WHISKEY FACTS

Question 1

What is the origin of the term ‘Whiskey’?

Answer 1

The term ‘Whiskey’ originated from the Gallic word uisgebaugh, which translates into ‘water of life’.

pronounced wys-ger-baugh

Question 2

What are American whiskeys defined by?

Answer 2

American whiskeys are defined by their grain or alcohol content.

Question 3

What is an example of how American whiskeys are defined?

Answer 3

51% rye grain is called rye whiskey, 51% corn is called bourbon.

Question 4

What is whiskey made in Scotland called?

Answer 4

Whiskey made in Scotland is called scotch.

Question 5

What is whiskey made in Ireland called?

Answer 5

Whiskey made in Ireland is called Irish Whiskey.

Question 6

What are the classification groups for American whiskeys?

Answer 6

Straight Whiskey

Question 7

What are the requirements for straight whiskey?

Answer 7

Federal regulations require that straight whiskey be at least 51% of one grain and must not be distilled above 160 proof. They can not be blended with any other whiskey. They must also be aged at least two years in brand new charred oak barrels. The only ingredient that may be added is water, which brings the proof down to the proper level.

Question 8

What is bourbon?

Answer 8

Bourbon is a straight whiskey which is made from 51% corn.

Question 9

What turns ‘corn whiskey’ into bourbon?

Answer 9

The aging in the newly charred oak barrels is what mellows and imparts the subtle vanilla like flavor that is common to bourbon.

Question 10

Where must all bourbon be made?

Answer 10

All bourbon must be made in the United States.

Question 11

What is sour mash?

Answer 11

Sour mash refers to the re-using of the mash from the previous batch of whiskey. In sour mash brands, the distiller uses a combination of new, fresh mash and mash (without alcohol) left over from the previous batch. The term sour has nothing to do with the flavor of the end product. It is a technical term and the normal drinker cannot tell the difference between ‘sour mash’ or ‘sweet mash’.

Popular brands of sour mash are: Maker’s Mark, Jack Daniels, and George Dickel.

Question 12

What is Tennessee whiskey?

Answer 12

Tennessee whiskey differs from bourbon in that after distillation, the whiskey is seeped through Tennessee charcoal, drop by drop. This process is called ‘leaching’. Popular brands of Tennessee whiskey include George Dickel, Early Times, and Gentleman Jack by Jack Daniels.

Many people think Tennessee whiskey is identical to bourbon, but it is not.

Question 13

What is rye whiskey?

Answer 13

Rye whiskey is basically the same as the bourbon family, except it is made from at least 51% rye. It is not as popular as bourbon, but still a good quality whiskey. The two most popular brands of rye are Old Overholt and Jim Beam rye whiskey.

Question 14

What is blended whiskey?

Answer 14

Blended whiskey is defined by the US Government as a mixture which contains at least 20% of 100 proof straight whiskey. It must be at least 80 proof at bottling. Blending is a scientific, planned process, where the distiller combines many different straight whiskeys and neutral spirits, to achieve a lighter, smooth tasting whiskey.

Popular brands of blended whiskey are: Kessler, Calvert, Old Thompson and Seagrams Seven.

Question 15

What are Canadian whiskies?

Answer 15

Canadian whiskies are simply whisky distilled in Canada. They are generally made from rye, as barley is very limited in Canada. They can also be made from other grains such as corn or wheat. Canadian law requires that Canadian whisky be aged at least two years, however most is aged at least six years before bottling. The aging barrels are not required to be charred and may be re-used. This accounts for the lighter color and unique light taste of Canadian whisky.

Question 16

What is Irish Whiskey?

Answer 16

Irish Whiskey is simply whiskey made in Ireland. Irish whiskey is distilled primarily from raw barley and barley mash. Irish whiskey is usually made in a pot still and is blended with a neutral spirit which tends to lighten and soften the flavor.

Popular brands are: Jameson, Bushmills, Blackbush, Murphy’s, Paddy, John Powers and Tullemore Dew.

Question 17

How long are Irish whiskeys aged by law?

Answer 17

Irish whiskeys are aged a minimum of three years by law, usually in oak barrels, with most being aged five to eight years. Irish whiskey is triple distilled, which accounts for its lighter flavor.

Question 18

What is Scotch Whisky?

Answer 18

Scotch is simply whisky brewed in Scotland. It is very unique due to the many different recipes, aging and distilling procedures used.

Blended scotch is scotch whisky that is a blend of malt and grain whiskies. This is the most common scotch. Regular blended scotch is aged by law a minimum of four years. Fine blended scotch is aged at least twelve years. Look for the number of years of aging to be displayed predominately on the label of better scotches.

Question 19

How is Scotch unique in flavor?

Answer 19

Scotch is a double distilled spirit that gets a big part of it’s unique flavor from the barley malt which has been roasted over a peat fire. This is what gives scotch the smoky flavor that scotch drinkers love.

Question 20

Single Malt Scotches

Answer 20

This is the fastest growing family of Scotches. These are the classiest of the scotches. Some recipes date back hundreds of years. Each distiller uses their own particular malt and water to achieve a specific taste.
The taste is also affected by the geographic region where the scotch is distilled. The different climates of the Lowlands and the Highlands impart different character to each of the scotches. Single Malt scotches are aged 10 to 50 years and can be sipped like a cognac to enjoy their fine aroma.

Example Sentence: Single Malt Scotches are known for their rich and complex flavors.