By Fred Mike You may not know, but there’s a literal world of whiskey out there. Bourbon, Chivas, Scotch, and whatnot, the wide world of whiskey boasts many classifications, styles, and origins. While this may sound like a fact to celebrate, it is not for someone who is completely new or a beginner to the dabble. For them, their mind would be flooded with questions like what whiskey is, why it is different, how single malts and blends differ, and lots more.
But fret not, and we are here to help you. From understanding the different types of whiskey to identifying what suits your palate, this guide aims to simplify your buying experience and help you make an informed choice. In this blog, we have put together a list of several of the most important styles of world whiskey. So, let’s dive in.
What is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains (which may be malted) are used, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whiskey is typically aged in wooden casks, generally made of charred white oak.
Understanding The Different Whiskey Varieties
Blended Scotch
As you are someone new in the world of whiskey, then , you probably don’t know that blends cover about 90% of the whiskey market. They are an incredibly important part of the whiskey industry. Without the blends, there would be no single malt. A single malt scotch is a blend of whiskies from one distillery. On the other hand, blended scotch includes whiskies from multiple distilleries. Blends suit everyone, and there are different ways you can work them through. If you want to try a blended scotch whiskey, then Chivas Regal 12 is an absolute classic. It is an all-time favourite among whiskey drinkers and is a master blender that supposedly detects about 85 individual flavours.
Bourbons
Bourbon whiskeys are a lot younger than scotches. This is because of the high humidity and significant angle share. If you are looking at a bourbon whiskey, you can expect sweetness, vanilla flavour, and abundante of smoothness. It is just the perfect whiskey option for someone who is interested in trying a whiskey but cannot deal with scotch. Bourbon whiskey is kind of open to exploration and is a nice start to move forward to more complex flavours. You can try Wild Turkey bourbon.
Irish Whiskeys
They are honestly everyone’s favourite whiskey variety. Irish whiskey has experienced a significant demand in the market. Gone are the days when you could only find Jameson in the name of Irish whiskey. The producers have now expanded their range into different flavour profiles. Now, Irish whiskeys are also known as personality-forward whiskeys. In terms of flavour, it tends to be smooth, relaxed and rounded, with just the perfect amount of sweetness. When it comes to trying Irish whiskey for the first time, you can probably go for Jameson Caskmates and Teeling. Both offer great stuff and really put into their
American Whiskeys
There are so many American whiskeys out there right now. These whiskeys boast phenomenally spicy, rich and punchy flavours. It is perfect for drinkers who are interested in exploring different spicy and powerful flavours of whiskey. American whiskeys also let you appreciate the sweeter side of whiskey. You can go for Balcones baby blue whiskey, which feels like fresh wood shavings and takes you into more depth of flavours. Every whiskey shop Singapore has a huge collection of American and Irish whiskey varieties.
Canadian Whiskeys
The brilliance of Canadian whiskey is just amazing. It is not very similar to Bourbon. Canadian whiskey is often referred to as “rye whiskey,” although it can be made from a variety of grains. It’s typically lighter and smoother than its American counterparts, making it a great choice for beginners. They are generally lighter in flavor and are much smoother than American whiskies. Canadian whiskey is Often more affordable, making it a great entry point for new whiskey drinkers. One popular brand that you can try is Crown Royal, known for its smooth and balanced flavour with hints of vanilla and fruit. Another one is the Canadian Club, which offers a light and easy-drinking whiskey that is perfect for beginners.
Final Tips for Beginners
Start with Small Bottles: Consider purchasing smaller bottles or sampler packs to explore different types without committing to a full-sized bottle.
Read Reviews: Online reviews and ratings can provide insights into the flavour profile and quality.
Experiment and Enjoy: Whiskeys are meant to be savoured. Try different types and brands to find what you enjoy most.
By understanding the basics of each whiskey type, you’ll be better equipped to choose a bottle that suits your tastes. Whether you prefer the smoothness of Irish whiskey or the bold flavours of Bourbon, there’s a whiskey out there for everyone.
