bourbon Requirements:

• Made with at least 51% corn in the mash bill

• Aged in charred new oak barrel

• Must be made in United States

• Distilled to a minimum of 160 proof (80% ABV)

• Barreled at a maximum of 125 proof (62.5% ABV)

• Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV) and a maximum of 150 proof (75% ABV)

• No flavorings or colorings may be added

Scotch Whiskey

Several whiskeys can be produced in Scotland, but the most important ones are single malt and blended Scotch whiskey.

Single malt (100 malted barley) – this type of whiskey can only be made using malted barley and must be distilled using a pot still. In common with all Scotch whiskey, they must mature for a minimum of three years in an oak barrel. Furthermore, a single malt must be a product of just one distillery.

Blended Scotch – this style of whiskey is a blend of malt whiskey and grain whiskey from different distilleries. Grain whiskey are made from blend of grains and they are rarely sold on their own, the vast majority are used to make up brands of Blended Scotch Whiskey.