A Quick Guide to All the Different Types of Whiskey

There are many types of whiskey and it can be hard to keep them all straight. Different types come from different regions and each region has its own specific flavour profile. The good news is that we have put together a quick guide for you so that you know exactly what types of whiskey there are, where they come from and what makes them different from each other!

Is it whiskey or whisky?

Whisk(e)y comes in many different varieties. It depends on where it is manufactured. Even the most seasoned drinkers can get confused by the fact that whisk(e)y may be spelt with or without an “e.” However, it turns out that the letter is rather crucial to the history of the spirit. The Irish use the ‘e’ and that has been carried into American whiskeys. The Scots don’t use it and Canadian and Japanese types have followed their lead.

Single malt vs blended whiskey

One of the first things to understand about whiskey is whether it is a single malt or a blended variety. Let’s see what the difference is.

Single Malt Whisky

A single malt whisky must be made from one batch of scotch at a single distillery. It must also spend three years in oak before being bottled. The phrase “single malt” refers to the components, as the main component is malted barley. These criteria, on the other hand, did not enter American distilleries. Single malt there can be made with rye instead of barley.

Blended Whiskey

Blended whiskies are a blended beverage made of various types of whiskey, as well as colourings, tastes, and even other grains. These whiskeys are fantastic for mixed drinks since the method allows for flavour to come through while keeping the spirit inexpensive.

Straight Whiskey

The “straight” prefix on a whiskey like a bourbon or rye indicates that, legally, the whiskey inside those bottles has to have been aged in charred new oak containers for at least two years. In line with any whiskey designated as a bourbon, it is illegal for straight whiskeys to include added colouring. Ninety-nine percent of all decent whiskey is “straight” under these terms.

The term ‘straight’ whiskey is also used in the US to indicate a drink that has been bottled in charred new oak containers for at least two years. It is illegal for any that are designated as bourbon to have added colours. Under this definition, you can find about 99% of all good quality whiskeys.

Bourbon Whiskey

A corn-based American whiskey, bourbon is produced from corn. The term “bourbon” applies only to whiskeys that are made in the United States and have a minimum of 51 percent corn content. It has no age restriction and must be bottled at 80 proof or more.

Tennessee Whiskey

Some distillers in Tennessee are opposed to the usage of the phrase “Tennessee bourbon,” but it is technically a bourbon. Instead, they prefer to use Tennessee whiskey to define their own style. All current Tennessee whiskey producers are required by state law to make their products in Tennessee and use the filtering step known as the Lincoln County Process before the drink is aged.

Rye Whiskey

The rye in this American whiskey comes from at least 51% rye, with corn and barley providing additional flavour. It follows the bourbon distilling process. “Straight rye whiskey,” is a Rye that has been aged for two or more years but has not been combined, is characterized by a spicier taste than sweet, smoother bourbon.

Corn Whiskey

Corn whiskey isn’t commonly heard of but tends to have an almost cult-like following among fans. It is made with a mash of 80% corn and cannot be aged in charred wood beyond the standard process. The result is a very sweet drink that few distilleries make.

White Whiskey and Moonshine

A white whiskey is any whisky that has not been aged in oak barrels. “Moonshine.” is an unaged bourbon named after illicit backwoods whiskey.

First, if it’s in a store with old fashioned lettering, it isn’t moonshine. There are no laws to establish which booze is “moonshine” except for the fact that it is produced illegally without taxes, licenses, or other hallmarks of the organized alcohol trade.

In the case of white whiskey, it’s any grain or corn-derived whiskey that hasn’t been aged. That’s most likely what you’re getting in stores, from manufacturers who utilize the term “moonshine” as a marketing tool. These whiskeys have a strong corn or grain flavour and aren’t as smoky or mellow as aged varieties.

Whiskies by location

The other way to understand whiskey is to look at it by where it is produced. Different countries have their own unique styles and types of the drink.

Scotch Whisky

Scotch, like other whiskeys, is not consumed for intoxication. Scotch drinkers appreciate its strength, historical and cultural significance. Scottish regions produce distinct types and tastes, similar to wine-producing areas around the world. To be dubbed Scotch, a beverage must be produced from malted barley that has been malted for at least three years and aged in Scotland.

There are five main types of Scotch whiskey:

1. The Lowlands are made up of three distilleries. Glenkinchie, Bladnoch, and Auchentoshan produce the lightest and most mild-bodied scotch in the area.
2. The Highlands are the most extensive of the five sections, taking up roughly one-fifth of Scotland’s total surface area. Given the amount of Highland distilleries in operation, categorizing their flavor is more difficult, but they are usually light, fruity, and spicy in taste.
3. Islay is known for its smoky, peaty flavor due to the fact that it has eight distilleries. Islay’s salt air also lends a briny taste.
4. Scotland’s finest single malt comes from Speyside, which is named for the River Spey that runs through it. Scotch made in this region has a greater degree of complexity and sweetness than other Scotches.
5. Campbeltown has a similar flavor profile to Islay, with significant marine influences. Glengyle, Glen Scotia, and Springbank are the only three distilleries that continue operations in this region.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is known as a light and easy to drink type with a focus on malt-based drinks and no interest in adding peat. Laws in Ireland state that the whiskey must have malt in the mash but other grains can be added.

It must be manufactured in Ireland or Northern Ireland, and it must be bottled at more than 40 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Irish whiskey producers may use caramel colouring to enhance the colour of their product in the bottle, unlike American whiskeys.

American Whiskey

Over the last 15 years, a movement toward craft whiskey has resulted in a plethora of distinct varieties, with almost a “whiskey rebirth” in the United States.

Historically, two primary types of American whiskey have been marketed in the United States: bourbon and rye. What is the difference between scotch and American whiskey? Scotch is always matured in used barrels, but America’s indigenous whiskeys must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, where much of the fragrance and flavour come from.

Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky has made its mark on the spirits industry thanks to its high standards. Japanese whisky was developed to imitate scotch as closely as possible, employing similar distilling techniques. It is most often consumed in mixed beverages or with a spritz of soda.

Canadian Whisky

Canadian whisky, like scotch, must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years. Because it consists of a large amount of corn, it’s lighter and smoother than other varieties of whiskey. Most Canadian whiskies are composed of corn and rye, but wheat or barley may also be used.

Find a new favourite whiskey

There are hundreds of different whiskeys on the market and these different types help you start to navigate those shelves and find one to choose to try. Don’t forget you can also make most whiskies into very tasty cocktails too!