Whiskey is distilled from a fermented mash of grain,
usually corn, rye, barley, or wheat, then aged in oak barrels. In
the United States, whiskey must be distilled at less than 190 proof,
although whiskey designated as bourbon or rye cannot be distilled
above 160 proof, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. Whiskey is
clear when placed in barrels to age; it is during aging that whiskey
obtains its characteristic amber color, flavor, and aroma.
The major whiskey producing countries are the U.S.,
Canada, Scotland, and Ireland. Special grain characteristics, recipes,
and distillation processes make the whiskey of each country distinct
from each other.
American
Whiskey Dallas Bartenders
American whiskey falls into 2 major categories, straight
and blended. Straight whiskey is distilled from a 51% base of a single
grain and not blended with neutral grain spirits or other whiskeys.
Straight whiskeys are aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of
2 years. Bourbon is a straight whiskey. Rye whiskey is distilled from
a mash of not less than 51% rye. It is much like bourbon in color,
but is different in taste and heavier in flavor. Corn whiskey is distilled
from a mash of not less than 80% corn and commonly aged in reused
charred oak barrels.
Blended whiskey is a blend of one or more straight
whiskeys and neutral grain spirits, containing at least 20% straight
whiskey bottled at no less than 80 proof.
Canadian
Whisky
Dallas Bartenders
Like Scotch, Canadian whisky is spelled without the
'e'. Canadian whiskies are blended, usually distilled from rye, corn,
and barley. Produced only in Canada under government supervision most
Canadian whisky sold in the U.S. is at least 3 years old. Canadian
whisky is generally lighter-bodied than American whiskey and usually
sold at 80 proof. MacNaughton Canadian Whisky, blended and bottled
in Canada, was one of the early pioneers in the U.S. market. Canadian
LTD, blended in Canada but bottled in the U.S., is another popular
brand ranking fifth in the U.S. among popularly priced Canadian whiskies.
Irish
Whisky Dallas Bartenders
Irish whiskey like Scotch is a blended liquor containing
both barley malt and other grain whiskeys. Unlike Scotch, the malt
is dried in coal-fired kilns and the aroma of the fires does not reach
the malt. Generally aged a minimum of 5 years in used sherry casks,
Irish whiskey has a lighter flavor and is less smokey than Scotch.
