So What is Whiskey...

So what makes whiskey...whiskey? That is a complex AND simple answer. We are going to go with a resonably short basic explanation. This may or may not be more than you want to know but just in case here goes. 

Whiskey is a spirit that is produced by distilling 100% fermented grain mash (most commonly,  corn, wheat, barley (malted) and rye), put into an oak container for storage and aging, distilled below 180 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.   

The first listed record comes from Ireland around 1405. Now in the general categories of Whiskey (Whisky) you have: Bourbon, Irish Whiskey,  Scotch, Japanese, Tennessee and Canadian. If the country of Origin has a "E" in the name it is usually spelled Whiskey (with an "e") If the country does not have an "E" it is usually listed as Whisky (No "E"). Although the spelling may be different it is still essentially the same. Most of it is pretty damn good! but to give you the basic differences let's start below (trust there are more details, this is a basic overview).

Bourbon 

Must be produced in the U.S.

Made from at least 51% corn 

Distilled at 160 proof or below

Put into a NEW charred oak container 

Have no added substances other than water 

Kentucky Bourbon - must be produced and aged for at least 1 year in the State of Kentucky

Straight Bourbon - must be aged at least 2 years. If it is aged less than 4 years, it has to have an age statement on the label. 

 

Tennessee Whiskey 

Tennessee All the same guidelines as Bourbon but made in Tennessee AND goes through what is known as the Lincoln County Process. It is a filtering system that takes the alcohol through maple wood charcoal before it goes into the barrel. BTW - Jack Daniels Whiskey does not say Bourbon anywhere on that bottle.  Don't loose a bet!  Even if you have been drinking a little bit...or a lot! 

Irish Whiskey 

Must be made in Ireland

Is made from cereal grains

Is fermented by yeast 

Distilled to max of 189.6

Aged in Ireland in wooden casks for at least 3 years

In addition you have Malt Irish Whiskey, Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Grain Irish Whiskey, and Blended Irish Whiskey. These all differ mostly by the type of still they utilize. 

Scotch

Produced in Scotland (Production is usually in the regions of Islay, Speyside, Lowlands, Highlands and Cambeltown)

Made from Malted Barley (and possibly other cereal grains) and uses the barley for the natural sugar/enzyme conversion 

Put in Oak Casks and aged for at least 3 years

Contains no other substances other than caramel coloring 

Under this category you also have single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain and blended scotch. With Scotch production the malt is usually smoked with burning peat. That smokiness influences the flavor. Also most Scotch is put into used barrels as opposed to new ones.

 

Japanese Whiskey 

Pretty much follows Scotch methods but has no legal definition 

 

Canadian 

Produced in Canada

Made from Cereal Grains

Aged in Canada in a Wooden barrel for at least 3 years

Flavoring and Coloring may be added

Now these are the basics...there are a lot more details to it. BTW - Moonshine is also in the Whiskey category - who knew? If you would like to learn more, please do so. I have listed some good reading sources for you. Grab a drink and get down to it...if the lines start getting blurry, put down the book/tablet/phone. Finish your drink and read some more the next day!!

 

The Ultimate Book of Whiskey by Joe Clark & Stuart Derrick 

Big Whiskey by Carlo Devito

Know it All Whiskey Editor Charles MacLean/Foreward Ian Buxton

The Bourbon Bartender by Jane Danger & Alla Lapushchik