The United States is the top importer of whiskey in the world. France is a close second with $700 millio asn worth of whiskey alcohol imports annually.
If you live in the US, you may think you know everything there is about America’s favorite liquor. But even the most educated enthusiasts may not know about all the different types of whiskey.
Whiskeys have different origins and ingredients. Learn more about what these differences mean for whiskey flavor profiles in this guide.
Different Types of Whiskey by Origin
Whiskey has been around for centuries before the US was even a country. Next, we discuss whiskey options based on where they come from.
Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky must comply with the Scotch Whiskey Regulations to be considered scotch. Discover more about what makes Scotch Scotch at the link.
Notably, these regulations require scotch to be made from malted barley, aged for three or more years in an oak cask, and have no added ingredients other than caramel coloring and water.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled for a smoother sip. The Irish make their whiskey from yeast-fermented grains and age it for three or more years. Some Irish whiskeys have ABVs of up to 94%.
American Whiskey
Bourbon is the most popular type of American whiskey. It consists of 51% corn and gets aged in charred oak barrels. Though some bourbon enthusiasts claim bourbon must be made in Kentucky, Tennessee also produces its fair share.
Canadian Whiskey
By definition, Canadian whiskey is aged for at least three years in wooden barrels and has an ABV of 40% or higher. Canadian whiskeys tend to be more similar to scotch than anything made in the USA.
Different Types of Whiskey Grains
Barley is one of the most common ingredients used to make whiskey. But it’s not the only one. Discover the different types of whiskey based on the primary ingredient they’re made from next.
Corn
Corn imparts a sweet, candy corn-like flavor to the whiskey. It may also feature surprising notes of sweet vanilla and spicy cinnamon.
Rye
Rye has a naturally spicy taste. People often describe whiskeys made from it as peppery, dry, and with a clove-like finish.
Barley
Malted barley offers a toasted nut flavor profile. You might even taste a little smoke in whiskeys made from this ingredient.
Wheat
Some people say that wheat-based whiskeys taste like a slice of bread with honey drizzled on top. You may also detect notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of citrus and spice.
Sorghum
Sorghum is a type of wheat that imparts a complex flavor profile. Whiskeys made of sorghum offer a rich blend of dark fruit, molasses, vanilla, and cinnamon for an unforgettable sip.
Find Your New Favorite Whiskey in This Guide
You can distinguish between different types of whiskey based on origin and ingredients. For example, bourbon is a type of whiskey made in the USA. It consists primarily of corn, which imparts a sweet and syrupy flavor.
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