Whisky, also spelt whiskey, is a distilled spirit crafted from fermented grain mash. The spelling distinction often reflects regional variations: “whisky” is commonly used in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, while “whiskey” is a more general term which includes Ireland and the United States. Regardless of the spelling, the essence remains the same: a spirit made from grains like barley, corn, rye, and wheat, transformed through malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation into a diverse range of flavours and styles.
Guide to Whisky
What is whisky?
Where does the word whisky come from?
The word “whisky” originates from the old Scottish Gaelic term “uisge beatha,” meaning “water of life.” This Gaelic term was a direct translation of the Latin “aqua vitae,” used to describe distilled spirits. Over time, “uisge beatha” was shortened and transformed through pronunciation into “usky” and eventually “whisky.”
How many whisky regions are there in Scotland?
There are five Scotch whisky regions in Scotland, each region has its own distinct style and flavour profile, influenced by local traditions, climate, and water sources.
The whisky regions are:
What are the different types of whisky?
What is the difference between Blended Scotch Whisky and Single Malt Scotch Whisky?
What is the difference between bourbon and whisky?
How is whisky made: The whisky production process
How long is whisky aged?
The length of time a whisky is aged depends on the type of whisky and the region or country it is produced in.
Is whisky a spirit?
A spirit is an alcoholic beverage that has a minimum alcohol strength of 15% alcohol by volume (ABV). Spirits are produced by distilling fermented grains, fruits, or vegetables, which concentrates the alcohol content. This process results in beverages with higher ABV percentages, ranging from around 40% to over 70%.
What is peated whisky?
Peat is a soil-like material formed over millennia from decomposed organic matter. Centuries ago, peat fuelled the copper pot stills and dried the barley during the malting process.
Drying malted barley requires a delicate balance of heat: high enough to remove moisture, yet low enough to avoid scorching. Traditionally, a long, slow peat fire provided this gentle heat, allowing the smoke to infuse the barley and impart a unique flavour that carried through to the final distilled spirit.
Today, while the drying process typically relies on alternative heat sources, peat fires are often used secondarily to preserve the smoky character of a whisky.
Peated whisky comes from Scotland, with most peated whiskies originating from Islay or the Islands, with some Highland varieties. The length and intensity of exposure to the peat smoke, as well as the type of peat used, determine the strength of the smoky flavour.
How long does whisky last once open?
Whilst the flavours of the whisky may change slightly, whisky doesn’t go off once open. Once new air reacts with the liquid in the bottle, it begins to oxidise the whisky. However, this doesn’t mean the flavour will be hindered straightaway. Over time, the whisky may lose its original flavour and colour, but this is a slow process.
However, a whisky can last for several years after opening it, depending on how it is stored. Tips for correct storage include:
- Reseal the bottle after opening it
- Avoid large temperature swings
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Store in a cool, dark place
