The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your New Favorite Whisky
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Introduction: The Basics of Whisky
Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage, traditionally made from fermented grain such as malted barley.
The word whisky comes from an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic "uisge beatha," which means "water of life." Whisky is distilled from a fermented mash of grain, and can be made from barley, wheat, rye or corn. The process starts with the fermentation of the grain to create a liquid called wort. This liquid is then boiled and cooled before yeast is added to turn it into alcohol (ethanol). Different types of yeast can be used to make whisky with different flavors ranging from peaty or charred
Types of Whisky & Their Taste Profiles
Different types of whisky and their taste profiles:
Bourbon: A type of whiskey which is made in the US and typically aged in charred white oak barrels.
Scotch: The whisky is typically made from malted barley grain, distilled twice and then matured in oak casks (a process called ‘maturation’).
Rye: Made from rye grain, rye whisky typically has a spicy flavor profile.
What to Consider When Buying a Bottle of Whiskey
Buying a bottle of whiskey is not as simple as it seems. There are so many factors to consider, such as the alcohol content, how long the whiskey has been aged for and what flavors you enjoy. The flavors from whisky can range from peaty or charred to sweet with hints of honey. Some whiskeys are single malt and some are blended whiskeys. Their taste profiles vary significantly.
There are two main types of whiskeys: single malt and blended. Single malt is made from malted barley that is distilled in a pot still with nothing but water added. The distillation process produces a purer taste in the final product. Blended whiskey is made from either various types of malt or grain whiskies mixed together in order to make the product more uniform in flavor.
What’s the difference between a Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey?
Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are both distilled spirits, but they do differ in the amount of aging required. Bourbon is aged in barrels at not less than two years, while Tennessee whiskey must be stored for at least 3 years in new oak barrels.
What’s the difference between a Scotch whiskey and a Rye whiskey?
Scotch whiskey is made with malted barley and distilled in a copper pot still. Rye whiskey is made with rye grain, which gives it a more succinct spicy flavor.
All in all, whiskeys are truly an acquired taste like many finely aged and crafted food products. We should consider price as well as the style of whiskey if ever we are to buy one. Prices range from $20 - $6,000,000 for certain whiskeys. Each whiskey should be given its own rite of passage, so to speak, in order to truly enjoy the flavour. Don’t let anyone tell you how to drink it either. On the rocks, with coke, with distilled water from the Alps. It.doesn’t.matter. As long as you find a flavour profile that you like, stick to it and enjoy whiskey the way you can. Isn’t that all we can do in life anyway?
This is the most expensive whiskey in the world is Isabella's Islay
Conclusion: Top 10 Best Selling Whiskeys In The Market
The whiskey industry has been on a steady rise in the past few years - both for production and consumption. It is only natural that it’s now worth around $1.4 billion globally, with the U.S market holding almost half of this figure. It’s no surprise, then, that whiskey is one of the most demanded drinks in bars across America.
The following are ten of the best-selling whiskeys in the market today:
The best-sellers are:
- McDowell’s
Country: India
Owner: United Spirits
Sales: 30,700
- Officer’s Choice
Country: India
Owner: Allied Blenders & Distillers
Sales: 30,600
- Imperial Blue
Country: India
Owner: Pernod Ricard
Sales: 26,300
- Royal Stag
Country: India
Owner: Pernod Ricard
Sales: 22,000
- Johnnie Walker
Country: Scotland
Owner: Diageo
Sales: 18,400
- Jack Daniels
Country: USA
Owner: Brown-Forman
Sales: 13,400
- Original Choice
Country: India
Owner: John Distilleries
Sales: 12,700
- Jim Beam
Country: USA
Owner: Beam Suntory
Sales: 10,400
- Hayward’s Fine
Country: India
Owner: United Spirits
Sales: 9,600
- 8 Pm
Country: India
Owner: Radico Khaitan
Sales: 8,500