9 Types of Whiskey You Really Need to Know

[carolinakid]

Various bottles of Scotch whisky on the shelf on May 16, 2015 in Tomintoul, UK.© ZRyzner/Shutterstock
The sheer number of types of whiskey in the liquor store might have you stumped. What’s the difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky? Is all bourbon whiskey? What whiskey is best for your favorite mixed drinks?

You’ll find everything you need to know in the guide below!

By the way, is it whiskey or whisky?​

That depends where it’s made. Yes, whisk(e)y can be spelled both with an “e” and without, which does confuse even the most seasoned drinkers. But, it turns out the letter is very important to the story of the spirit. The Irish use the “e,” a tradition that carried over to American-made whiskeys. The Scots do not use the “e,” and distillers in Canada and Japan follow their lead. Hence, whisky or whiskies.


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So now, without further ado, here are the types of whiskey you need to know:

Irish Whiskey​

Irish whiskey has a smoother flavor than other types of whiskey. It’s made from a mash of malt, can only be distilled using water and caramel coloring, and must be distilled in wooden casks for at least three years. The result is a whiskey that’s easy to sip neat or on the rocks, though you can use Irish whiskey to make cocktails.

Scotch Whisky​

Scotch whisky (aka just scotch) is made in Scotland with either malt or grain. The Scots take their whisky-making seriously and have laws in place that distillers must follow. The spirit must age in an oak barrel for at least three years. Plus, each bottle must have an age statement which reflects the youngest aged whisky used to make that blend. This is a whisky to sip neatit makes an excellent after-dinner drink.

Japanese Whisky​

A little later to the game than Irish and scotch, Japanese whisky has made its mark on the spirits world for its high standards. Japanese whisky was created to taste as close to the scotch style as possible and uses similar distilling methods. It is mostly imbibed in mixed drinks or with a splash of soda.

Canadian Whisky​

Like scotch, Canadian whisky must be barrel-aged for at least three years. It’s lighter and smoother than other types of whiskey because it contains a high percentage of corn. You will find that most Canadian whiskies are made from corn and rye, but other may feature wheat or barley.

Bourbon Whiskey​

An American-style whiskey, bourbon is made from corn. In fact, to be called bourbon whiskey, the spirit needs to be made from at least 51% corn, aged in a new oak barrel and produced in America. It has no minimum aging period and needs to be bottled at 80 proof or more.

Bourbon is the star ingredient in mint julepsand you don’t have to wait for the Kentucky Derby to learn how to make one.

Tennessee Whiskey​

While Tennessee whiskey is technically classified as bourbon, some distillers in the state aren’t too keen on that. Instead, they use Tennessee whiskey to define their style. All current Tennessee whiskey producers are required by state law to produce their whiskeys in Tennessee and to use a filtering step known as the Lincoln County Process prior to aging the whiskey.

Rye Whiskey​

Rye whiskey is made in America with at least 51% rye, while other ingredients include corn and barley. It follows the distilling process of bourbon. Rye that has been aged for two or more years and has not been blended is dubbed “straight rye whiskey.” Rye tends to have a spicier flavor than sweeter, smoother bourbon.

Blended Whiskey​

Blended whiskey is exactly what the name highlightsit’s a mixture of different types of whiskey, as well as colorings, flavors and even other grains. These types of whiskeys are ideal for cocktails, as the process allows for the flavor to come through but keeps the spirit at a lower price point.

Single Malt Whisky​

Single malt whisky needs to be made from one batch of scotch at a single distillery. Additionally, it must be aged for three years in oak before being bottled. The term “single malt” comes from the ingredients, as the main ingredient is malted barley. However, these rules did not make their way to U.S. distilleries. For example, in America, single malt is sometimes made from rye and not barley.

 

[Wagerallsports]

My nephew in Kentucky makes good side money swapping whiskey

He has contacts at several places where he buys limited releases, then resales and they are gone within minutes

 

[samsncharge99]

sammy loves his whiskey

 

[Wagerallsports]

sammy loves his whiskey

Yes we know and it’s time for a new vid soon

 

[samsncharge99]

im thankful I didn't make videos this weekend. on the flip side, I am angry I didn' make videos this weekend

 

[jjgold]

The only whiskey that’s really good is when you start paying for it meaning big money cheap whiskey is terrible

 

[edawg]

Stick with bourbon 6-10 years at 100 proof plus and Irish single malt 10-20 years the rest is a lot of marketing hype that you will overpay for.

 

[aikman.tr]

My nephew in Kentucky makes good side money swapping whiskey

He has contacts at several places where he buys limited releases, then resales and they are gone within minutes

No doubt he can make 1000% on his money with some of the swilll out there. How do you put a price on a bottle aside from age and rarity. This is the price mofo, pay it or someone else will pay more.

 

[BobbyFK]

I don't like whiskey straight but I enjoy it in mixed drinks

 

[djefferis]

$$ does not mean good - it means someone bought the advertising/internet hype/“scarcity” BS - it’s as bad as wine industry. The average pallet could not tell a $40 bottle from a $400 bottle in a blind taste test.

Way too many people buy the hype on this crap - take Blanton’s for example - supposed to sell for $69 a bottle or so - routinely see it trade for $150 - funny can find tons at marked up retail of $200…but never at suggested retail outside of a Costco/Buffalo Trace gift shop or at a duty free shop. I’ll be the first to admit it’s ok - but never worth paying $200 a bottle for.

Woodford Reserve is in no way allocated - and readily available for half the price. Pretty good for the price - but bourbon snobs act like it’s garbage. Weller Antique is basically Pappy VW 2nds - just like White Star is just Dom P. Seconds - and sells for 1/4 of the price - both overpriced though to me.

The stupid pandemic lead to this internet fascination with getting the “best” of everything - whiskey/cigars/whatever - all about image and overpaying to get the “scarce” product. Hell - there are variations of Jack Daniel’s selling for > $100 a bottle…never thought I’d see that.

 

[djefferis]

No doubt he can make 1000% on his money with some of the swilll out there. How do you put a price on a bottle aside from age and rarity. This is the price mofo, pay it or someone else will pay more.

Bourbon Bluebook - a lot of people are suckers for a price because some book “says” it cost that much.

If you’re local - it’s not hard to make money trading bourbons. It’s been happening for generations down there - and widely accepted a percentage of barrels walk out the back door.

Of course there are the people who run between gift shops buying allocated bottles/hit every lottery at a Total Wine/Kroger for the big $$ bottles and pay off clerks at liquor stores for their allocations.

I sign up for my states liquor lottery for allocated bottles - but that’s long odds (but it’s free and a chance to buy a bottle at retail) - can’t remember what bottle it was - but something in spring lottery was $2500 RETAIL - that to me is unreal. Pappy Family 13 was $129…that’s a point at which I’d try it for myself - but anything that’s $2500 and you have people fighting for the right to buy it - straight to resale if I’d be selected. I draw the line at $150 a bottle.

 

[carolinakid]

i needed all 9 after the crap i listen to last night from Judy Woodruff