Whether you are celebrating or only want a drink to uplift your mood, a fine whiskey will never disappoint you. If you have not tried whiskey, you are missing out on a magical experience. You can savor whiskey whenever you want, along with your close friends or even alone at home or at a local pub. Whether you drink it neat, shake or stir it into the modern cocktail, you are bound to love its unique taste, and it will put you instantly in a good mood.
It is an excellent time to be a whiskey lover- because many whiskey brands and distilleries are coming up with unique and playful flavors and unusual aging methods to enhance our whiskey drinking experience. There is a common saying about whiskey – there is something for almost everyone. There are plenty of whiskey brands available on the market. It may not be surprising if you get confused in selecting one for you. So, it is essential to know a few basic things about whiskey before buying.
You need to be familiar with the core varieties of whiskey to make a choice. Check out some types of whiskey down below.
Irish Whiskey– The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland manufacture Irish whiskey by yeast-fermented grain mash or using a mash of malted cereals. It takes up to three years or more in a wooden cask for the whiskey to be ready.
Bourbon Whiskey– The sweet and smoky flavor of the whiskey is the reason for its popularity. People also call it American whiskey. Bourbon whiskey has 51% corn precisely.
Scotch Whisky(spelled without an ”e”)– Scotch whisky is from Scotland, as its name subtly suggests, made by using malted barley and other whole grains occasionally and aged for three years inside oak casks until they mature. Its taste somewhat resembles bourbon but with a hint of salt caramel.
Japanese whisky (spelled without an ”e”)– Has a dry and smokey flavor that most whiskey lovers relish. The main element of Japanese whisky is double-malted or peated barley. The distillation process is similar to Scottish whiskey.
Rye Whiskey– Rye whiskey made from rye uses the same aging process as bourbon in charred oak barrels. It yields a unique spicy flavor which makes it a good choice for cocktails.
Tennessee Whiskey- Tennessee whiskey is most likely the same as bourbon. However, Tennessee whiskey distillers disagree on this primarily because Tennessee whiskey gets produced in the state using a charcoal steeping process called the Lincoln County Process before aging. This whiskey has a smooth taste.
Now that you have acquired some insights about whiskey and its kinds, it will become easy to choose which type of whiskey you want. One thing that is worth mentioning is that it takes some time to develop a taste for whiskey. If it is your first time with whiskey, you can go for classic and popular Breckenridge bourbon.
We have also rounded up the best whiskey brands that you can try this year. These brands have been making quite a buzz and are worth trying.
1. Redbreast 12-Year
Irish whiskeys are extremely popular, and if you are planning on trying your first ever Irish whiskey, the Redbreast 12-Year is worth breaking your virginity. The RedBreast 12 years has a mash of malted and unmalted barley. The aging process takes up to 12 years in Bourbon-seasoned American Oak barrels and Oloroso sherry-seasoned Spanish oak butts.
This whiskey has a fruity aroma and tastes like sherry, fruit, and cream and is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world. You can enjoy this Irish whiskey neat or on the rocks.
2. Speyburn
Another favorite from Scotland is Speyburn. It is excellent from the price point of view as well. It has a mellow and satisfying taste which might even increase your liking for it. While sipping this whiskey, you may also get a hint of green apple, honey, lemon, and vanilla. You will have a pleasant time drinking Bradan Orach. If you are on a budget and looking for a fine whiskey, then Speyburn would be the correct choice.
3. Suntory Toki
Japanese whisky has become popular over the years. Whiskey connoisseurs go for Japanese whisky for its rich sharpness and spice that is rare to find. Suntory brand from japan has three distilleries in the Chita Peninsula, Yamazaki, and the Japanese Alps and is one of the leading whisky brands from japan.
Toki whisky can be a good choice for people trying whisky for the first time as it tastes very light and has the flavor of oak, honey, and vanilla. You can drink Toki neat or in cocktails.
4. Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey is one of the best-selling whiskey in the world. It has a signature warm and balanced sweet flavor, with a hint of pepper and spice.
Corn, barley, and rye are the main ingredients in this whiskey. The blend of ingredients and careful processing is the reason for its unique whiskey flavor. You will surely fall in love with the refined taste of this whiskey.
5. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
If you want to have a nice whiskey cocktail, there is nothing better than the Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky. It has corn, malted barley, and red winter wheat, and no-rye. Maker’s Mark took a different route by not including rye in the recipe. You will find the flavor to be less spicy and more sweet and citrusy.
You can also try different cocktail recipes such as old-fashioned, boulevardiers, Manhattans, etc., or go for a neat sip. It will taste pleasant either way.
6. George Dickel Barrel Select
George Dickel is the second-largest Tennessee whiskey distillery, however lesser-known than Jack daniels. The quality of Barrel Select is top-notch, steeped in charcoal, and aged for about 12 years, making it one of the finest bottles. It has the flavor of caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla. George Dickel Barrel Select is undoubtedly an excellent choice for whiskey enthusiasts.
Conclusion
If you are a newbie or a connoisseur, you must know that to enhance your whiskey-drinking experience. You should first stir and smell the whiskey for its aroma and flavors. Picking glassware, especially for whiskey, can give you an optimal nosing experience. You can experiment with whiskey by trying out new recipes for cocktails if you do not like its neat taste. Whiskey has some health benefits, too- it works as a great destresser. Therefore, once in a while, you can pick up your whiskey glass guilt-free.
