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Whisky is a broad category. Due to numerous types of whiskey, it can be hard to determine which one to choose. Hence, it would be wise to start learning about the types of whiskey you like to find, which is the best bottle to give as a gift. While these various types of whiskey belong to the same category, their tastes vary dramatically. It is just like how a ribeye steak and a hamburger differently taste when they are beef recipes. That is why you must understand the difference between scotch, bourbon, rye, and anything in between.
How Is Whisky Made?
Whisky is a distilled wine created from fermented grain such as corn, barley, or rye. A whisky will taste delicious if it is aged in oak barrels. Since barrels are charred on the interior part, this is why it has a remarkable woodiness flavour.
The alcohol content of whiskies is between 40% to 60%. The alcohol content of whiskies is based on “proof”. The flavours of the different types of whiskies vary based on which grain is more dominant. Sometimes whisky is spelled as whiskey, depending on which country it was produced. However, all whisky types are typically created in the same way.
The first step is malting, wherein the grain is soaked, laid to sprout, and dried. The grain is then mixed with water then mashed. The mash is placed on the fermentation tank along with the yeast. Afterwards, it is heated until the alcohol is separated from the water. Water is again added to the alcohol and placed in wood barrels to age. The alcohol will absorb the flavour of the wood. To make it even tastier, the inner part of the barrel is charred. Once it has aged, then it will be ready for bottling.
Types of Whiskey
Whiskey was one of the first industries. It has a long history, being distilled by its founders.
Bourbons
The primary grain of this whiskey is corn. It has a woody and sweet flavour. A resolution passed in 1964 by the United States Congress declared bourbon as a product of the U.S., although 95% of it is produced in Kentucky. It comprises 51% corn combined with other ingredients such as wheat, rye, and malted barley. During bottling, it has a minimum of 80 proof. It is aged in charred oak barrels.
Rye
Rye is primarily composed of rye. It has a spicy and smoky flavour. American rye is produced in the different parts of the U.S. Rye contains 51% of rye mash mixture and tastes spicier. When George Washington made rye at Mount Vernon; it was considered the most popular whiskey in the northeastern states. When rye is used for cocktails, it can result in a drier taste, which is advantageous if sweeter ingredients are included.
Wheated Bourbons
Wheated bourbons have a nutty and mellow flavour. Instead of rye, wheat is used as one of the grains along with its dominant grain, corn. This combination resulted in a sweeter whiskey.
Tennessee Whiskey
The primary grain of Tennessee Whiskey is corn. It has a smoky and sweet flavour. The way that the Tennessee whiskeys are produced is just the same as Bourbons. However, it includes one additional step, which is the “Lincoln County Process.” Before being placed in charred oak barrels for aging, it is placed on sugar maple charcoal, resulting in a smoky, gently sweeter, and mellower flavour.
With this knowledge about the making of whiskies, you can now choose the best whiskey to drink.
