This article will give you an overview of the diverse varieties of whiskey, including renowned brands like Jack Daniels, Jameson, Crown Royal, and Jim Beam. We’ll investigate what makes each unique.
Identifying how many whiskey types there are is challenging due to varying definitions and country-specific regulations. Consequently, sources may list 4, 5, or even 13 types. Moreover, new categories are continually being introduced. For instance, the Tobacco Alochol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) recently established ‘American Single Malt’ as a new standard.
In this article, we aim to make this subject accessible to everyone, from seasoned connoisseurs to beginners. We’ve distilled the information into an easy-to-understand format and defined the main 7 types of whiskey:
- Scotch Whisky
- Irish Whiskey
- Bourbon
- Tennessee Whiskey
- Rye Whiskey
- Canadian Whisky
- Japanese Whisky
What is Whiskey?
Wikipedia defines this spirit as “a type of liquor made from fermented grain mash.” The grains used can include barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Making whiskey involves distilling the fermented grain mash and aging it in wooden casks, generally made of charred white oak.
The alcohol content usually ranges from 40% to 50% by volume. One of the main characteristics is its brown color, which it acquires during the aging process in wooden casks.
Whiskey vs Whisky
The term “whiskey” usually refers to whiskeys made in the US and Ireland, while “whisky” refers to whiskies from Scotland, Japan, and Canada.
Types of Whiskey
Keep reading to explore the diverse whiskey types and the variety of flavors.
1. Scotch Whiskey
Scotch whisky, often called Scotch, is malt or grain whisky made in Scotland. It’s protected by law to maintain its high standards and unique characteristics. The production process involves malting barley, fermenting it in a mash, distilling it, and aging it in oak barrels for at least three years.
There are five distinct categories: Single Malt, Single Grain, Blended Malt (a blend of single malts), Blended Grain (a blend of single grains), and Blended Scotch Whisky (a mix of both malt and grain whiskies).
Scotch flavor varies by region, with sweet, light Speyside Scotches and smoky Islay Scotches. Regardless of region, all share notes of barley and vanilla, fruity fermentation flavors, and a warm alcohol finish.
Related: Scotch Cocktails
Brands and bottles we recommend:
- Glenfiddich – 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
- Johnnie Walker – Black Label Blended Scotch
- Macallan – Sherry Oak 18 Years Old Single Malt Scotch
2. Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey, made in Ireland and typically distilled three times, is a smoother, lighter spirit. The law requires it to age for at least three years in wooden casks, but often it’s aged much longer.
This type includes single malt, single grain, single pot still, and blended. Single malt is 100% malted barley from one distillery. Single grain uses other grains and comes from one distillery. Unique to Ireland, single pot still uses a mix of malted and unmalted barley. Blended combines two or more styles.
Irish whiskey is typically smoother and lighter than Scotch, with flavors ranging from crisp to full-bodied and spicy, depending on its style and aging.
Brands and bottles we recommend:
- Teeling – Small Batch Irish
- Bushmills – Original Irish
- Redbreast – 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still
3. Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon is an American whiskey, primarily made from corn (at least 51%) and aged in new charred oak barrels. It has to be distilled at no more than 160 proof and cannot enter the barrel for aging above 125 proof.
The aging process imparts distinct caramel and vanilla flavors to bourbon. It’s full-bodied with notes of oak, toasted nuts, and spice. To qualify as “straight” bourbon, it must be aged for a minimum of two years.
Bourbon can only be labeled as such if made in the U.S., originating from Bourbon County, Kentucky, but now produced nationwide. Did you know? Bourbon is often the preferred choice for an Old Fashioned cocktail.
Brands and bottles we recommend:
- Maker’s Mark – Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Woodford Reserve – Distiller’s Select Bourbon
- Buffalo Trace – Kentucky Straight Bourbon
4. Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey is a type of American whiskey similar to bourbon in terms of ingredients and production process but with an additional step known as the Lincoln County Process. This involves filtering the spirit through charcoal before aging, giving it a smooth and mellow character.
By law, this liquor must be produced in Tennessee from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and distilled to no more than 160 proof. It must also enter into the barrel at no more than 125 proof and be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.
