Whiskey has always been considered a symbol of class and sophistication, enjoyed at the end of an evening by many elite members of society. Nowadays, anybody can enjoy the intense aromas and unique flavor profiles of the potent drink.
Single malt is the most common type of whiskey, which is made from only one kind of grain or variety of barley. These are usually aged for longer periods than other types of whiskey, and are generally more expensive.
However, the flavors that are achieved are unmatched by other types of whiskey, and it is definitely worth paying a little extra for single malt. These are four of the most popular types of whiskey, which are certainly worth a taste.
For a completely authentic experience, it is worth investing in the right glassware. Click here to find the perfect whisky dram glass to add to your collection to make the tasting experience complete. They could also be a great gift for the whiskey drinker in your life.
Bourbon
Firstly, bourbon is believed to be named after the French Bourbon dynasty, which inspired the names of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and Bourbon Street, New Orleans. It is made using over 51% corn, and aged in oak barrels.
Compared with standard whiskey, bourbon is notably smoother, which is why many will use the well-rounded spirit to work their way up to regular whiskey. Because of the smooth taste yet interesting flavor profile, bourbon pairs well in cocktails such as the old-fashioned, mint julep, and whiskey sour.
Some of the most well-known brands of bourbon include Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Woodford Reserve. This is a favorite for many, because of the slightly more muted flavors, which are easier to handle. Bourbon has a slight taste of vanilla, which pairs with the charred oak taste to create a taste which is similar to caramel.
Rye
Another iconic whiskey which needs to legally be made using at least 51% is rye, which has a unique taste and aroma. Compared to bourbon, rye is typically considered more spicy and a little harsher, but it remains a favorite to many.
Oak, fruit, or smoke are typical after tones when tasting rye, and the first impression will usually be a slight grassy quality which comes from the spirits’ main ingredient. Anybody who drinks rye will experience the spicy taste which it leaves in the mouth, which is achieved by using no additives except for water, and leaving the spirit for a minimum of two years.
Rye is perfect for a Manhattan cocktail, and well-known brands include WhistlePig Straight Rye. This is usually distilled in North America, and was originally only available to the people living within that area.
Scotch
Next is something a little further afield, with a well-known taste and complex aromas. Scotch is aged for a minimum of three years, and the barley which it has been made out off creates an interesting earthiness.
This pairs well with the smokiness which many scotch drinkers enjoy. While there are fewer cocktails which use scotch as its main ingredient, it can be found in the Rob Roy. There are strict laws which the whiskey makers in Scotland must follow, which contributes to the excellent quality product.
Because of this, scotch is often enjoyed neat as a celebration of the well-made spirit. Popular brands include Lagavulin, Johnnie Walker, and Laphroaig.
Japanese Whiskey
Another whiskey which has been made to incredibly high standards is Japanese whiskey. It may have joined the race a little later than other types of whiskeys, but there is nothing rushed about this spirit.
By using very similar distilling methods to scotch, Japanese whiskey uses double malted barley in wooden casks. The taste is much drier and smokier than other whiskeys, which is why it is usually added to mixed drinks like cocktails, or slightly diluted with soda.
Japanese whiskey a slight sweetness which reminds many of honey. This pairs wonderfully with the oak under tones which are achieved within the barrels. Cocktails which feature Japanese whiskey include Hakushu and soda, and the Maneki-tini. Some of the most popular brands are Nikka, and Suntory Whisky Toki.
Summary
There have been many pop-culture references to the types of whiskey above, and it isn’t difficult to see why they are so widely known and seen within the media. Consider changing up your next cocktail night by choosing some of the different whiskeys that you haven’t tried before. It could be fun to do a tasting of each spirit, or combine into unique cocktails for the full experience.
