Every time you browse through the counters at duty-free airports, do you get mildly baffled by the offerings at the whiskey department? When such conundrum takes place, you can quickly search for this article. We break down the various types of whiskeys, with the help of an expert, to ensure that you know your blend when you are out shopping for a precious bottle of single malt.
We spoke to Ian Logan, International Brand Ambassador of Chivas Brothers who shared what you need to have in stock and deconstructed the various types of whiskeys.
For the at-home bar
When you are entertaining at home, bring out that much coveted classic blend to start a conversation. It is also a great way to treat your guests.
Ian recommends, “I would always look to the classics as the best place to start. For single malts, consider the Glenlivet, Aberlour, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie or Bowmore – these are malts from across Scotland. For blends, look towards Chivas Regal and Ballantine sot Johnnie Walker. Royal Salute is a blend that can be reserved for special occasions due to its high price, whereas 100 Pipers falls in the affordable category.
Ian Logan, International Brand Ambassador of Chivas Brothers
Whiskey varieties
The expert discusses the different types of whiskeys as:
- A Single Malt Scotch – It is solely made in Scotland from malted barley, yeast and water. It is the produce of one single distillery. If it has been made in more than one distillery, it’s known as ablended malt.
- A Blended Scotch – It is a combination of Single Malt Scotch and grain whisky made in Scotland.
- Rye Whiskey – A rye whisky must contain a minimum of 51% rye in the cereal makeup.
- Bourbon – It is made in the US and has at least 51% corn in the cereal makeup.
- Irish Whiskey – It is made from cereals, water and yeast. The blends will be a mixture of malt and grain whisky. As with single malts, it will be the produce of one single distillery.
- Tennessee Whisky – It is bourbon produced within the state of Tennessee. Since May 2013, it has also included the use of the Lincoln County process which is the filtering of the whisky through charcoal.
- Canadian Whisky – It has perhaps the most diverse definition of all of the above as it must taste like Canadian Whisky. It will generally be a multi-grain liquor, containing large amounts of corn-based spirit.
These tips provide the perfect guide as you go shopping for whiskey to entertain your guests.
Watch out for the 2014 edition of The Glenlivet. The brand launched a worldwide initiative called The Guardians of The Glenlivet and they introduced the concept in India last year. Scotch aficionados were called together for a tasting and voting session in order to create the Glenlivet’s 2014 edition. These chosen Guardians then voted for their favourite out of the three blends – Classic, Exotic and Revival.
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