Ireland and Scotland are fighting for the right to be called the homeland of whiskey, but it is also produced in America, Canada, Japan and other countries. Recipes from different countries differ in the raw materials for cooking:
- barley and barley malt are used in Scotland,
- in the USA, they use wheat, rye, corn,
- in Ireland - barley, rye and barley malt.
What is whiskey
Whiskey is a strong, aromatic alcoholic beverage.
It is obtained from corn, barley, rye, or wheat. In the manufacture, the processes of malting, distillation and long-term aging in oak barrels are used (at least 3 years).
The alcohol content is 40-50% vol., But some varieties reach up to 60% vol. fortress. The distilled alcohol is colorless. The color of the drink ranges from light yellow to brown. It is purchased in an oak barrel - when infused.
Whiskey: brands and rating of the best
Depending on the raw materials and production method, whiskey is divided into:
- Malt is Scottish, which is obtained from pure raw materials (barley malt) without mixing with grain whiskers (blended).
- The grain type is used for the production of the mixed type. Only a small part goes to retail.
- Mixed (blended): the bulk of all production (about 90%) is obtained by mixing malt and grain.
- Bourbon is an American corn whiskey made using a special technology.
Regular Scottish is aged for 3 years, Irish - 5 years, Canadian - 6 years. Single malts not intended for mixing are aged for 10-12 years. Some rare varieties reach aging for 30-50 years.
The variety of recipes and preparation methods makes the drink unique in its own way, with an individual aroma and taste.
- Scotch whiskey is obtained from the distillation of barley wort obtained from malt. Malt is produced by drying sprouted grains with smoke from burning charcoal, beech shavings, and peat. Whiskey has a characteristic smoky aroma. This is the calling card of the Scottish!
- Irish (as opposed to Scottish) is rarely found with a specific flavor and aroma. It has a delicate and deep bouquet. Irish malt is dried in sealed ovens to prevent any odors from entering.
- American has a vanilla aroma. In contrast to Scottish and Irish, it has a sweet and mellow taste.
American whiskey rating (bourbon and others)
The best selling American bourbon. It has an orange blossom and a taste with vanilla and caramel notes. Whiskey has a long, invigorating and crisp finish.
- Jim beam
- Kentucky gentleman
- Wild turkey
- Evan Williams
- Jack daniel's
- Finnegan
- Tullamore dew
- Bushmills
- Jameson
- Tyrconnell
- Connemara
Top finest whiskeys from Ireland
Legendary Irish golden amber color with an expressive, multifaceted aroma and sweet floral nuances. It has a sweet, mild taste with hints of heather.
- Tullamore dew
- Bushmills
- Jameson
- Tyrconnell
- Connemara
- Finnegan
Rating of the best whiskeys from Scotland (scotch)
Representatives of the Scottish single malt with a pleasant mild aroma and hints of honey and lemon. They are light amber in color with almond and dried fruit flavors. Leaves a long, pleasant aftertaste.
Single Malt Scotch Whiskey.
- An Cnoc
- Auchentoshan
- Bowmore
- Caol Ila
- Cragganmore
- Dalmore
- Highland park
- Lagavulin
- Laphroaig
Blended toffee-colored Scotch whiskey with a golden hue. It has a spice scent that gives it depth. Subtle, spicy, and slightly sweet taste with a pleasant long aftertaste, completes the beautiful bouquet.
Blended Scotch Whiskey.
- Hankey bannister
- Bell's
- Glenshire
- Ballantine's
- Black & White
- Chivas regal
- Clan macgregor
- Cutty sark
- Glen ClydeDimple
- J&B
- Johnnie walker
- White horse
How to choose whiskey
Whiskey selection should be based on taste, aroma, strength and brand preference. The aroma can be classic Scottish - with notes of charcoal or peat - or softer and more delicate, like Irish. The taste can vary from sweetish, with a fruity flavor, to harsher, with hints of wood.
The strength of various whiskeys is from 40 vol. up to 60 vol. and more, depending on the residence time in the barrel and the production method (number of distillations). A 20-year-old drink is considered a collector's item. This is a good whiskey for free!
But to reveal the fullness of aroma and taste, it is worth adhering to some rules.
There is an Irish rule for drinking whiskey 5 P:
- Look (evaluate color and transparency)
- Smell (smell whiskey undiluted)
- Sip (Taste the whiskey)
- Swallow
- Molds of water (add water to whiskey and try again)
Drink it in small sips. Can be diluted with spring water as desired or added with ice. The drink goes well with lamb, beef and smoked salmon dishes.
They drink whiskey from large glasses, but not in one gulp. It is not savored with sweet dishes.
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