The first step to appreciating and understanding whiskey to the fullest extent is knowing the various types of whiskey (and whisky) out there. Each style is made following specific, and often legally binding, rules that dictate how the spirit can be made and what it can be made with. And while there will be some similar flavors you can pick up between the different types, it’s the differences that make the wide world of whiskey so fun to explore.
There are too many different styles and substyles of whiskey around the world to count out here, but these are the 12 main types that every drinker should know regardless of where you’re at in your whiskey journey.
The Difference Between Whisky and Whiskey
Truly the only thing that sets these two words apart is the spelling. Ireland and America both using the spelling “whiskey.” In Scotland, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and just about everywhere else whiskey is made, brands drop the “e.” While the spelling may give a clue as to where the whiskey comes from, it doesn’t indicate much more than that.
The Types of Whiskey Every Drinker Should Know
Single malt whiskey
Single malt whiskey, a favorite among dedicated enthusiasts, is made from malted barley and distilled at a single distillery. Scotland makes the most famous single malts in the world, though the style is made in Ireland, Japan, India, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States as well. How long it’s aged and the type of barrel it’s aged in will differ from country to country and drastically impact the flavor. Additionally, the use of peat to dry the barley, like those from the Islay region of Scotland, will change what the final spirit tastes like (though it should be noted that not all single malts have a strong peat smoke flavor). Single malts are best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.
Give it a try:
Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10 Year
Aberlour 16 Year Old
Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky, a beloved spirit known for its rich history and distinct flavors, is crafted exclusively in Scotland (in fact, it’s required to be distilled, aged, and bottled in Scotland). It must be made using only cereal grains, water, and yeast, and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years to develop its character. There are two main types of Scotch whisky: single malt and blended. Single malt Scotch whisky is made from malted barley and produced at a single distillery with some of the most hyped bottled (both expensive and affordable), as noted above, while blended Scotch whisky combines different malt and grain whiskies to create a unique flavor profile. Scotch whisky is often enjoyed neat, though there are some classic Scotch cocktails worth trying as well. It’s the latter that is by far the most commonly sold, led by brands like Johnnie Walker, Dewar’s, and Chivas Regal.
Give it a try:
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Lagavulin 8 Year
Bourbon
Bourbon can legally only be made in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, it can be made anywhere in the country and not just in Kentucky, though the style does get its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, and it’s true that bourbons from the state are some of the most famous. It must be made using at least 51 percent corn, and the other grains most often include rye, wheat, or barley. One thing that sets the spirit apart is that it must age in new charred American oak barrels for at least two years. This means that the bourbon industry goes through a lot of barrels, which are then passed on to distilleries elsewhere to age their whiskey and other spirits like tequila and rum. Bourbon has a wide range of flavor profiles, but are generally on the sweeter side with distinct caramel and vanilla notes. One of the most beautiful things about bourbon is that you can find a quality bourbon in every price range, from as low as $20 up to $200 and beyond.
Give it a try:
Knob Creek 9 Year
Maker’s Mark
Rye whiskey
Rye whiskey, made primarily from rye grain, offers a distinct spicy flavor profile that sets it apart. It’s the original key ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned, and has a long history in the United States. In recent years, rye whiskey has seen a resurgence in popularity, with craft distilleries, primarily in Canada and the United States, producing high-quality options. Empire Rye, a relatively new substyle of the wider category, leads the way by using rye grown in New York. Popular brands like Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey and High West Double Rye have gained recognition in the whiskey world. Rye whiskey can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but the style particularly lends itself well to cocktails.
Give it a try:
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
High West Double Rye
Grain whiskey
Grain whiskey, often considered the opposite of malt whiskey, is made from a blend of grains like corn, wheat, rye, and barley. The term is most typically used in relation to whiskeys from Scotland and Ireland. It’s typically lighter and less flavorful compared to other types of whiskey. It serves as a base spirit for blended whiskies, but some distilleries also produce single-grain whiskies using only grains. Haig Club and Compass Box Hedonism are popular brands of grain whiskey. With its unique characteristics, grain whiskey adds diversity to the world of whiskies, offering a different experience for drinkers when they find them.
Give it a try:
Haig Club
Compass Box Hedonism
Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey, made in Ireland following strict regulations and traditions, is renowned for its smooth and approachable flavor. It is typically triple-distilled, resulting in a light and fruity profile with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus. Irish whiskey can be made from various grains like barley, corn, and wheat. Popular brands include Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore Dew. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Irish Coffee. Irish whiskey adds a unique touch to the world of whiskies, with its distinct flavors and traditional production methods.
Give it a try:
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Tullamore Dew
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey offers a smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile that’s achieved through a unique process called the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the maple charcoal. Similar to bourbon in terms of production methods and ingredients, Tennessee whiskey sets itself apart with this additional step. Famous brands like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel have made a name for themselves in the world of Tennessee whiskey. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks, or swap it in for classic cocktails that typically use a rye or bourbon. It’s a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts and a staple in any well-rounded whiskey collection.
Give it a try:
Canadian whiskey
Canadian whiskey is most often blended rye whiskey, and it’s common to find a high percentage of rye grain (even up to 100 percent) used in its production. It is favored for its smooth and light flavor profile, which makes it a popular choice for mixed drinks. Similar to other types of whiskey, Canadian whiskey must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years. Some well-known Canadian whiskey brands include Crown Royal, Canadian Club, and Forty Creek.
Give it a try:
Japanese whiskey
Japanese whiskey has gained international recognition and popularity in recent years. Known for its smooth and delicate flavor profile, Japanese whiskey is heavily influenced by Scottish whiskey-making techniques, and you’ll often find similarities between the two. Distilleries in Japan often incorporate unique ingredients and aging methods, resulting in distinct flavors that set them apart from other types of whiskies. Some popular Japanese whiskey brands include Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Nikka. With its growing reputation, Japanese whiskey has become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and a must-try for those looking to explore different types of whiskey.
Give it a try:
Blended whiskey
Blended whiskey is a combination of various types of whiskey. Different grains, barrel types, and even whiskeys from different distilleries can make it into a blended whiskey–sometimes dozens of different whiskeys make it into a blend, especially in places like Scotland. Most of the best selling and more popular whiskeys in the world are blended whiskeys. Blending is an art unto itself, and results in a consistent and complex flavor profile that brings together the best qualities of different whiskies.
Give it a try:
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Chivas Regal Blended Scotch Whisky
Wheat whiskey
Wheat whiskey, a type of whiskey made with wheat as the main grain, offers a smooth and mellow flavor profile. With hints of caramel and vanilla, it is often aged in charred oak barrels to add depth and complexity. Growing in popularity among whiskey enthusiasts, wheat whiskey is commonly enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Notable brands such as Bernheim Original and Dry Fly Washington Wheat Whiskey produce exceptional wheat whiskeys. Frey Ranch in Nevada makes a 100 percent wheat whiskey that speaks to the terroir of the land. With its unique characteristics, wheat whiskey provides a delightful drinking experience.
Give it a try:
1792 Sweet Wheat
Frey Ranch Wheat Whiskey
White whiskey
White whiskey, also known as moonshine or white dog, is an unaged spirit made from a grain mash like corn, wheat, or barley. It has a distinct flavor profile with notes of corn and grain. White whiskey is gaining popularity among whiskey enthusiasts for its historical significance and distinctive taste, and of course, because of the cultural history surrounding “moonshine” in England, frontier Pennsylvania, and throughout the American South. White whiskey is a more formal name, as historically, “moonshine” refers to illegally produced liquor for which no taxes have been paid nor regulations followed. .
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