Best whiskey

Table of contents:

1. Single malt whiskey
2. Blended whiskey
3. Grain whiskey
4. The best whiskey in the world
5. How to choose whiskey?

Whiskey is a distilled beverage made from various grains. There are stages in its preparation:

1. Germination of seeds (malting).
2. Fermentation.
3. Distillation.
4. Aging in oak barrels.

Whiskey is usually made from barley or wheat, but sometimes it can be made from rye. Separately, there is bourbon, which is made from corn. The strength of whiskey can vary within a very wide range, more often it is 32-50%, but sometimes there are drinks containing 60% alcohol. This variety makes it difficult to decide which whiskey to choose.

According to the difference in production technology, there are three types of whiskey:

• malt;
• blended;
• grain.

Single malt whiskey

This type of this drink is usually the answer to the question of which whiskey is the best, since it is considered elite, the most expensive and of the highest quality. Whiskey connoisseurs enjoy the best single malt whiskey. The production technology of this drink is the longest, since it must be infused in oak barrels for at least 3 years. The average exposure time is 10 years at all.

Single malt (malt whiskey) whiskey - a drink for the production of which sprouted barley (barley malt) is used. It must be distinguished from a grain whiskey so as not to be confused about which whiskeys are considered good.

The amazing ability of this whiskey is the dependence of its aroma and taste on the place of production.

But single malt whiskey is not all the same, but has several subspecies:

• Actually single malt whiskey is made at the same distillery, although it allows a blend of fractions from different years of harvest.
• Single cask whiskey comes from a single cask, it can have a cask strength, but it is often brought to the standard.
• Quarter cask whiskey is taken from a smaller barrel, which must be made of American oak. In this case, the strength of the drink increases to 50%, the taste is richer, and the ripening process is accelerated. This type of whiskey is most often chosen by the stronger sex, which is not surprising.
• The last type is pure malt (otherwise, blended malt or vatted malt) - a mixture of different distilleries.

Regarding single malt whiskey, there was a not unfounded opinion that it had a too pungent smell and a somewhat unusual taste. For this reason, they began to mix it with other types of whiskey. But this drink can no longer be called a single malt whiskey.

Video on which whiskeys are considered good

Although any single malt whiskey is produced according to the standard technology, but in each region it acquires its own specific flavor, by which it is easy to distinguish it from others.

The producers have a little secret that they don't like to advertise too much: there are two distinct types - consumer whiskey and whiskey from merchants. Both varieties are good. The only difference is that whiskey from merchants is produced in small distilleries, so it costs more. The consumer version is made on an industrial scale, so it is closer to the definition of a good inexpensive whiskey. There is also a difference in personality. Consumer whiskey has a standard good taste and aroma, and the bouquet of whiskey from the merchants "dances" strongly, and not necessarily for the better.

The location of a particular distillery and the peculiarities of the climate inevitably affect the qualities of single malt whiskey, so each batch is unique in taste.The water used in production is as important as the way it is distilled.

The best single malt whiskey can be found in bottles with the following names:

• Glen Grant, Glenfiddich.
• Bowmore, Highland Park.
• Aberlour Single Malt.

Blended whiskey

It is this type of whiskey that can be found most often in most stores, it is the most affordable. The prices are quite reasonable, and the taste is quite pleasant.

Blending refers to the blending of malt whiskeys with grains in the production of malt whiskeys. In total, the blend can include up to 50 different varieties. If the label contains the words "Deluxe" or "Premium", it means that the blend is made up of only elite expensive sorts, and the best sorts of whiskey are in front of the buyer.

If we consider the issue in terms of sales volume, then in the world 90% of the sold whiskey is blended. There are whiskeys that contain a minimum of malt, such as Chivas Regal, although the producers trumpet otherwise. Drinks with a high proportion of malt are labeled with the word "Delux", which you need to know before choosing a good whiskey. For those who still do not understand the difference in tastes of different whiskeys, it is best to study them by blended drinks.

Andrew Usher in 1853 developed the first blended whiskey recipe, it became the most common and was later called "Old Vatted Glenlivet". Whiskey production in England has come under government control since 1860. The point of blending is not so much to get a unique bouquet, but to maintain its stability from year to year. Any batch of drink selected for blending is immediately tasted after distillation. And which whiskey is better: single malt or blended - everyone decides for himself.

Notable representatives of blended whiskeys are:

• Ballantines.
• Chivas Regal.
• Bell's.

