Whether a bartender or a home boozer, you would want to appear as a quasi-expert when talking about your liquor.
It’d be best to know the different types of liquor, which will also help you, get better at mixing a cocktail.
And the best part is the wide variety available, like Whisky, which you will learn more about.
Made through malting, the mashing of grains such as barley, fermentation using yeast, and distillation, this type of liquor is among the oldest.
Early History
The history of whisky is quite hazy since schools of thought differ on the exact origin.
The first clear history dates back to the 15th century, the exact year being 1494 in Scotland. However, the distilling techniques were introduced by monks years before.
It was first named “water of life”, uisgebeathain Scottish Gaelic.
This drink was initially used medicinally as an external antibiotic and internal anesthetic. The liquor’s popularity grew when the nobility of that time, King Henry VIII of England and James IV of Scotland, developed a taste for it.
It was legal, and the Old Bushmill’s Distillery, based in Northern Ireland, obtained its operating license in 1608. Unfortunately, it faced a threat with the introduction of the English Malt Tax in 1725.
However, as time has, it outlived the challenge.
Popularity
This high-grade distilled liquor has grown to be popular with brands like Jameson common in establishments.
Statistically, 90% of Scotland’s production is exported, and the exports have recorded an 87% increase in the past decade.
And as many people are getting to know more about it, you can expect its popularity to grow further.
Different Types
Different types of whiskies are categorized depending on the source country.
These types include the Scottish, the Canadian, and the Japanese, also known as scotch; the Scottish is arguably the most popular due to the seriousness that the Scots put into distilling this drink.
The country has relevant authorities that regulate production. Such laws include three mandatory years of storage in oak barrels before distribution.
In addition, the bottles must indicate the age statement that shows the youngest aged distilled liquor used to make the blend.
The others, like the Canadian ones, are gaining traction owing to their lighter and smoother taste.
The Japanese whiskies, the latest entrants, are also making a name in the industry owing to the use of the same distilling method as the scotch, which gives them similar taste and flavor.
Factors That Influence Flavor
As a drinker of this high-grade distilled liquor, you must have noticed the difference in flavor. Factors like the location of a distiller, water used, peat, and casks used for storage.
The location of the distiller brings a distinctive taste due to the climate. In addition, the use of peat to dry the malt gives the end product a smoky tone.
It’s no secret that Whisky has become so popular, and you can’t miss it in any liquor store or establishment selling alcoholic drinks.
This popularity is primarily due to its rich history and innovative ways producers make it.
As an enthusiast or bartender, it’d be best to use the information in this article to avoid appearing shallow next time you talk about high-grade spirit.