International Whisky Variations: Exploring Single Malts, Blended Whisky, Bourbon And More
Whisky is a spirit with many global variations and a rich history of distillation and ageing processes. Through several decades, master distillers have come up with creative and interesting methods of distilling premium spirits out of single grains or even blended barley to craft malts, whiskies and blended spirits with deep, caramelised flavours and slightly fruity and spiced finishing notes.
These whiskies have become symbols of the sophistication and skill with which each of these variations have been crafted, leading to this spirit becoming one of the most exquisite liquors in the repository of finely crafted blends. Whisky connoisseurs and distillers undoubtedly pay keen attention to several whisky variations around the globe which are complete with complex flavours and which continue to carve a spot for themselves as some of the finest blended spirits used as additions to cocktails or as liquors that are served on their, on the rocks.
Read on below for a glimpse into the world of international whiskies and the different regional cultures and ageing processes that influence their making:
Japanese And Scottish Single Malt
Understanding single malt whiskies is as much about studying their making process as it is about knowing how to taste these spirits to find out more about their complex fruity and rich flavours. Essentially, a single malt is a whisky that is produced using malted barley alone; that is distilled at a single distillery in pot stills.
With origins in Scottish whisky making processes, the single malt variation has made its way into Japanese whisky production too, and distillers in Japan have come up with their own nuanced, delicately smoky single malt variations. A traditional Scottish single malt remains a premium whisky complete with peaty and smoky notes and a lightly fruity touch coming from the sherry casks in which it is often aged.
Triple Distilled Irish Whisky
Another international whisky variation which is known for its light notes, honeyed undertones and a slightly biscuity flavour is the triple distilled Irish whisky. This whisky variation has a very smooth texture coming from the triple distillation process that lends the blended malts and other grain whiskies used for its preparation, a very straight and smooth finish. Irish whisky is undoubtedly an excellent addition to cocktails because of its distinct textural feel that is simultaneously creamy, silky and softly spicy. Such a whisky builds a lot of flavour complexity into cocktail mixes, especially when coupled with coffee liqueurs or cream liqueurs.
Blended Scotch Whisky
Many times, along with Scotch whisky varieties, several other global whisky variations blend multiple single malts from different distilleries to prepare a blended whisky which contains a balance of multiple flavour notes. Scottish blended whiskies have an added smoky and peaty Highland touch which introduces much depth in their overall flavour profile. Blended whiskies are considered to be slightly smoother than single malts and are often served on the rocks to better highlight their intricate flavours.
American Bourbon
A whisky with a sweeter touch, made out of corn and complete with vanilla-caramel notes, the American bourbon is an excellent spirit addition to cocktails like the mint julep, Kentucky mule, old fashioned, New York sour and many more. Corn is the grain most used for distilling this whisky and it is generally aged in charred oak barrels to introduce into this spirit its distinctly smoky yet sweet aromatic finish.
Rye Whisky
Of the different kinds of whiskies prepared in distilleries around the globe, bourbon and rye variations are found most widely in American and Canadian regions. Along with rye, a whisky of this type also contains other grain blends and is particularly known for its light spice and slightly dry and herbal flavour note. A classic Canadian or American whisky thus infused with more proportion of rye, has a light body and a mellow flavour which makes it a suitable addition in the blending of different summertime cocktails.
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