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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 additional flavor and color from the barrel. The inside of the barrel also acts as a charcoal filter, removing 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. A small amount of Scotch whisky is produced using peat smoke which adds a smokey flavor to the spirit. Blended Scotch either comes from whisky made at multiple distilleries or using other grains besides malted barley.
- Bourbon is a unique product of the United States, made from at least 51% corn, and must be aged in a brand new charred oak barrel.
- American Rye Whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye and, like bourbon, must be aged in a brand-new charred oak barrel.
- Tennessee Whiskey is made like bourbon and rye, but the new distillate undergoes charcoal filtration before aging in new oak.
- Irish Whiskey is produced in Ireland, is typically distilled three times, and usually 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 the production techniques used during distillation.
Today’s Whiskies
George Dickel Signature Recipe
- Distillery: Cascade Hollow – Tullahoma, TN
- Mashbill: 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley
- Strength: 45% ABV (90 Proof)
- Tasting Notes: Vanilla, maple, floral, chocolate, cinnamon, tart fruit.
Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey
- Distillery: Nelson’s Green Brier – Nashville, TN
- Mashbill: Undisclosed proportion of corn, wheat, and malted barley
- Strength: 45.5% ABV (91 proof)
- Tasting Notes: Orchard fruits (apple, pear), nutty, vanilla, brown sugar, cornbread, ginger, pepper, clove.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye
- Producer: Jack Daniel’s – Lynchburg, TN
- Mashbill: 70% rye, 18% corn, 12% malted barley
- Strength: 47% ABV (94 proof)
- Tasting Notes: Vanilla, caramel, cherry, creamy, fresh mint, rich oak, ripe fruit.
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