Whether you’re an experienced whisky connoisseur or just getting to know the spirit, whisky offers its own unique flavour and complexity. With so many varieties to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which whisky is right for you. Learn about the different types of whisky and how best to enjoy them.
Understand whisky basics
A great place to start is learning about the basic categories of whisky. These include single malt, blended malt, single grain, blended grain and blended Scotch whisky. While all whiskies are made from fermented and distilled grain mash, the type of grain and production processes can differ significantly between types. Different flavours can be achieved through ageing in different types of wood barrels. To help develop a taste for whisky, it’s essential to understand these distinctions and have an open mind when sampling different varieties.
Get to know the whiskey family tree
To truly appreciate whisky, it’s important to understand how each type is made and the differences between them. While all whiskies must be distilled from a grain mash, the type of grain used determines which category it falls under. Single malts are made from 100% malted barley, while single grains are made from other grains such as wheat or maize. Blended malt and grain whiskies combine different malt or grain whiskies to create something unique. Finally, blended Scotch combines malt and grain from multiple distilleries in Scotland.
Learn about flavour notes in whisky
To become an expert in whisky appreciation, it’s important to learn how to identify different flavour notes present in each whisky. These notes can vary greatly depending on the type and style of whisky you’re tasting. Some common flavours found across all whiskies include vanilla, oak, peat smoke, toffee, honey and caramel. Other flavours may be more unique to a certain type or country of origin such as lemongrass or pecan within a Scotch whisky.
Develop your tasting palate with whisky flights
To truly expand your whisky knowledge, it’s recommended to try a tasting flight. A whisky flight is a great way to sample several different types of whiskies and can be composed of multiple glasses of the same type or various styles. It’s very helpful to have something like a whisky journal to record each tasting experience and your impressions. This will allow you to hone your craft and develop your palate as an expert in whiskey appreciation.
Educate yourself on the best glassware and drinking vessels for your whisky experience
To fully appreciate whisky, you’ll need to become familiar with the best glassware and drinking vessels. It’s important to note that there are several options available — from classic rock glasses to tulip-shaped glasses — each of which has different benefits. For example, tumblers were originally used for drinking whiskey neat (without ice), while snifter glasses bring out the flavour and aroma of a whisky when adding a few drops of water. Knowing the type of glass best suited for your preferred whisky can make all the difference in your tasting experience.