Exploring the Various Types of Whiskey: A Complete Guide
, by Scott Connor, 7 min reading time
From Bourbon to Rye, learn about the different types of whiskey. Our guide provides insights into each variety's unique taste and production method.
Whiskey, that golden nectar, has carved out a place for itself in the hearts of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Its variety of flavors and styles, from single malt to blended, can take you on an intricate sensory journey. This comprehensive guide dives into the riveting world of whiskey.
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made primarily from fermented grain mash – a melange of barley, corn, rye, and wheat. The distilled spirit is then aged in wooden casks, generally oak barrels, to acquire its characteristic depth and complexity of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Whiskey and Whisky?
Ah, the age-old debate! While 'whiskey' and 'whisky' are the same spirits, the difference lies in geography and tradition. 'Whiskey' is typically used by Irish and American producers, while 'whisky' is favored by the Scots, Canadians, and Japanese.
17 Different Types of Whiskey
From the peaty Scotch whiskies to the honeyed bourbons, let's explore the fascinating spectrum of flavors that make up the world of whiskey.
Scotch Whisky
What is Scotch whisky? Aged in oak casks for at least three years in Scotland, Scotch whisky boasts a variety of styles, from light and floral to rich and smoky.
Single Malt Scotch
Single malt scotch whisky is made from malted barley in one distillery. Known for its depth and complexity, Glenfiddich and The Macallan are popular single malt brands.
Blended Scotch
Blended Scotch is a mix of grain and malt whiskies from different distilleries. Brands like Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal are famous for their expertly balanced blends.
Single Grain Scotch
Unlike single malt, single grain Scotch whisky incorporates other grains along with barley. It's often lighter, making it a perfect choice for whiskey cocktails.
Buy Scotch online with Barbank. We’ve got all different types of Scotch to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find one that suits your taste.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey, triple distilled and aged for a minimum of three years, is known for its smoothness and lightness.
Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley, single pot still Irish whiskey, like Redbreast, is rich, spicy, and full-bodied.
Blended Irish Whiskey
Blended Irish whiskey is a mix of grain and malt whiskies. Jameson, a beloved example, is smooth and versatile.
Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Light and subtle, single grain Irish whiskey, such as Teeling Single Grain, is made from grains other than barley and often aged in wine casks.
American Whiskey
American whiskey embraces a range of styles, with bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye being the most popular. At Barbank, we make it easy for you to buy American whiskey, offering all three of the types.
Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey, like the renowned Buffalo Trace, is sweet and full-bodied. It's made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels, lending it a rich, caramelized flavor. Explore and buy Bourbon online with Barbank.
Tennessee Whiskey
Similar to bourbon but with an extra step, Tennessee whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging. Jack Daniels, a stalwart, is a shining example of this category.
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey, including brands like Woodford Reserve and Wild Turkey, has a spicy kick and rich character, owing to the rye grain dominance. Check out our selection and buy rye online with Barbank.
Canadian Whisky
Often made from corn or rye and aged in oak barrels for at least three years, Canadian whisky is typically light and smooth.
Rye Whisky
Canadian rye whisky, despite its name, may not always contain a high percentage of rye grain. However, it maintains a rye-like spicy flavor, as with the Crown Royal brand.
Corn Whisky
Corn whisky is a category that boasts a high content of corn grain, resulting in a sweeter profile. Canadian Mist is one popular brand you might want to try.
Blended Whisky
Just like its counterparts in other parts of the world, Canadian blended whisky combines different grains and often different distilleries. Seagram's VO is a popular example of this versatile category.
Japanese Whisky
Emulating Scotch styles but with a unique flair, Japanese whisky, like the famed Suntory or Nikka brands, offers a range of flavors from fruity-floral to peaty and intense. You can buy Japanese whisky online at Barbank, your premier online liquor store. While you’re at it, be sure to learn how to drink Japanese whisky to truly get the most out of your bottle.
How to Taste Whiskey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tasting whiskey isn't about downing shots; it's an art. It's savoring the layers of flavors, appreciating the craft that transforms simple grains into a sublime spirit.
Identifying Different Flavors in Whiskey
Hold the whiskey up to the light; admire its color. Now, swirl it gently in your glass; the "legs" trickling down hint at its body and alcohol content.
Take a whiff; sense the oak cask's woody essence or the charred oak barrel's smoky tease. Now, sip, letting the liquid wash over your palate. Do you taste the sweetness of corn or the spicy punch of rye? Do you sense the malty magic of barley or the mellow smoothness of wheat?
Pairing Whiskey with Food
When it comes to enhancing the whiskey drinking experience, food pairings can be a game-changer.
Whiskey and Cheese Pairings
The creaminess of cheese complements whiskey wonderfully. For instance, pair a full-bodied bourbon with a pungent blue cheese, or try a sharp cheddar with a spicy rye whiskey.
Whiskey and Chocolate Pairings
Whiskey and chocolate? You bet! The rich sweetness of chocolate plays well with whiskey's complexity. Think dark chocolate with a peaty Scotch or milk chocolate with a smooth Irish whiskey.
Buying Whiskey Online with Barbank
We live in a glorious age where you can explore types of whiskey from around the world without leaving your couch. Barbank, an online liquor store, brings this convenience to your fingertips.
Whether you're searching for a single malt Scotch whisky or a blended Irish whiskey, a bottle of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey or a Japanese whisky, Barbank's extensive selection has you covered. Not to mention the American rye whiskey, Canadian whisky, bourbon whiskey, and even single barrel exclusives.
Buy whiskey online with Barbank. We’re your one-stop-shop for all whiskey varieties, including the classic Jim Beam bourbon, the exquisite single malt whiskey, the mellow corn whiskey, or the dynamic blended whiskey. Their collection embraces all the shades of whiskey, from the subtle grain whiskey to the robust malt whiskey.
So what are you waiting for? Hop on the whiskey journey, swirling and sipping your way through the world of oak barrels, malted barley, and rich flavors. Grab your old fashioned glass, and let the adventure begin! Cheers to the good times ahead with Barbank, your online companion in this flavorful quest.