What are the differences between Single Malt Whisky, Blended Malt and Grain Whisky ? What do the terms Single cask, Cask strenght, Finish or Small batch mean? What are the differences between Whisky and Whiskey ? Between Whisky and Bourbon?
Produced and appreciated all over the world, whiskey can sometimes be complex to grasp.From Scotland to Ireland via France, the United States, India or Japan, there are several types, each with its own method of production, taste and history. In this article, we will explore the different kinds of whisky and their characteristics. As a bonus, we'll also give you some essential vocabulary conceptsthat will greatly help you when choosing your bottle!
Whisky and Whiskey, what are the differences?
None! In any case concerning the contents of a bottle. In Scotland, Japan or other countries such as France, the word whisky is mainly used. The term whiskey is only used when the famous brandy comes from Ireland or the United States .
Why? To understand this, we have to go back to the 19th century, a period during which the quality of Scottish whiskey was, shall we say, quite variable, not to say mediocre. In order to differentiate themselves, the Irish had the idea of slightly modifying the word before shipping their bottles to the United States. A kind of trademark therefore, allowing them to enhance their whisky/whiskey, which they considered to be of higher quality! Since then, the term has remained and is still used in these two countries.
PS : If the term whiskey is commonly accepted around the world, don't tell a Scottish man that they produce whiskey!
What distinctions between Whiskey and Bourbon?
If bourbon is a type of whiskey, the reverse is not true! The determining criteria to differentiate the two products here are thechoice of cereals (or grain) as well as place of production.
To be called bourbon, an eau-de-vie can only be produced in the United States and nowhere else. In addition, bourbon must be predominantly made from corn (51% minimum), while whiskeys from the rest of the world are mainly produced using barley, wheat or even rye. This will of course mark a difference in taste and that is why a bourbon will express more roundness and sweetness than a whisky. This sweetness will also be reinforced by a requirement of aging for a minimum of 3 years in new charred oak barrels, giving the bourbon a pronounced woodiness as well as intense spices such as vanilla, cinnamon or pepper. .
What are the differences between Single Malt, Blended Malt, Grain Whisky, Blend?
The difference between all these terms lies once again in the choice of cereals and grains used as well as the place or places of production. Let's take a closer look.
1) Single Malt: considered the original whisky, it is an eau-de-vie produced in a single distillery and made only with malted barley.
2) The Blended Malt : is quite simply a whiskey resulting from the assembly of several Single Malts (thus coming from several distilleries). Malted barley remains the only cereal used here. Note that this type of whiskey can also be called Vatted Malt or Pure Malt.
3) Grain Whiskey : is a whiskey made from grains or cereals (corn, rye, oats, wheat etc.) other than malted barley. A Single Grain is produced in a single distillery. Most of the production of Grain Whiskey is for making blends (see below).
4) Blended Whiskey : it is the most common whiskey on the planet and accounts for 90% of world production. As its name suggests, the blend is a result of a mix between grain whiskey and malt whisky.
After this description of the several categories of whiskey, you might be tempted to think that one type of whiskey might be better than the others. However, while Single Malt may enjoy a more prestigious reputation with enthusiasts, it is important to understand that there is no better kind of whisky, just different whiskeys. . Indeed, some blends and grain whiskeys easily compete in terms of aromatic richness with Single Malts! So it will mostly depend on your personal tastes and desires.
Malted barley
Whiskey Vocabulary
Let's now look at some key vocabulary words around whisky!
Scotch: name for Scottish whiskeys. These must be distilled and then aged on site for a minimum of three years.
Single Cask or Single Barrel: Whisky from a single cask. The term Single Barrel is generally used for bourbons.
Cask strenght: Brut de cask in French. It is a statement meaning that the whiskey has been bottled as soon as it leaves the cask without being reduced, ie without reducing the alcohol level by mixing with water. This type of whiskey is therefore more alcoholic and powerful than the average.
Small batch: This expression means that the whiskey was produced in small quantities, thus highlighting the artisanal nature of its production.
Finish: Finish in French. For a whiskey, this consists of undergoing a final refinement in barrels of a different nature from what it experienced in the first years. A Finish generally only lasts a few months and gives a unique character to the spirit produced. The best known finishes are Sherry wood finish, Port wood finish and Madeira wood finish.
Age: Duration of aging in barrels. In whisky, the age mentioned on the label corresponds to the age of the youngest brandy used in the blend.
The Angel's Share: This is the proportion of whiskey that evaporates each year during its aging in barrels.
Coffey Still: Column still in French.
Dram: Unit of measurement corresponding to a dose between 4 and 5cl.
Peat: Tourbe in French. It is a mixture of organic matter used as fuel by some distilleries to dry the malt. This gives a smoky, ashy character to the whiskey produced.
Here, thanks to all these notions, you are now well versed in the world of whisky.
Now it's time to practice! So don't hesitate to discover the dazzling Nikka Japanese Whiskeys at La Cave Éclairée , the very precise Normandy Single Malts from Le Breuil, those very gourmet from Hériose or even the independent bottler The Ultimate and the houseBellevoye! Non-exhaustive list 😉.
Now it's time to practice! So don't hesitate to discover the dazzling Nikka Japanese Whiskeys at La Cave Éclairée , the very precise Normandy Single Malts from Le Breuil, those very gourmet from Hériose or even the independent bottler The Ultimate and the house
Slain! 🥃
