Outline of whisky

Overview of and topical guide to whisky

Whisky (or whiskey) is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains (which may be malted) are used for different varieties, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, generally made of oak, which gives it its distinctive flavor and aroma.

Types of Whisky

Whisky can be categorized into several types based on the grain used, the distillation process, and the region of production.

Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland. It is divided into five distinct categories: single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain, and blended Scotch whisky. Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is made in Ireland and is known for its smoothness. It is typically triple distilled and aged for at least three years. Irish whiskey can be made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley.

American Whiskey

American whiskey includes several types, such as bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye whiskey. Bourbon is made primarily from corn and must be aged in new charred oak barrels.

Canadian Whisky

Canadian whisky is often made from a blend of grains and is known for its light and smooth flavor. It must be aged for at least three years in Canada.

Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky has gained international acclaim for its quality and craftsmanship. It is often similar in style to Scotch whisky and is known for its precision and balance.

Production Process

The production of whisky involves several key steps, each contributing to the final character of the spirit.

Malting

Kilned Barley Malt

Malting is the process of soaking, germinating, and drying grains to convert starches into fermentable sugars. Barley is commonly used for malting.

Mashing

The malted grain is mixed with hot water to create a mash. This process extracts the sugars from the grain, resulting in a sugary liquid called wort.

Fermentation

Yeast is added to the wort to ferment the sugars into alcohol, producing a liquid known as "wash."

Distillation

A still house in a whiskey distillery

Distillation involves heating the wash in a still to separate alcohol from water and other components. This process is typically done twice for Scotch whisky.

Maturation

Whisky Barrels

The distilled spirit is aged in oak barrels, where it develops its flavor and color. The type of barrel and length of aging significantly affect the whisky's characteristics.

Whisky Regions

Whisky is produced in various regions around the world, each with its own unique style and tradition.

Scotland

Scotland is divided into several whisky-producing regions, including the Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, and Speyside, each known for distinct flavor profiles.

Ireland

Ireland's whiskey production is centered around several key distilleries, with a focus on smooth, triple-distilled spirits.

United States

The United States is known for its bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, with production concentrated in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Canada

Canadian whisky is often blended and known for its light and smooth character.

Japan

Japanese whisky has gained a reputation for quality and innovation, with distilleries producing a range of styles.

Related Pages

• Distillation
• Alcoholic beverage
• Barrel (unit)
• Grain whisky