5 World Whisky Categories you need to try
Whisky is made out of three simple ingredients: water, yeast and cereals, which are then mashed, fermented, distilled and matured. However, history and developments across the industry have produced marked differences in styles across the main producing countries, where techniques and flavours reflect the local gastronomy, geography and culture.
Although nowadays, the landscape of whisky flavours is ever so diverse, and each distillery almost constitutes a world on its own, we can find some guidelines to orientate across 5 world whisky categories you need to try.
Scotch Whisky
Whisky is Scotland’s flagship drink, and the country is the main producer in the world, with over 130 distilleries on its territory.
Legally, Scotch whisky has to be produced from malted barley (with the optional addition of other grains) and matured in Scotland, aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years, with a minimum ABV of 40% and with no additives allowed other than water and caramel colouring.
Among the main categories of whisky, we can find Single Malt, made out of 100% malted barley from one distillery (each producing a distinct and individual character). Double distillation in copper pot stills is mainly used, with few exceptions. We then have Single Grain, which allows adding other grains and unmalted barley and is generally distilled in column stills, adding a sweet and spicier character to the spirit. Then we have Blends such as Johnnie Walker, which are made with malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries and are generally smoother and combined to be more palatable.
A flavour distinction can also be found between the different whisky regions in Scotland, although these have to be considered mainly as guidelines as each distillery has its peculiar character.
First, we have the Lowland whiskies, which are renowned for their light character and citrusy notes. In contrast, the spirit produced in the Highlands is quite variegated and normally ranges from dry and heathery to sweet and fruity, with occasional smoky hints. Within this region, whiskies from Speyside are a category of their own and tend to be mellow, fruity and malty. The peatiest whiskies are to be found on Islay, with a strong coastal influence. Last but not least is Campbeltown, which produces full-bodied, briney whiskies with vanilla hints.
Irish Whiskey
Source: Whiskyadvocate.com
The Emerald Isle is thought to be the birthplace of whiskey. It was one of the main producers on the scene until the late 19th century when the competition against Scotch producers (who introduced the more palatable blends and started buying and closing the distilleries) left the country with only two operative distilleries: Old Bushmills in Northern Ireland and Midleton distillery (Home of Jameson).
However, since the late 80s, the Irish industry has been going from strength to strength. New distilleries have emerged, brought new life to traditional styles, and embarked on new experimental techniques.
Generally, Irish whiskey is famous for its smooth, light, and creamy character, which is mainly attributed to triple distillation. However, it has been made famous by brands such as Jameson and Tullamore Dew, (two popular blends).
However, another traditional Irish style is the Single Pot Still, which brings bolder flavours into play. Derivating its character from using unmalted barley (at least 30%) in the mash, this style has a spicier kick and an oily texture, of which Redbreast and Green Spot are good examples.
Finally, the new players on the scene, such as Teeling, are bringing new flavours to the Irish palette with cask experimentations (wine, stout beer and wood variations), with attention to small-batch, grain and single malt production.
American Whiskey
The second biggest whisky producer after Scotland, the United States is home to some of the most iconic brands in the industry.
Unlike Irish whiskey, American drams are regarded as smooth and approachable tipples.
Although the flavour palette is very diverse and the local industry is lively, with producers using various techniques and experimentations, a few main styles dominate the scene.
One of the biggest stars on the flag is undoubtedly Bourbon. This type of whiskey can be made anywhere in the country, but its origins are in Kentucky, which is still home to 95% of the total bourbon production. Its sweetness comes from the fact that it must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels, giving it the characteristic creamy, vanilla notes and subtle spiciness. No additives are allowed. Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark are among the most popular examples.
A cousin to bourbon is Tennessee Whiskey, such as Jack Daniel’s, which differs only in the state in which it’s produced and in the use of the Lincoln County Process, namely filtering the new make spirit through a thick layer of maple charcoal to get rid of unwanted flavour compounds and making it a clearer tipple.
Another popular style is Rye Whiskey, where the grain has to make at least 51% of the mash, giving the spirit a rich, full-bodied character with a spicy kick. A 51% wheat-based spirit is the base for Wheat Whiskey, a much softer and gentle tipple.
