So Many Brown Bottles – So Little Time!

There are so many choices, how do you know what to choose?

It can be overwhelming looking at a full rack of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch bottles and not know what to pick.

There are so many different varieties and when you’re new to the bourbon world it’s hard to break down what you’re looking at.

So let’s take a look what each main type is and a little about them.

• Irish Whiskey
• Scottish Whisky
• Japan Whisky
• Canadian Whisky
• Tennessee Whiskey
• Bourbon
• Rye Whiskey
• Single Malted Whiskey
• Single Barrel Whiskey
• Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

And we haven’t even gone into the new craft distilleries yet!

Let’s start with a brief explanation of what these are first.

Irish Whiskey can be lighter and sweeter than the American whiskeys, primarily because it’s made of barley that is mashed malt and can be distilled with water and caramel coloring. It is aged in wood barrels for 3 years before bottling.

Scotch Whisky (generally called Scotch) produced only in Scotland of course, was originally made with malted barley, but now can be either a malt whisky or grain whisky, (and sometimes a mix). All their whisky’s are aged to a minimum of 3 years according to law. Scotland mandates very strict laws on how their whisky is distilled to keep to their high standards.

Japanese Whisky is distilled along their island’s coast much like Scotch whisky. Using Scotch methods, they’ve kept the distillery processes the same, but the Japanese use less peat during the malting drying process giving it a smoky taste to it. Japanese Whisky has been around since the 1870’s and commercially since 1924, however the latest boom in whiskey/whisky’s has increased supply and demand, giving the Japanese recognition for their whisky as well as drive the price up.

Canadian Whisky is whisky that is distilled and produced in Canada. It is mostly a corn base whisky often blended with multi-grain and is lighter and smoother than other whiskey/whisky. Their most popular brand is Crown Royal and can be found worldwide. The story goes (printed on the label) that it was first created in 1939 for the King and Queen of England’s visit. Crown Royal is a blend of 50 different Canadian whisky’s, 5 different mash recipes and 12 distillery columns and are aged at different times in charred oak barrels. Since the winters are brutal there the barrels go through contraction and expansion periods creating the unique award-winning smooth flavor.

Tennessee Whiskey is straight whiskey distilled in Tennessee with atleast 51% corn and filter through maple charcoal before aging. It is not a bourbon because of the filter process.

Bourbon Whiskey is an American product. To be labeled as Bourbon it must be made in the US with at least 51% corn mash, be produced no more than 160 proof and stored in new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof and bottled at no less than 80 proof. It cannot have any additives nor water added after it is barreled.

Rye Whiskey. In American Rye Whiskey must be made with 51% rye and the rest of the mash can be corn and malted barley. It must be 160 proof and stored in new charred oak barrels much like bourbon. The differences is the flavor the rye gives verses the corn in the bourbon. Rye will give you a spicy taste like nutmeg, whereas a bourbon’s corn mash will be more caramel like in flavor.

Other whiskey/whisky makers use rye too in some of their blends, but only American Whiskey makers follow the 51% rye requirement.

Single Malted Whiskey means it is distilled in one (single) distillery with a mash bill of 100% malted barley and aged for a minimum of three years.

Single Barrel Whiskey/Whisky is whiskey that is from a single barrel not mixed.

Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of bourbon whiskeys from select barrels that are aged differently and are from the racks in other locations. It provides unique flavors that you can’t get from a single barrel. 

Whew! Where to start? I’ve been drinking whiskey/whisky & bourbons for a number of years, so for me to order it neat (straight up, no ice, no mixers) that’s not uncommon. However, if I were to introduce a bourbon to a wine drinking friend – neat might be a bit much to start with.

If you like to drink mix drinks already or enjoy wine, start with a mix drink with whiskey/whisky that are on the sweet side.  A mix with ginger ale and a lower proof whiskey/whisky will introduce your taste buds to see what you like. Your local pub will have their standard well liquor or house brand, which are low cost brands that mix well for cocktails.

An Old Fashion is a drink that is made with bourbon and you can taste different flavors like orange with hints of nutmeg. It’s not a heavy strong drink by any means. Order it with Maker’s Mark bourbon and enjoy how the blend of ingredients are warm and mellow. I think as you let it sit (breathe) it gets even better.

Whiskey/whisky & water on ice allows a whiskey to open its flavors to be enjoyed more. Canadian whiskies are nice this way like Crown Royal.

Jack & Coke is a popular drink, made with Jack Daniels and Coca Cola in a tall glass with ice. This is a strong drink for some, but the cola adds a refreshing bubbly taste to it.

Bulliet Bourbon Whiskey is one that I enjoy neat. Would I encourage someone new to try this first? No! You will probably never drink whiskey again! It’s bold full flavor is one to enjoy when you’re ready.

I will go into taste testing later. And I promise it won’t be a “it has the flavor of popcorn and a hint of peanut shells…” Seriously who wants to drink that?!

Read the label on the bottle, it will give you an insight on how it will taste like a bottle of wine will. Whiskey’s with Rye in it will offer more of a spicy (think baking spices – not hot sauce!) taste to it.

Bottom line – there is no right or wrong way. We each have our own likes and dislikes and that’s okay. Start with the one that interests you and enjoy the journey.