Whiskey, alternatively spelled as whisky, is a type of distilled dark-grain alcoholic beverage made from a fermented mash of cereal grains and typically aged in wooden casks made from charred white oak. The difference in whether it is to be spelled as “whiskey” or “whisky” depends on where it was made. In the USA and Ireland, it is commonly spelled as “whiskey”; in Scotland, Japan, Canada, and other parts of the world, it is spelled as ”whisky.”

Whiskeys get their golden brown color from the aging or barreling stage when the liquid comes in contact with the wood, and the wood consequently imparts color and complex flavors to the whiskey. The barreling stage provides a hundred percent of the whiskey’s hue and about sixty percent of its flavor.

Variants of Whiskey

Different varieties of whiskey depend on the types of cereal grains used during the molting process, which could include barley, wheat, rye, and corn. Other factors that determine the main differences between the types of whiskeys are the production process, where the whiskey was made, and how long it was aged. 

 

Scotch Whisky

As the name implies, the first distinct feature of this type of whiskey is that it must be made in Scotland. Then for it to be Scotch whisky, it must be made from malted barley or grain and must be aged in oak casks for at least three years. They are also known for their distinctive smoky flavor, which comes from the molting process of heating over a fire. There are different types of Scotch Whiskies which include;

 

Single Malt Whisky

It is made using only malted barley, water, and yeast. 

 

Grain Whisky

It is made with the main ingredients being either maize, wheat, or both. 

 

Blended Whisky

Blended Scotch whisky is made by mixing single malt and single grain whiskies. 

 

American Whiskies

This consists of types of whiskies that are made in America, which include;

 

Bourbon 

This is a type of whiskey made in America from malted grains that are made up of at least 51 percent corn. 

 

Straight Bourbon

This type of bourbon contains no extra flavor or coloring and has been aged for at least two years. 

 

Blended Bourbon

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This type of bourbon could include other flavorings and spirits, but it must contain at least 51 percent of straight bourbon. 

 

Rye

This type of whiskey is made from a combination of malted grains that must be at least 51 percent rye and is primarily made in North America. However, Canadian rye can contain less than that amount of rye. 

 

Tennessee Whiskey

This is almost the same as the Bourbon, except for including charcoal filtering after the distillation process. 

 

Irish Whiskey

These are whiskies that are made in Ireland. They can be made with any type of cereal grain in any proportion and must be aged for at least three years. There are quite many popular brands and you might need a guide in choosing the best Irish whiskies. 

You can also make your own whiskey using a whiskey-making kit.

 

Serving

Because whiskies have an indefinite shelf life, many people decide to leave them out of the fridge. Some even claim it is best taken at room temperature to be able to savor its contents in their original flavor. But just like any other drink, it can be chilled with ice cubes whenever you’re ready. However, melting ice dilutes the whiskey and the flavors so you can go for whiskey stones instead. 

The method of consumption doesn’t stop at drinking neat, as you can also use whiskey to cook meals and create drinks like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

 

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Potential Health Benefits 

Even though having an alcoholic beverage and “health benefits” in the same sentence might sound contradictory, you might want to sit tight for this one, as there are potential benefits whiskies could provide. Some of these are; 

 

Relief of Cold Symptoms 

Whiskey can temporarily widen your blood vessels and help you clear mucus congestions in your chest and sinuses, which in turn helps your body deal better with infections and could relieve symptoms of cold or flu. It can also help with coughing. 

 

Reduces Inflammation 

The ellagic acid content of whiskeys reduces bodily inflammation and lowers the risk of obesity.

 

Heart Benefits

The high presence of polyphenol helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body. 

Other benefits include immune system support, better brain health, stress reduction, digestive aid, etc.

 

Wrapping Up

Note that the health benefits of whiskey are associated with taking it in low to moderate quantities, for example, a glass per day or two. Taking too much could result in health issues. 

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