Grain whiskey

Experts classify grain whiskey as the lowest quality, even call it technical. Such a drink is made from burnt barley or corn. Grain whiskey also has a significant technological difference from malt whiskey in its production - for its distillation, special distillation stills are used, in which steam contributes to the continuous production of alcohol. On the open market, such a drink appears quite rarely, since it has almost no smell or taste. But after additional purification, it is used as a semi-finished product for the production of vodka or gin.

Notable brands of grain whiskey:

• Greenore.
• Choice Old Cameron Brig.

The best whiskey in the world

The whiskey producers established the World Whiskies Award in 2007, which became a kind of Oscar for them. Moreover, several nominations were highlighted:

• best malt;
• best single malt;
• best blended,

as well as the best whiskey by producer country:

• best Japanese;
• best Irish single malt, etc.

The historical spelling of the word "whiskey" is whiskey, but in the late 19th century, a distorted word "whiskey" arose to distinguish producers in other countries.

New winners are announced every year, so the question of which whiskey is better is more rhetorical. So, in 2014 the following brands won:

• Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask - the best single malt whiskey in the world;
• Taketsuru 17 Years Old - the best blended whiskey;
• The Lost Distilleries Blend - the best blended whiskey;
• Sons of Liberty Pumpk in Spice - Best Flavored Whiskey
• Master of Malt Speyside Whiskey Liqueur 40 Years Old - the best whiskey liqueur in the world;
• Teeling Single Grain - the best single grain whiskey;
• Thomas H Handy Sazerac is the finest rye whiskey.

How to choose whiskey?

The qualities of whiskey, like other drinks, depend on the ingredients and their proportions, and they create a unique bouquet.

Barley malt is the main ingredient in Scotch whiskeys, and minimalism reigns here. But the Irish decided to add rye there, which has become an integral part of the rich taste.America brought corn and wheat, and in Japan, rice and corn are added to whiskey along with barley.

A rather free choice and a combination of the original ingredients will not help in deciding which drink is the best - this is solely a matter of personal taste. When it comes to the best classic whiskeys, Scottish and Irish drinks are undoubtedly in the lead. It is important to learn how to drink whiskey correctly in order to feel the full flavor of the drink.

Video on which whiskey is the best

Choosing a whiskey in a store, you should look at its composition and strength. The more modest the composition and the higher the strength, the more solid the whiskey is. A good whiskey can be light yellow to brown in color.

The presence of sediment is not allowed.

On the walls of the bottle, when turning over, the liquid should go in a "stocking", and not in streams. After shaking the bottle with a drink, large air bubbles that do not disappear for a long time should appear in it.

Do you like whiskey? Which variety do you think is the best? Share your opinion in the comments.

Whiskey is a strong alcoholic drink, the name of which literally translates as "life-giving water". Being a faithful companion of self-confident people, it gains more and more popularity all over the world every year.

1 Enclosed in an oak barrel ...

Whiskey is a fragrant elixir made from various types of grains. The production process consists of malting, distillation and long aging in special oak barrels. Barley, wheat, rye, corn are used as the basis for whiskey. Thanks to the unique recipe, the finished drink has a rich color and unique smell. Ireland and Scotland are considered his home, but this does not interfere with the worldwide distribution of the popular alcohol.

The taste of the finished product depends on the quality of the grain, the method of preparation of malt, the method of filtration, the duration of exposure, the shape of the distillation apparatus, and the air temperature during the period of bottling and storage. That is why each type of whiskey is a kind of masterpiece among alcoholic beverages.

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2 Features of whiskey produced in different countries

Scotland is the birthplace of whiskey. Here the production of the drink is under the strictest control of the state. The distilleries of the United Kingdom have given the world famous brands of spirits: Highland Park, Macallan and Lagavulin. The best Scotch whiskey is barley scotch. It has no analogues, thanks to a special production technology, which is kept in the strictest confidence.

The Scots know how not only to drink whiskey, but to enjoy it. Drink the drink either in pure form or diluted with spring water. Other ways of tasting are considered simply blasphemous here. It is interesting that the first place in the world for drinking Scotch whiskey (1.9 liters per person) is occupied by France.

Irish whiskeys have a characteristic persistent aroma and a pleasant golden color. At the same time, unlike products from Scotland, they are completely devoid of the aftertaste of smoke. Instead, there are nutty, lemon and soft woody notes. The most common distilleries in Ireland are Jameson, Midleton, Bushmills and Cooley.

For the production of American whiskeys, corn or rye is used, sometimes barley is added. Drinks produced in this way have a bitter taste. In Canada, the basis for whiskey is rye, which is a kind of zest: this whiskey cannot be confused with any other. Canadian law strictly monitors the quality of the product. Only drinks aged for at least three years go on sale.