The flavor profile typically includes caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak notes, much like bourbon. However, due to the charcoal filtering process, it often has a smoother finish.
Brands and bottles we recommend:
- Jack Daniel’s – Old No. 7 Tennessee
- George Dickel – No. 12 Tennessee
- Uncle Nearest – Premium Aged Whiskey 1856
5. Rye Whiskey
According to U.S. law, rye whiskey is made primarily from rye grain, which must constitute at least 51% of the grain mixture. It has a spicier and more robust flavor profile due to the high rye concentration.
It’s typically aged in charred, new oak barrels, contributing to its rich, warm color and complex flavors. It follows the same rules of a Bourbon Whiskey and it needs to be aged at least two years. Rye has a bold flavor that adds a distinctive edge to cocktails such as the Manhattan.
Brands and bottles we recommend:
- Bulleit – Rye
- Knob Creek – Rye
- Crown Royal – Northern Harvest Rye
6. Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky is produced in Canada. While there’s no requirement for the grain mixture to include rye, many do feature it prominently, leading to a spicier and richer flavor.
By law, it must be distilled and aged in Canada for at least three years in wooden barrels that are not larger than 700 liters. The aging process gives it a smooth and light character with caramel, vanilla, fruit, and spice notes.
The alcohol content must be less than 94.8% by volume at distillation and bottled at no less than 40% alcohol by volume. Unlike other types, Canadian whisky can add flavorings or caramel color and water after aging.
Brands and bottles we recommend:
- Crown Royal – Deluxe Canadian Whisky
- Canadian Club – Original 1858 Canadian Whisky
- Seagram’s – VO Canadian Whisky
7. Japanese Whiskey
Due to similar production methods introduced by Masataka Taketsuru, who learned distilling in Scotland, Japanese whisky is often likened to Scotch whisky.
The process typically involves malted barley, pot still distillation, and aging in wooden casks. It comes as single malt (100% malted barley from one distillery) or blended (a mix of malt and grain whiskies).
Known for precision, balance, and smoothness, Japanese whiskies often have delicate floral notes, fruitiness, and a hint of smoke. The soft water with low mineral content in production contributes to its distinctive taste.
For those inspired to try Japanese whisky in cocktails, we have a dedicated page on our site with creative recipes
Brands and bottles we recommend:
- Suntory – Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt
- Nikka – Coffey Grain
- Hakushu – 12 Year Old Single Malt
Related: Whiskey Glasses – Whiskey Cocktails – cheap and expensive whiskies
FAQs
What are the most popular types of whiskey?
The three most popular types are Scotch, Irish, and Bourbon. Due to their unique flavors, historical roots, and use in cocktails. Check our collection of Bourbon Cocktails.
Which type of whiskey is considered the best and why?
Many connoisseurs consider Single Malt Scotch Whisky the highest quality due to its complex flavors and traditional distillation methods. But remember, the “best” often comes down to personal preference, as taste can vary greatly among individuals.
What is American whiskey?
American whiskey is produced in the United States from a fermented mash of cereal grain. The primary categories of this American style are bourbon, Tennessee, and rye whiskey.
What are the 4 main whiskey flavors?
The four primary flavors often found are:
- Sweet: This can manifest as caramel, honey, or vanilla notes.
- Fruity/Floral: These can range from citrus and apple to more complex dark fruit or floral notes.
- Woody/Spicy: Derived from the aging process in wooden barrels, this includes flavors like oak, cinnamon, or clove.
- Peaty/Smoky: Particularly common in Scotch whiskies, these flavors come from peat smoke during the malting process
These flavors can vary widely based on factors such as the type of grain used, distillation method, length and location of aging, and whether it is a blend or single malt.
What are some less-known whiskey flavors?
While associated with flavors like caramel, vanilla, oak, and smoke, several unique and lesser-known flavor profiles can be found in certain whiskeys. These include Seaweed, Leather, Tobacco, Black Tea and Mint
What is Moonshine Whiskey?
Moonshine refers to a distilled spirit, typically made from corn mash, that was produced without a license. In fact, traditionally, it was made illegally and often at home, especially during the Prohibition era in the U.S. Today, some distilleries produce legal versions of “moonshine” whiskey, maintaining the clear color and potent strength associated with its historical counterpart.
