Getting into the world of whisky is exciting, but it can also be very confusing. Let’s focus on the main types of whisky to make it easy for you to understand. Whether you’re a big fan or just starting out, knowing these basic whisky types can make your whisky experience more enjoyable.
Single Malt
For many the holy grail in whisky. Single malt is made from just one type of grain and that is malted barley. It is typically aged for at least three years in oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavour with common notes of vanilla, caramel, and sometimes smoke. The whisky can come from different barrels but has to come from only one distillery, that is why it contains the word “single”.
And it is often associated with Scotland, but it is also produced in other countries, such as Japan and the United States. The alcohol percentage as any type needs to be above 40% and this particular type of whisky can only be made in copper pot stills.
Blended
Making up almost 90% of scotch whisky sales it is the most popular type. Blended whisky is a combination of two or more types of whisky, usually a mix of malt with another grain whisky. The aim of blending is to create a better whisky then they were separate. And originated because single malts used to mainly have a strong peaty or smoky flavour, which could then be made softer with other grains such as wheat, corn and rye. This would make the whisky more accessible. That also means that this is a good type of whisky to start your whisky journey.
Single malt whiskies used to be smoky because the main fuel of drying barley in the malting process was by using peat.
Blended Malt
Blended malt whisky is a subcategory of blended whiskies where single malts from different distilleries are blended. You can also create your own blend, for example with an infinity bottle, read more about this in our article on infinity bottles.
Grain
Grain whisky is made from different grains like corn, wheat, and barley. It’s often distilld using column stills which allows for a more efficient production compared to pot stills used for single malts. This method produces a whisky that tastes lighter and more simple, making it a good choice for mixing into blended whiskies.
But, if it’s aged for a long time, grain whisky can become more complex and smooth. It’s getting more popular because distilleries are trying new ways to make it interesting. Grain whisky is important for making blended whiskies, but people are starting to enjoy it on its own too, for its unique tastes.
Bourbon
Yes, bourbon is a whisky, but no whisky is not always bourbon. That is because whisky is a type of American whisky which must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. The oak and use of brand new charred oak barrels gives the whisky sweet, rich, spicy, vanilla-heavy and caramel flavours. Bourbon whisky must be produced in the United States to be called bourbon. And because of its sweetness it is often used in cocktails.
Rye
It has a spicy, peppery flavor and is often used in cocktails such as the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned. There are many countries making rye whiskies, although it originated from the US. Whisky production in the US started with rye, used by the first European settlers. Only later bourbon gained prominence. Good to know that you can call it a Rye whisky when it is made from at least 51% rye.
As you start your whisky adventure, remember that each type has something different to offer. There is not a better type. Do take the type of whisky into account the next time you taste a whisky and perhaps you’ll find a particular type you especially like. Cheers!