Whiskey
Irish whiskey must come from and mature in Ireland. It is made from barley (malted and unmalted, unlike Scotch which is from malted only) as well as corn, rye, wheat and oats. The malted barley in Irish whiskey is dried in enclosed kilns and not over peat fires like scotch, so they are not smoky tasting and smelling like scotch. They are triple-distilled for extra smoothness and aged in casks for a minimum of 3 (however, many are usually 7 to 8) years. The barrels used to age Irish whiskey often have been previously used to age bourbon, sherry or rum, which contribute unique nuances to the whiskey. Some Irish whiskey brands are: Jameson, Bushmills, Powers and Redbreast and Tullamore Dew.
American Whiskey consist of Bourbon whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, Rye whiskey and American Blended whiskey.
Bourbon Whiskey – Bourbon received its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, although bourbon can be distilled anywhere in the United States. Bourbon must have a mashbill (the grain formula) of at least 51% corn, with other grain spirit comprising the rest, distilled at less than 160 proof, and be produced in the United States. When bourbon is placed into barrels for aging, it must be at least 80 proof but not higher than 125 proof. Bourbon must be aged a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels, although most straight whiskeys are aged for at least four years. No blending or additives (except water to reduce to bottling proof) is allowed.
This whiskey is produced in Canada and made primarily of corn or wheat and supplemented with rye, barley, or barley malt. Canadian whiskey is aged in used oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years although most are aged 4-6 years. Almost all Canadian Whiskey is a blend of various ages. Canadian whisky is the lightest example from the major whisky distilling countries. Well known Canadian whiskey brands are: Crown Royal, Canadian Club and Seagrams VO.
The whisky (no “e”) must come from and matured in Scotland. Scotch has a distinct smoky flavor that comes from the use of peat fires to dry the malt. Scotch will be labeled as “single malt” or “blended”. The age statement on a blended Scotch will be that of the youngest whisky in the blend.
Single Malt Scotch Whisky – is produced by a single distillery and has not been blended with whisky from any other distillery. The ingredients used come from one of the few specific regions designated for Scoch production. The whisky must be distilled and matured for at least three years in Scotland in order to be named Scotch whisky. Some Single malt Scotch brands are: Balvenie, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Aberlour and Laphroaig.