Whisky

Discovering whisky

A spirit with rich and complex aromas, whisky is among the most appreciated spirits worldwide and is even the most popular of them on the French market.

There is a great diversity of whisky styles. Indeed, depending on the grains used, the aging period, or the types of casks employed, very different flavor profiles can be offered to the enthusiast.

But then, how is Whisky made? What is a Blend, a Single Malt, or a Blended Malt? Is there a difference between Whisky and Whisky? What is the difference between Whisky and Bourbon? Which are the main producing countries? You will find all the answers to these questions in the following lines.
 

How is Whisky made?

The method of making whisky can vary depending on the country, but some key elements are common.

First of all, whisky is made from fermented grains. So, while most of them are made from malted barley, other grains such as corn, rye, or even wheat can also be used.
To produce a whisky, the grains of these cereals are first crushed and then mixed with hot water to form a paste called "mash". Under the action of yeast, this mash will then ferment, creating a liquid that can be compared to beer, also known as "wash".

Subsequently, this same liquid will be distilled in stills in order to obtain a strong alcohol. This will then age in oak barrels (sometimes new, but sometimes having already contained other spirits such as Bourbon, wine, Port, or even Sherry), thereby imparting many aromas as well as a certain color to the distillate.

Of course, many subtleties exist between these lines, allowing for the creation of very diverse aromatic profiles. Thus, the choice of grains as well as their proportion in the blend, the type of casks used, the aging duration, and even the distillation method are all factors that allow for the creation of whiskies to suit every taste!

Blend, Single Malt, Scotch, Blended Malt: a bit of vocabulary

One can sometimes feel a bit lost in front of a bottle of whisky. Indeed, various indications may be present on a label, sometimes making the understanding of the spirit complex for the novice.

Thanks to these few key terms, you will already feel much more comfortable when choosing your bottle.

First of all, a Single Malt Whisky is a whisky produced from malted barley in a single distillery.

A Blended Malt is, on the other hand, a whisky made from the blending of several Single Malts. It is therefore a blend of malted barley whiskies from several distilleries. The terms Pure Malt as well as Vatted Malt are synonymous. 

A Grain Whisky is a whisky produced from grains other than malted barley. It is generally a blend of corn, rye, oats, and wheat. This type of whisky is mainly intended for the creation of blends (see below).

Finally, Blended Whisky (or Blend) is the most widely consumed type of whisky in the world (90% of production). This is a blend of malt whiskies and grain whiskies.

Another term often seen on whisky bottles is Scotch. This simply means that the whisky has been distilled and aged in Scotland for at least three years.

From a taste perspective, it is impossible to claim that one style of whisky is better than another: each whisky is unique and each distillery has its own expertise. Moreover, this is above all a matter of taste and therefore very personal!

Some people indeed enjoy powerful and peated whiskies, such as the Peated Black Edition from the French house Bellevoye. Others will prefer very indulgentsmooth whiskies like those from the Japanese house Nikka or from the French brand Hériose. Some enthusiasts, on the other hand, will be fond of grain whiskies, such as the bottles from the brilliant Irish distillery Waterford. 

Finally, the well-balanced and fruity whiskies from the Scottish and Irish brands Jura, The Glenlivet, and Powers will suit other palates very well.
 

What are the differences between Whiskey and Whisky?

The word Whiskey is used exclusively to describe Irish and American whiskies. In France, Japan, or even Scotland, it is the word Whisky that is used to describe local production. 

To find the reason for this linguistic difference, we have to go back to the 19th century. At that time, in order to differentiate themselves from Scottish whiskies, which were of rather variable quality, the Irish had the idea to change the word Whisky to "Whiskey" on all their bottles exported to the United States. Since then, the term has always been used by both countries.
 

What is the difference between Whisky and Bourbon?

Bourbon is a whisky, but whisky is not a bourbon! That is the main difference. In fact, to be called Bourbon, a spirit must:

• be produced from a  majority of corn (at least 51%),
• be aged for at least two years in new oak barrels,
• have an alcohol content of at least 40%,
• be produced in the United States (with Kentucky accounting for 90% of its production).
   

These different aspects mean that Bourbon has a different aromatic profile from traditional whisky. Indeed, while a Bourbon generally presents very intense woody and spicy notes (oak, vanilla, coconut, pepper, clove, etc.), whisky, on the other hand, tends to express itself on a more cereal-based register and will have a less indulgent and imposing woodiness.
 

What are the main whisky-producing countries?

Scotland is without a doubt the most famous whisky-producing country in the world. It is distinguished by its different production regions: the Highlands, Speyside, Lowlands, Islay, and Campbeltown. Scottish whiskies are highly renowned for their diversity of flavors, ranging from light and fruity expressions to powerful and peaty versions.

Ireland is also highly renowned in the world of whisky thanks to its fruity and elegant whiskies. These are most often Pure Pot Still, meaning whiskies made using both malted and unmalted barley as well as a third grain.

The United States is also a very important country in the world of whisky thanks to its production of Bourbon. As mentioned above, this spirit is mainly produced with corn but other grains such as rye or wheat can also be used.

How can we talk about whisky without mentioning Japan! Inspired by Scottish methods, Japanese whiskies are renowned for their great finesse and remarkable precision. These are very often described as elegant and subtle, expressing delicate fruity and floral aromas. It should be noted that Japan also has a specific wood sometimes used during the aging of certain whiskies: Mizunara.

Finally, France is also very present in the whisky market. The country is the world's leading consumer (per capita) and there are many French whiskies available on the market, such as the Le Breuil range from the famous Château du Breuil, as well as the Charentais Bellevoye and Hériose. Many regional whiskies also exist in regions such as Brittany, Alsace, or Jura.

Other countries, such as Canada, India, or Sweden, also produce renowned whiskies, each with distinctive characteristics.

So, as you will have understood, the world of whisky offers an incredible range of flavors and styles. Thus, whether you prefer peated Scottish whiskies, indulgent bourbons or very elegant Japanese whiskies, there is undoubtedly a whisky for your palate! To determine which one, do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée !