
For those of you who are unfamiliar with rye, it is a type of grain that is closely related to wheat. Rye whiskey is distilled from at least 51% rye. The popularity of rye grains is why Canadian whisky’s alternative name is rye whisky. For a long time, rye was the most popular grain. The spirit is usually made from a few different grains, but corn is the most prevalent in the mash. Compared to others, Canadian whisky is lighter and smoother than the rest. Each region has its own unique flavor and aroma profile.Ĭanadian whisky is commonly interchangeable with the term “rye whiskey” in Canada. There are five major Scotch regions in which Scotch is produced. Scotch must be aged at least 3 years in oak containers, upon which it is distilled and bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol. Blended Scotch is a blend of whiskies from one or more distilleries. Single malt Scotch is made only from water, yeast and malted barley at a single distillery, while single grain Scotch is produced by a single distillery, but may contain other whole grains in the ingredients list. The spirit is mainly produced using malted barley, while Bourbon comes from corn. The process in Tennessee is called the Lincoln County Process, where whiskey is filtered in charcoal before entering the casks.Īs the name suggests, Scotch is distilled and matured in Scotland. The separation of the two comes down to their filtering processes. As the name suggests, Tennessee whiskey is made from distilleries in Tennessee, while Bourbon is primarily produced in Kentucky. Only the law separates Bourbon whiskey from every other type of whiskey.įirst and foremost, the most significant difference between Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky Bourbon is the location. Additionally, distillers must store the mixture in a new charred oak container without additives. The rest of the mash bill can come from rye, wheat, malted barley, or malted rye grain. For a whiskey to be considered Bourbon, the mixture of grains that the product is distilled into (its mash bill) must be at least 51% corn. These are some of the smoothest whiskeys ever made.īourbon whiskey is sweet and smoky in flavor due to its aging in new charred oak barrels. Like Kentucky Bourbon, wheated bourbon is smooth and has a sweeter profile as you can find vanilla, honey, dried berries, and toffee notes. Almost all wheat whiskeys come from the United States. Wheated whiskeys have emerged in rising popularity. Aging Scotch in these containers mellows out the mixture while adding fruit and spice notes to the flavor. Scotch and Irish whiskeys are traditionally aged in used barrels, often including sherry casks. Peat adds a smoky earthiness to its flavor profile. This grain is primarily used for Scotch and is malted and dried with peat.


Those who need a punch should drink a glass made from barley.

The spirit must be made from at least 51% rye grain and aged in charred American oak barrels to be labeled rye. That makes them rich and undeniably unique. Rye boasts the same ripe and dried fruit flavors as corn-based whiskeys but with some extra spicy and nutty flavors. If you prefer a little more intensity with your whiskey, rye adds a perfect amount of spice. Its notes of toasted marshmallows add a hint of flavor that sets your taste buds over the edge.

Corn-grained whiskeys have honey, browned butter, and creamy flavors to create a magnetic base that’s perfect for sipping. Here is a quick rundown of the commonly used grains in your favorite whiskeys.Ĭorn grains are best for those who need an easy-drinking beverage. Most whiskeys are made with a blend of multiple grains to create texture, depth, and flavor. Understanding the grain ratio that makes your favorite glass heightens your ability to recognize, appreciate, and savor your favorite whiskeys.Įach dark spirit starts with corn, rye, barley, or wheat grains. A Guide to GrainsĪll whiskeys contain a different ratio of grains. While each whiskey is unique in its own way, they are generally described as warm, spicy, sweet, toasty or caramelly. Whiskey’s are usually distinguished by their place of origin, grains used, and the ageing process. The grain mash is then aged in a wooden container, which gives it’s distinct brown color and taste. Technically, whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage produced from fermented grain mash. What does Japanese whiskey and Kentucky Bourbon have in common? What is the difference between Kentucky bourbon and Scotch whiskey? The grains that go into the mash bill play a huge role in determining what kind of whiskey will come out of the still.