Stricter rules apply to whiskeys labelled as Straight: they must spend at least two years in new charred oak casks, and if they are less than four years old, the age must be displayed on the label. A variety of blends are also very popular among whiskey drinkers.
Canadian Whisky
Source: Punchdrink.com
Canada has just recently made its comeback on the flourishing global whisky scene but has a history of popularity dating back to prohibition and is now advancing with its local answers to the small batch movement.
Despite being commonly referred to as “rye”, the predominant grain used is corn. However, other grains such as rye, wheat and sometimes barley are often employed in the production.
The Canadian scene is unique in that it creates whisky through a method of building “blocks”: most local expressions are single distillery blends, where each grain variety is distilled and aged separately to be blended only at the end of the process.
Various stills and cask types are used; however, the more popular use of triple distillation makes it a generally smooth spirit.
One of the most interesting peculiarities, however, is that the addition of “flavouring” is allowed, which usually consists of a small part (maximum 9%) of wine, sherry and spirits other than whisky.
Similarly to Scotch, and probably due to the more rigid climate, Canadian whisky must be matured in oak casks for at least three years.
Among the most famous brands, we can find Canadian Club, Crown Royal and Lot 40.
Japanese Whisky
Source: Whiskyadvocate.com
Despite being born less than a century ago, the whisky industry in Japan is now one of the most highly regarded in the world.
This story started thanks to pioneers like Masataka Taketsuru and Shinjiro Torii, who brought the knowledge of distilling from Scotland to Japan and established two of the biggest whisky companies in the country, Nikka and Suntory.
For this reason, Japanese whisky has a lot in common with Scotch; however, its unique cultural background and the demand for fast-paced production have shaped the industry and developed a specific character.
One major aspect is that each distillery has to rely on its own production as, unlike in Scotland, Japanese companies don’t trade in stock among each other. Because of this, distilleries in Japan are a chameleonic breed, and each one is equipped to produce a wide range of styles, from grains to malt, smoky to unpeated, using a variety of fermentation and distillation techniques.
The common thread in the flavour profiles of Japanese whisky can be found in a clear, light character, often presenting fragrant hints of incense, green grass and the peculiar spiciness from the mizunara casks (Japanese Oak). Still, distilleries such as Yoichi have a smoky, heavier and oily character and high-quality blends such as Hibiki and Nikka from the barrel are highly praised.
These tasting notes lend themselves to making great mizuwari, a simple highball mixing whisky with ice and water, one of the most popular ways of enjoying whisky in Japan.
Typical brands are Yamazaki, Yoichi, and Chichibu.
Other corners of the world…
Especially in the last two decades, the industry has experienced a huge revival, which has seen countries worldwide take over the whisky scene and make their name known alongside the “traditional” whisky-making ones.
One of the most notable examples is Indian whisky. The biggest consumer of whisky worldwide, the country’s production has been traditionally dominated by spirits distilled from molasses. However, it has seen its reputation as a producer relaunched thanks to premium quality brands such as Amrut and Paul John.
In the Far East, one of the most exciting whisky scenes has to be found in Taiwan, where Kavalan Distillery has grown to be one of the most renowned names at whisky awards.
Australia is another country experiencing a true boom on its whisky scene, with distilleries taking over in the south, particularly in Tasmania. The whisky here is strong in vanilla, apple and woody flavours. Lark and Sullivans Cove lead the revolution.
Going back North, honourable mention has to go to Sweden, where distilleries such as Mackmyra, Hven and Box are bringing the northern flavours (such as whisky matured in ex-lingonberry wine casks) to the world of whisky.
If you’re not familiar with any of the whiskies mentioned in this article and want to learn more about them, Whisky World offers informative reviews and comparisons with similar whiskies. Check them out!
Conclusion
This list is far from exhaustive, as incredible projects are being developed in all corners of this planet (South Africa, France, Argentina, and many more) and as the whisky world expands, new productions are surging in climates and latitudes that are very different from the historical lands of whisky, hence bringing their unique flavours to the game. One thing is sure: these thriving developments make it an exciting time to travel around the whisky world.
Finally, fancy learning more about whisky and exploring this fascinating industry even further? Check out our blog post about How to taste whisky at home? We believe it is an educational experiment you would love to put into practice.
Slàinte Mhath!
Author Federica Stefani Whisky Writer & Jornalist