When you hear the word “whiskey” what do you think of? For many of us, our minds instantly go to one of two distinctly different places - Ireland or Tennessee. If your mind went to Tennessee, you are likely also singing “You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey” right now in your head (and you may be singing it all day now - you’re welcome). But, how much do you really know about whiskey? Here’s a little something we call “Whiskey 101” that we hope you find interesting.
What the heck is whiskey exactly?
Whiskey is a spirit that is made from grains such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat. These grains are fermented, distilled, and then aged in oak barrels to produce the distinct flavor that is known as whiskey. The aging process gives whiskey its rich and smooth flavor, with the length of time spent in the barrel determining the final flavor profile.
Is all whiskey the same?
Nope - not at all. In fact, there are many different types of whiskey each with its own unique flavor profile. The main types of whiskey are bourbon, rye, Irish, and Scotch.
Bourbon - This type of whiskey is made from at least 51% corn and is aged in new oak barrels. (Yes, bourbon is a type of whiskey - this may surprise you!) It has a sweet and smooth flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Rye - Rye whiskey is made from at least 51% rye and has a spicy and bold flavor. It is a popular choice for cocktails like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned.
Irish - Irish whiskey is smooth and mellow with a slightly sweet flavor. It is triple distilled and is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Scotch - Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley and is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. It has a smoky and peaty flavor that is unique to this type of whiskey.
How do you drink whiskey?
Like with most types of alcohol, how you drink whiskey is a matter of personal preference (and may also depend on how bad of a day you are having)! Some people drink whiskey “neat” which means without any mixers or ice. For whiskey lovers, this allows them to appreciate the flavors and nuances of the whiskey. For others, the thought of drinking whiskey like this makes them want to gag (no judgment!), so they prefer to mix it instead in a cocktail such as a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Whiskey Sour.
Hopefully, you learned something new about whiskey today. This knowledge could be crucial when trying to impress your friends over drinks or if you ever end up on Jeopardy … you just never know.
Cheers to enjoying the little things in life!
- Your friends at Biddlebee
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