Whisky and whiskey, what’s the difference between the two? Many might point out that it is a spelling mistake, while others may conclude that the term is spelled in two different ways. Well, both terms refer to the same spirit, or rather, drink. The difference comes with the origin of the drink. Whiskey refers to drinks distilled in Ireland or the United States of America, whereas the other term refers to drinks distilled in Scotland, Japan, and Canada. However, whiskies and whiskeys are similar since the drinks may be processed differently depending on the country of origin. Since whiskey has been super popular worldwide, whiskies haven’t risen to the light of alcoholic beverages. Are you looking for an in-depth text on whiskies? Then sit back and take in the following text;
The history
Scotland has been distilling spirits for centuries, and Christian missionary monks introduced the process. The distilling technique was introduced to the country between 1100 and 1300, and since then, production has existed in Scotland and Ireland. Before, barley beer was distilled into liquor. Barley beer was used since wine wasn’t easy to find; thus, manufacturing was limited to the monasteries and apothecaries alone. The lack of grapes and vineyards led to the fermentation of grain mash, thus leading to the production of the modern Scottish grain spirit.
The production processes
The process depends solely on the country, but the general process is the same most of the time. The process begins with malting, whereby barley is moistened and then allowed to grow partially to secrete an enzyme that converts the starches to sugars. After malting, mashing occurs. Mashing is whereby the grains being used, corn, and rye, among others, are added to hot water in a large tank and then agitated. After the mashing is done, fermentation then begins. The fermentation process can take about 48 hours or 96 hours. Two types of distillation are then performed: pot still distillation and column still distillation. Then the spirit is left to mature, and after maturation, it is bottled and ready for selling and consumption.
The popularity
Whisky became a primary liquor in most markets during the 1800s when the French brandy industry was affected by pests. Scotland has been the biggest producer of the grain spirit for over a century, followed by other nations such as Japan, the USA, and Ireland. The spirit is very popular among people in their thirties. However, most Scottish grain spirit drinkers have had the luxury of enjoying the drink before age 31. About 42 bottles of alcoholic beverages are exported from Scotland per second, and that is enough to tell you that the popularity, as well as the revenue, is insane!
The types and brands
The well-known types of the ‘water of life’ spirit, as most people refer to it, include; rye, Canadian, Japanese, scotch, bourbon, Tennessee, and the harrow festival type. Among the famous grain spirit brands are unpeated, Somy Single Malt, Arran Robert Burns Single Malt, Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch, Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch, Glenlivet 12 Year Single Malt Scotch, Chivas Regal 12 Year, Sherry Cask Aged and Dewar’s 15 Year Single Matt Scotch.
Conclusion
With help from the above text, you will be more knowledgeable about alcoholic beverages. However, as a finishing note, you should know that all scotch is part of whiskies, but not all whiskies are scotch. There are also health benefits that come with consuming whiskies, but be sure to consume them considerably.