Japan is the youngest producer of this grain drink in the world.But at the same time, Japanese whiskey is famous for its mild aroma, lack of peat flavor. Thanks to a serious approach to the production process, the country has the right to boast of excellent product quality and the availability of expensive brands of the drink. By the way, the Japanese prefer whiskey rather than the traditional sake drink.

3 Collectible whiskey stamps

Whiskey is not only a pleasant, but also an exquisite drink, due to which its cost can vary in the range of several hundred and even thousands of dollars. Collectible varieties are valuable exhibits, and the owners carefully store them in specially equipped cabinets. There is even a world ranking, where the main criterion for choosing a winner is its price.

The leader in this list is the Macallan whiskey, which belongs to the blend of 1946. It is made from a mixture of three different varieties, and the price reaches 460 thousand dollars per bottle.

Moreover, every year the cost only increases. This whiskey is unlikely to be a pleasant addition to the evening by the fireplace. This is a kind of investment. The second place belongs to Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve blend of 1955. Its cost is much more modest than that of the leader, and amounts to about 94 thousand dollars. The bronze medalist is the 1926 Macallan, the price of which is 75 thousand dollars.

The fourth position belongs to Glenfiddich, whose blend dates back to 1937. The cost is slightly inferior to its predecessor: 72 thousand dollars. The fifth place of honor is taken by the rare brand Dalmore 62 Highland Malt Scotch Matheson, estimated at about 58 thousand dollars. The sixth to tenth places are shared by Macallan 55, Macallan 1939, Glenfarclas 1955, Dalmore 50 and Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50. In the name, the last figure indicates the number of years of aging. Prices for these drinks range from $ 10,000 to $ 16,000 per bottle.

Of course, not everyone can afford such pleasure. But even having 40-50 dollars in your pocket, you can enjoy a decent taste of the drink. The affordable price bracket includes such excellent whiskeys: Kingdom 12 Year Old Scotch, Town Branch Bourbon, Elmer T. Lee Bourbon Whiskey, Black Bottle Blended Scotch and Russell's Reserve 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey.

4 What kind of whiskey should you choose?

In the modern world, a more or less decent supermarket provides consumers with a huge selection of alcohol, including whiskey. Before buying and tasting a drink, pay attention to the label. It contains all the necessary information about the blend, aging, and type of drink. Therefore, before going to the store, it is recommended to read about each type of whiskey, so as not to spoil your impression forever.

Quality whiskey, when consumed in moderation, has a positive effect on the body as a whole. After all, it contains tannins and essential oils that calm the nervous system, which is the cause of many diseases. Very often, a person who wants to enjoy a wonderful drink for the first time is faced with the problem of which whiskey to give preference to, and which is the best whiskey.

How not to get confused in the variety and ruin the first impression? After all, high-quality alcohol is a real pleasure, while a fake, except for a terrible headache, will not be remembered much. Let's try to figure it out. Malt whiskey is the most valuable. It is prepared from one type of wort in one distillery and aged from six to twelve years. This is what determines its excellent taste and aroma.

In addition, special distillation devices are used, thanks to which each batch becomes exclusive. This whiskey isn't cheap, but it's worth it. If possible, it is better to start your acquaintance with malt varieties. Single malt whiskey is also produced at the same distillery, but it is allowed to mix varieties of different aging periods. The base is pure barley. In taste, it differs from malt in greater astringency and strength.

The most famous varieties are The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Glenfiddich, Bowmore, The Macallan, Laphroaig, Glen Grant, Cardhu, Balvenie, Glenmorangie.Blended whiskey is more affordable, and that is why its share in the total production volume is about 90%. The production of this variety is based on mixing grain and malt wort. The taste of the drink depends on the number of varieties in its composition and their quality. This whiskey is the most diverse in terms of the range of sensations it receives.

5 What dishes does whiskey go with?

What to choose from the variety presented? Connoisseurs and gourmets prefer malt whiskey. And this is justified. Despite the higher price tag, malt whiskey reflects the essence of this wonderful amber drink. It has a more balanced taste and a pleasant, rich aftertaste.

This variety, due to its less complex composition, perfectly emphasizes the delicate taste of octopuses, shellfish, oysters. The refined aroma will perfectly set off lamb and beef meat, cheese and vegetables. Single malt whiskey is richer and stronger, therefore it will be a good addition to dishes with foie gras, beef tongue, game, to various types of meat with hot sauces.

