Interested in your own Tasting?
What is Whisk(e)y?
- Whisk(e)y is a spirit made from fermented grain that is distilled and matured in oak casks.
- There are three main ingredients in whiskey: water, grains, and yeast. These ingredients all have an influence on flavor.
- Distillation is typically done on a traditional pot still or a column still. Whiskey is most commonly distilled twice.
- The distilled whiskey is then matured or aged in oak. This is where the spirit picks up flavor and color from the barrel. The inside of the barrel also acts as a charcoal filter and removes unpleasant flavor compounds from the whiskey.
What makes one whiskey different from the next?
Differences in whiskey usually depend on the country where it is produced.
- Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at a single distillery in Scotland and is made from 100% malted barley. It can be aged in new or used oak casks. Some Scotch whisky is produced using peat smoke which adds a smoky flavor to the spirit. Blended Scotch is comprised from whisky made at multiple distilleries and using other grains besides malted barley.
- Bourbon is a unique product of the US, made from at least 51% corn, and must be aged in a brand new charred oak barrel. Most bourbon also uses rye and malted barley in the recipe. Some bourbons use wheat instead of rye.
- Irish Whiskey is produced in Ireland, is typically distilled three times, and often contains a percentage of both malted and unmalted barley which can create a clean, grassy flavor profile.
- Japanese whisky is most commonly made as a single malt or as a blend similar to Scotch whisky. It typically has a lighter flavor profile due to careful production methods used during distillation.
Tonight’s Whiskies
Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot “B”
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace – Frankfort, KY
- Mashbill: Undisclosed Wheated Mashbill
- Strength: 45.2% ABV (90.4 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Cherry, caramel, vanilla, oak, clove, cinnamon, brown sugar.
Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak
- Distillery: The Macallan – Aberlour, Scotland
- Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
- Strength: 43% ABV (86 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Raisins, fruitcake, honey, aromatic, ginger, dried fruits, orange citrus.
The Balvenie Portwood 21 Year
- Distillery: The Balvenie – Dufftown, Scotland
- Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
- Strength: 43% ABV (86 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Sweet oak, orange peel, honey, dried berries, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice.
Hibiki Harmony
- Distillery: Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita – Japan
- Mashbill: Undisclosed
- Strength: 43% ABV (86 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Fresh fruit, floral, raisin, dry oak, pear, citrus.
Port Charlotte 10 Year
- Distillery: Bruichladdich – Isle of Islay, Scotland
- Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
- Strength: 50% ABV (100 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Wood smoke, fruit salad, almond, grilled pineapple, lemon zest, malty, earthy.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Wheated Bottled in Bond
- Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Co. – Bardstown, KY
- Mashbill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
- Strength: 50% ABV (100 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Lemon meringue, graham cracker, chocolate orange, toffee, nutmeg, vanilla frosting.
Michter’s 10 Year Rye
- Distillery: Michter’s – Louisville, KY
- Mashbill: Undisclosed
- Strength: 46.4% ABV (92.8 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Crème brûlée, rye spice, toffee, fresh-baked pastries, butterscotch, orange peel.
Michter’s US*1 Rye
- Distillery: Michter’s – Louisville, KY
- Mashbill: 53% Rye, 33% Corn, 14% Malted Barley
- Strength: 42.4% ABV (84.8 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Cornbread, maple, cherry, clove, light oak, hint of peppermint.
Book Single Malt Savvy for your next event!
Interested in hosting an in-person or virtual whiskey tasting for your next corporate or private function? Let us custom build the perfect event for your group!