Types of whisky

Knowing the types of whisky, their differences and origins is the key to enjoying a good drink because, in the end, choosing between a Jack Daniels whiskey, a bourbon whiskey or a Jameson whiskey is only done by connoisseurs.

Therefore, in this post we want to teach you how to differentiate between the types of whiskey that exist and, even, between a whiskey and a different drink.

What is classified as whiskey?

Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage that is derived from a distillation process, where the fermented malt of different cereals such as wheat, barley, corn or rye is used, and then aged in wooden barrels.

The best whisky makers use white oak wood for their barrels, as it does not alter the taste of the fluid and guarantees its purity and flavour.

Types of whisky according to place of origin

Let's know the 7 types of whiskey according to their place of origin.

1. Japanese whiskey

Japanese whiskey is produced with malted barley or grain, where it must undergo an aging process for more than 3 years.

Many consider it an imitation of Scotch whisky.

However, its flavours are a bit different, as Japanese is very strong, which has given it international visibility today.

2. Scotch whisky

It is also called Scotch and has a manufacturing process like Japanese.

Its raw material is fermented in oak barrels for 3 years or more and is the most recognized worldwide, which is why its exceptional quality and flavour give it the best whiskey you can drink.

3. Irish whiskey

Irish whiskey or whiskey, as it is called in the region, is produced in Northern Ireland and any type of cereal grain is used for distillation, although, in most cases, malted barley and corn are used.

Like Scotch, this whisky is also aged for 3 years or more in wooden barrels, but in 3 different distillation processes.

4. Welsh whisky

It is one of the best whiskeys in the world, as it is classified as first class.

Welsh whisky has a unique distillation process that consists of a process patented by David Faraday and that every day gives it greater worldwide recognition for its exquisite flavour.

5. Canadian Whiskey

It is a whisky produced in Canada, as its name suggests, but which has strong influences of Irish manufacture and undergoes a fermentation of 3 years or more.

Canadian whiskey is characterized by having a mild and light flavour that starts from its base, the grain of wheat, rye and corn.

6. American Whiskey

It is another of the types of whisky with Irish influence due to the great migration of Irish in the nineteenth century to the United States.

The largest amount of production in the country is in Kentucky and is a whiskey in which 4 years of deep fermentation in oak barrels are required for further processing.

Almost all are made from rye and corn.

The most popular American whiskey is Jack Daniels Whiskey.

7. Indian whisky

It is a sweet whisky with rum flavour because it originates from a mixture of fermented, although in recent years India is producing whisky with malt.

Types of whisky according to composition

Let's look at the 8 types of whiskey according to their composition.

1. Whisky bourbon

It is an American whiskey that is made with malted grains, of which 51% corresponds to corn.

In the market you can find 2 types of Bourbon Whiskey:

Straight bourbon: aged for 2 years, without additives, flavourings, or dyes.

Blended bourbon: includes various flavouring liqueurs, although it has 51% Straight bourbon.

2. Grain whisky

Whisky made from corn and unmalted barley, has a fermentation process of between 3 and 5 years and is used to make other blended whiskies.

It should be noted that its flavour is mild, but very pleasant to the palate.

3. Rye whiskey

It is produced from rye cereal and its distillation process takes 80° of alcohol at most.

This whiskey is one of the most consumed in the United States for its delicious, sweet taste.

4. Corn whiskey

It is much simpler to make, so its price is also low since it only takes about 6 months of aging for its final processing.

Corn whiskey is one of the most consumed in the United States.

5. Whiskey Tennessee

It is very similar to bourbon whiskey in its fermentation method, but with the particularity that for this type of whiskey corn is used as a base.

6. Pure malt whisky

It is one of the types of whiskey that are characterized by being made in a single distillery, which is why it is classified as pure.

In its fermentation and distillation process, malted rye or barley is used and must be aged for up to 3 years.

7. Blended whisky

It is consumed a lot in Canada, Scotland and Ireland and is characterized by its production is very economical, which is why the prices of blended whisky are low.

As the name suggests, it is obtained by mixing different whiskeys and malted grains, such as rye or barley.

8. Unmixed whiskey

It is manufactured with a unique combination of grains and offers an alcohol content of between 35° and 50°.

It has a strong flavour that makes it a drink that should be taken with caution.

Best Whisky Brands

Our classification of the types of whisky closes with the best brands on the market, drinks that are worth it for their prices and their quality.

Whisky Jack Daniels

It is one of the best you can buy of American origin.

It is characterized because in its elaboration it is subjected to a special filter by means of maple wood charcoal that makes it exquisite to the palate.

You can take it on the rocks, dry or straight.

In addition, you must try it if you want to enter the world of whiskey.

Whisky Ballantines

It is a Scotch whisky that has an alcohol content of 40% and offers a light, soft and very simple to drink flavour.

On the rocks it is a unique and original whisky that you do not want to miss to try.

Whisky Chivas

It is a type of Scotch that you should take dry because it is soft, has a throat-friendly character and its flavour is light.

You can also combine it with lemon juice, agave honey or grapefruit soda.

Whisky Jameson

It is a type of cocktail whiskey that offers a neutral flavour that makes it easy to prepare other drinks with it.

It's perfect for you to try in the summer heat because it's cool and light.

You can also combine it with soft drink or citrus juices.

As you can see, there are many types of whiskey, all with different flavours, smells and intensities.

You should not stop trying them all because you will be delighted with their originality and flavour, it is such a popular drink that all over the world you can always hear in bars the expression: "serve me a Scotsman".