The classics are Blair Athol (without which it is difficult to imagine venison snacks) and Bowmore (forms a divine duet with quail dishes). Blended whiskeys are so diverse that they will find themselves a "match" in almost every aspect of the culinary arts. The light and honey taste of Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey whiskey, diluted with notes of pear and caramel, will be appreciated by the fair sex.

It will be an ideal base for cocktails and a great companion to fruits, chocolate and desserts. The 12-year-old Black Label of cold filtration, with a harmonious and mild taste, with hints of smoke, malt and notes of sherry will be a pleasant addition to a warm home evening. Due to its excellent rich taste and thick aftertaste, it goes well with meat dishes.

Whiskey is truly versatile and unique. Each of its varieties is unique in composition and presented sensations. Just as there are no two exactly alike people, there are no identical whiskey varieties. Which drink to choose depends only on a particular person and his preferences. But it is worth remembering that whiskey is a drink that should be properly enjoyed ...

Whiskey is an elite strong alcohol that is prepared from grain crops by distillation and aging in oak barrels. Real gourmets relish it in its pure form, consumers add it to cocktails more simply. Like any other alcohol, whiskey can be of either the highest or average quality. To understand the varieties, their rating will help you. You will understand which brand is better to choose for gatherings with friends, which one is not ashamed to present to the big boss, and which one will become a real investment, because some collectible bottles cost a fortune.

Best Malt Whiskey

An elite drink is an integral part of Western alcoholic culture. Today it has become popular in other countries as well, earning the status of a worldwide "strong guy". Such fame is easily explainable: alcohol has a pleasant taste and aroma, can be used both independently and in cocktails. Its strength is about 40 degrees, but no one limits producers in this regard, so some varieties can even be 60 degrees.

Whiskey is malt, that is, produced from pure malt without the addition of other grain crops. The "Gold Standard" in this category is a single malt distillery created by a single distillery. Such varieties are common in Scotland, where it is customary to sip them in small sips in the company of trusted friends, or even alone, trying to figure out the whole gamut of taste. The most famous brands in the category are Glenfiddich, Laphroaig, Macallan and others.

Single malt whiskeys are much more expensive than their multi-malt "counterparts" and production volumes are lower. The price of a bottle of such alcohol starts at 1,500 rubles, and there is no upper limit. There are seasoned collectible stamps, but it is extremely difficult to find them in ordinary stores - these are gifts for very wealthy citizens.

Malt whiskey can be blended.This is the name of the drink obtained by combining the products of several distilleries. The cost of such alcohol is slightly lower than the "single malt", and the taste is not much different: only sophisticated connoisseurs can feel the difference.

The next type of whiskey is "technical" (grain). Its difference from malt is that it is made from "grain", that is, germinated malt. It is practically devoid of the taste and smell characteristic of a classic drink. It is rarely sold in its pure form and is used for further blending. The most famous "technical" varieties are Glen Clyde, Glen Wolf, Black Barrel.

What are blended varieties?

The most common type of whiskey is blended. They are a mix of malt spirits, accounting for over 90% of world production. Such drinks are distinguished by an affordable price tag and therefore form the idea of ​​whiskey as a whole that arises among the average consumer. They fill the shelves of alcoholic beverages in inexpensive supermarkets.

Inside the blended class, there is a quality rating. For example, the well-known brands Jameson, Johnnie Walker, White Horse and John Dewar’s are at its lowest level. This type of drink is called "table" (in the likeness of table wine - alcohol without any special frills). In the production of mixed alcohol, the requirements for technology, the material of the casks and the duration of exposure are often violated. The result is "impersonal" and poorly distinguishable from each other products.

Chivas Reagal and Red Breast are the outstanding representatives of the deluxe class. They are prepared from high quality malt spirits and have a long aging. These are the finest examples of blended whiskeys with a high price tag.

The rating of the authoritative publication "The Bible of Whiskey" and the gradation of buyers

The quality and cost of elite alcohol is determined based on many factors: the country of origin, the duration of aging and the material from which the barrels were created, where it was stored. The type of product is also important: single malt, multi-malt or double malt.

Evaluating all the above parameters, the most authoritative specialized publications annually make a rating, which includes the best and most expensive brands. The price for one bottle of such alcohol can be thousands of dollars.

