Are you an aspiring whiskey pedant or do you really just want to find out about the fun world of drinking whiskey and whiskey collection? Well, whatever brought you here, grab a dram of whiskey, pull up a chair and let’s stumble into the enchanting and sometimes exclusive space of whiskey!
Understanding Types of Whiskey
Whiskey is unique and it comes in many forms with different elements, a way of crafting and a place of origin. Let’s talk about the four main stars of the whiskey story, shall we?
Scotch: This is a whiskey that has some depth and loads of smokiness, this is due to spending at least 3 days in oak barrels and this is a whiskey from the Highlands aka Scotland.
Irish: The hallmark of Irish whiskey is just how smooth on the tongue this whiskey is and that is all thanks to the triple distillation it goes through. It is made from homegrown Irish barley and is a treat for any whiskey lover!
Bourbon: An American whiskey that contains at least 51% corn and (most commonly) aged in new, charred, American white oak barrels. Bourbon is known for its sweet taste.
Rye: A whiskey that contains at least 51% rye and can be made in both the United States and Canada. The Canadian version of rye is known for containing high amounts of wheat and/or corn in addition to the rye making the two liquors taste very different.
What to Look For in a Good Whiskey
So now that you are all geared up and excited about Irish whiskey, let’s talk about what really makes whiskey, whiskey. All those fine elements to look out for before buying a bottle:
- Aroma: The aroma of a whiskey is a story about it. Swirl it around your glass. Give it some time to breathe and then take a sniff. Does it give you fruity, spicy, oak and caramel notes? A balanced aroma with all the aforementioned elements is usually a good whiskey.
- Taste: Time to take a sip! A good whiskey should taste deep with layers of complex flavour. Make sure all three elements — sweet, spicy and warm should be there, the taste should be a combination of all and not an overdose of one.
- Finish: The flavour end is called the finish. It should have a sense of wonder. It should stick with your tongue for a while. A long and lingering finish is your good whiskey.
- Age: Age on the label can give you a fair idea of the whiskey notes. The longer the whiskey is aged in oak cask, the deeper and heavier the notes are.
- Brand History: A decent knowledge about where and who made the whiskey will help you gain a unique experience whilst drinking your precious whiskey. Each brand has its own tale to tell behind the success and some may also have a well-kept distillation tradition.
Curating Your Collection
When starting off with your fine whiskey collection, make sure it’s smaller and diversified. Take down bottles of Scotch, Irish, Bourbon and Rye. Make sure your taste buds are introduced to multiple flavours. Get your hands on some limited editions or bottlings from your local craft distillery. Make it your own, unique collection.
Do not forget to make a record of your choicest whiskey. Make a small tasting diary with your first reaction to the whiskey notes. It becomes easier to remember what tickled your taste buds and what didn’t work, so, you don’t have to improvise with your next tastings.
The Adventure Continues
Nothing says sophisticated, cultured and well…rich like a good bottle of whiskey and if you really want to up the ante — a collection. Beginning to build a whiskey collection is not difficult, as a matter of fact, it is a tantalising journey that is all about exploration. So what are you waiting for? Take the glass and pour yourself a little from that sophisticated bottle of Irish whiskey. And with that, you have hit the beginning of your fine whiskey collection! Sláinte!
