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Whisky fans can be extremely spirited (if you’ll pardon the pun), and in whisky circles, there are great debates surrounding the spelling of the word ‘whisky’ or ‘whiskey’, and the differences are between the two. So, here is a breakdown of the whisky vs. whiskey debate and the questions that arise from it. Well, it is both.
However, if you’ve already explored some less expensive sherried options, then you should definitely give it a try. If you’re new to sherry cask whiskies, The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask is a great place to start, though it can be a bit pricey.
All of us in The Whiskey Wash / Mark Littler offices have been telling Mark for a long time that he has an addiction to buying whisky-related merchandise and paraphernalia. From egg-shaped Macallan-branded ice buckets to marmalade infused with 12 year old scotch, Mark has always got a weird and wonderful package on the way to the office.
Like Scotch, Irish whiskey has a long tradition of aging in ex-sherry casks that hail from this part of the world. The ex-bourbon, American oak backbone of so many Irish and Scotchwhiskeys today really didn’t become the norm until the 1960s. There was a whiskey called Yellow Hammer and one called Merlin.
This week in new scotch whisky releases, Benromach asks you if you prefer peated or unpeated spirits, and Mossburn finishes in Calvados casks. Tamnavulin adds to its core range, and The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. releases an aged scotch. Let’s take a look at some of the new releases in the world of scotch whisky this week.
You can definitely spot the classic Glen Garioch style in this single cask expression. Having Oloroso provide these beautiful summer notes, in comparison to those classic Christmas, chocolate, or raisin notes is the definition of how important and powerful a sherry cask finish can actually be. A little, yes.
What’s The Difference Between Whiskey and Whisky Before we get started on our five cask investment tips for 2024, it’s important to clarify that when we talk about investing in whisky casks we are generally speaking about purchasing and holding casks of scotch whisky. Whisky becomes a premium product around 18 years old.
Eventually, the term “pure malt” was banned in 2009, and the definitions of whisky classifications were tightened so as to avoid confusion and ensure quality standards. As such, when the Cardhu Pure Malt – a bottling comprised of whiskies from various distilleries – hit the market under Diageo, it caused confusion.
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky – A blend of Single Grain Scotch Whiskies, which have been distilled at more than one distillery.” In the US, the term ‘grain whiskey’ is commonly used to refer to any whiskey that is made from grains other than malted barley. What About Grain Whiskies From Other Countries?
Geographical Indication, or GI status, is a legal definition given to products that have qualities that can be attributed to a certain geographical origin. “Businesses who export more are better off, and removing trade barriers like this will unlock more global markets and drive economic growth across the UK.”
It is not definitively known where the name ‘Islay’ came from Islay is pronounced ‘eye-la’, and there are a few different schools of thought surrounding how the island got its name. Chivas Brothers is also putting one foot on Islay, after announcing plans to build a new distillery on the island in October 2023.
Yes, the short answer is that pure distilled whiskey (or whisky) is considered gluten free, even if produced from wheat, barley, or rye grain. The distillation process removes gluten proteins, meaning most whiskey can be safely enjoyed by people with celiac disease. The whiskey distillation process removes gluten compounds.
Most definitely! My personal favorite is The Kensington, which is made with rose water-infused honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and soda water. Served in a tumbler, it’s a real treat! Can you drink it straight? If you decide to enjoy The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend straight, make sure you ‘nose’ your whisky.
It’s definitely worth the wait to experience the full complexity of this whisky. Read the full article at The Best Scotch Whiskies Under $60 Much like The Dalmore King Alexander III, BenRiach 12 Year Old benefits from a bit of patience.
These three scotches are from entirely different regions, and each bring something new to The Rusty Nail cocktail. Aberfeldy 12 Year Old BUY NOW: $25 This Aberfeldy single malt is the definition of a sweet, approachable , and easy-drinking style of highland whisky.
Well, this 12 Year Old Single Malt has definitely impressed whisky fans. The stills can have a varying effect on the profile of the spirit (i.e. light vs. full-bodied). As such, you never know what you will get next out of Loch Lomond Distillery. The expression is a smokier (lightly peated) version of Loch Lomond’s traditional style.
We have developed well-recognized expertise in additional maturation where we put a whisky into a different cask and is therefore by the strictest definition no longer single cask whiskies (the whisky having been moved from its original cask into a new one). But it’s not all about single casks.
The most commonly used whisky in Highballs over there is, unsurprisingly, Japanese whisky , but there is also a strong market for single malt scotch and American whiskey, too. Our Signature Single Malt Scotch Whisky Serve An apéritif is supposed to stimulate the appetite and is usually dry rather than sweet.
if you’ve yet to try a peated whisky and enjoy some fun cask influences then this is definitely for you! So with all of this, Cù Bòcan does stand on its own as something rather unique and quite special in the whisky world. Is Cu Bocan A Good Introduction To Peated Whisky? It has a trio of flavor points from being a highland whisky.
The presentation of this capsule collection is our definitive annual luxury Scotch spectacle, staged for those who know whisky intimately, understand its value, and appreciate the craft and time that goes into its making.”