In 2015, the following brands took the first three lines of the rating according to the "Bible of Whiskey" magazine:

• Old Pulteney 21 YO - according to experts, all indicators of the taste and quality of this drink are simply at their best. The price matches: it can go up to $ 250 for a volume of 0.75 liters.
• George T. Stagg is another quality standard appreciated by gourmets around the world. The cost of a bottle does not drop below $ 150.
• Parker's Heritage Collection Wheated Mash Bill Bourbon 10 YO is another elite brand that can surprise even the discerning lover. The price of 0.75L is about $ 100.

Not everyone has the opportunity to pamper themselves with whiskey at a price of $ 200 a bottle. Therefore, the rating of elite brands can be supplemented with a gradation compiled by the consumers themselves. In their opinion, William Lawson’s from the Bacardi company takes the first place in taste and quality. The second line of the "charts" was occupied by Johnnie Walker Black Label, the third is the famous Maccalan.

Whether the ratings of experts and consumers deserve trust is up to you. Don't rely on the sophisticated tastes of the sommelier, try and discover something new. You will surely be able to find the brand that will not leave you indifferent.

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Soon the new year, and with it a festive feast. I would like to draw your attention to alcoholic drinks other than (brrrrr ... ..) vodka. Today I will introduce you to the 20 most popular brands of whiskey / bourbon in the United States. Remember that the word for whiskey is masculine and don't say "good whiskey" but say "good whiskey."

Quite by accident, the rating of alcoholic interest in the United States for the last month caught my eye. More precisely, the rating of interest in whiskey. In this topic, I am not an expert at all, and I can hardly be called an amateur, but I will give you a list. I apologize in advance for possible inaccuracies, and please mark them in the comments.So, the rating of American interest in whiskey / bourbon brands.

20 best (popular) whiskey producers

1. Jack Daniel's (USA)

2. Johnnie Walker (Scotch whiskey, Scotch. Scotland). Budget good whiskey (for my country taste).

3. Jameson (Whiskey. Ireland). A very popular drink. In one village I saw at the checkout a 5 liter "bottle" either for 5 or 7 thousand.

Everything is clear with leaders. Surely you have tried any of these three. The popularity rating of whiskey among the public is not limited to the leaders. I emphasize that this does not mean that these varieties are the best whiskey, it only means that they are the most popular. A good drink is not always the most popular. But, nevertheless, we continue.

Fourth to tenth place:

4. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve (Bourbon. USA). Really baffled me. I had to go to the internet. The history of the Van Winkle family in this business dates back to the 1800s. A special feature of whiskey is the use of corn, wheat, and barley in the recipe instead of corn, rye and barley. Well, until you try, you don't know.

5. Crown Royal (Canadian whiskey)

6. Jim Beam (Bourbon. USA). Well, this drink is familiar to everyone. A traditional drink for those who are afraid of flying.

7. Maker's Mark (Bourbon. USA)

8. Macallan (Scotland)

9. Buffalo Trace (Bourbon. USA). Another representative from Kentucky.

10. Lagavulin (Whiskey. Scotland). Scotch single malt whiskey.

From eleventh to twentieth place in the ranking of the whiskeybourbon:

11. Glenlivet (Single Malt Scotch Whiskey)

12. Woodford Reserve (Bourbon. USA)

13. Evan Williams (Bourbon. USA)

14. J&B (Whiskey. Scotland)

15. Glenfiddich (Whiskey. Scotland)

16. Wild Turkey (Bourbon. USA)

17. Knob Creek (Bourbon. USA. Produced by Jim Beam distilleries)

18. Balvenie distillery (Whiskey. Scotland)

19. Chivas Regal (Whiskey. Scotland)

20. Dewar's (Whiskey. Scotland)

Yes ... This is not "Hunt" strong plastic 2.25L. A friend of mine even had a theory about the smell of morning fumes. Beer fumes are present in a clear social loser, and the morning drunkenness with a glass of good whiskey raises the status to transcendental heights. See 5 more popular wines.

I will not be so categorical, but for those who are interested in brands of quality whiskey, I recommend the whiskeydaily site. com. The history of the factories, the whiskey tasting is told in an interesting and easy way. I wrote about replicas of alcohol and, in particular, Jack Daniels Old No.7 Tennessee in another post, so I will not return to this topic here. Moreover, it has nothing to do with good whiskey.

That's all for now. Remember that excessive consumption is harmful to your health. Good luck!

TretiakAbout everythingSoon the new year, and with it a festive feast. I would like to draw your attention to alcoholic drinks other than (brrrrr ... ..) vodka. Today I will introduce you to the 20 most popular brands of whiskey / bourbon in the United States. Remember that the word for whiskey is masculine and don't say 'good whiskey' but say 'good whiskey'.