Whilst many have argued that Rosebank is the definitive Lowland malt, it turned out to be much more economically viable for United Distillers to choose Glenkinchie. Glenkinchie Distillery was in a stunning location, much more attractive to tourists than Rosebank, which sat in the middle of a town next to a closed (and stagnant) canal.
From bourbons to whiskeys, to scotch and Irish, it can be difficult to know where to start. So, in the interest of making gift-hunting for Dad easier, here are six whiskeys (or whiskies) perfect to say a big ‘thanks’ to your old man this Father’s Day. Of course, there is a huge variety of spirits on the market. Tullamore D.E.W.
Instead, all the island-based distilleries are included within the definition of the huge Highlands region. While the many whisky-producing islands of Scotland are often grouped together as a standalone whisky region – with their own distinctive style of whisky – there is no official Islands region.
This is definition of real perfection in whisky – where you are just stopped dead and cannot really find the words to describe your way out of it. This is a whisky that takes the definitions of ‘tertiary’ and ‘complex’ to their absolute extremes. With water: It is still broadly about fruit, but there is just so much else.
Widely considered the definitive Islay whisky, Lagavulin’s robust smoky flavor, reputation for quality, and frequent supply shortages have gained the distillery’s malt cult status amongst whisky enthusiasts. A merger between Guinness and Grand Metropolitan resulted in the formation of Lagavulin’s present owner, Diageo, in 1997.
Recently, The Whiskey Wash announced the results of our inaugural Whiskey Wash Awards an independent, no-fee competition where our expert panel reviewed and rated hundreds of spirits in 2024. Today, were diving into the scotch whisky category, highlighting a few exceptional winners and sharing everything you need to know.
If youre a fan of Jack Daniels and curious about exploring scotch whisky, youre in the right place. While scotch and Tennessee whiskey have their differences, theres a surprising amount of common groundespecially when it comes to smooth, approachable flavors and a touch of sweetness from oak aging.
Irish Whiskeys Jamesons Blended Whiskey BUY NOW: $19 I talk about Jameson a lotand for good reason. When a whiskey sells in huge quantities worldwide, its usually because its approachable, affordable, and easy to drink. Complexity and challenges dont necessarily make a whiskey great.
When building a whiskey collectionwhether for personal enjoyment or entertaining guestsvariety is key. But this list is designed to offer a diverse lineup that most whiskey drinkers will appreciate. With a budget of $250, you can put together a well-balanced selection of bottles that showcase a range of styles and flavor profiles.
As stated above, this might not be the best single malt scotch for beginners, but will definitely be enjoyed by someone who is more accustomed to scotch. Beyond that, the distillery itself is remarkably diverse, experimenting with organic distillates, an extensive range of cask types, and varying bottling strengths.
Arran 10 Year Old BUY NOW: $48 Weve talked about this a lotnot just here at The Whiskey Wash, but across the whisky world. If youre a fan of peaty drams and havent yet tried Kilchoman, youre most definitely missing out. But theres something about younger Islay whisky in ex-bourbon casks that just works.
How putting them together creates different legal definitions of products. Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey by Reid Mitenbuler Credit: Amazon BUY NOW: £14 If you’re a fan of bourbon, or want to become one, then this is the only book I recommend that you occupy your time with.
These blended scotch whiskies are category winners at the World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2025. As reported last week on The Whiskey Wash , the World Whiskies Awards Scotland results have recently been announced. Ranging from NAS to 21-years-old, each blend offers something for the discerning scotch drinker. Lets get into it.
It definitely deserves a place on your list. Its use of worm tub condensers adds a layer of ‘funk,’ giving it a depth of character. Craigellachie is a gem: well-priced, available, and delivering a surprising variety of flavors in each sip. What Are Worm-tub Condensers?
By definition, single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley at one distillery. ” Myth 4: “Scotch is the Only ‘Real’ Whisky” Scotland’s whisky heritage is undoubtedly rich, but the notion that scotch holds an exclusive claim to quality is woefully outdated.
If youre a fan of sweeter, creamier styles of whisky, this distillery should definitely be on your to-do list. Arran The Bothy Quarter Cask (54%+ ABV) Credit: Isle of Arran Distillers BUY NOW: $46 Ive written about the wonders of Arran in many articles before, and Ill say it again: the entire range is both delicious and affordable.
Whilst you can definitely do this, if this is how you prefer to enjoy scotch, Johnnie Walker (at the time of release) recommended enjoying the Triple Cask in a Coconut Spritz. How To Drink Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask Given the reviews above, you might be a little hesitant to drink this whisky neat.
Any whisky that can introduce people to the world of whisky is invaluable, and this bottle is definitely worth talking about. I’ve historically been a Quinta Ruban guy, but I got a bottle of Lasanta for Christmas, and it was a huge hit with me and my family over the holidays.
The whisky also won Gold in the Blend aged 13-18 years category at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2022. The Whiskey Washs Compare Tool allows you to track the retail prices of your favorite whiskies, wherever you are based. Additionally, another Gold medal was picked up at the 2022 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
According to the World Whiskies Awards, though, the search is definitely worth it. This expression was exclusively available at the Glen Moray Distillery and select global markets. As a limited edition, it has now been discontinued, and can only be sourced through the secondary market. and the Rest of the World.
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