Many people think a whisky is simply like every other whisky, and why some people say they don’t like whisky. Chances are they tried a style of whisky that is not suited to their palate.
The sheer number of whiskies available, each with its unique taste and personality, means that no matter what your preference is, there will be one that you like.
Whisky ranges from single malt and single grain to most commonly, blended whisky; all with varying flavour components, smoothness and character. No two whiskies will be the same, even if they both have “Single Malt” on the label. The grain or malt used, the choice of wood, the climate in which the whisky has been matured in and the master distiller’s expertise, all create whiskies that are distinctly different.
The three types of whiskies are:
Malt whisky – made from malted barley
Grain whisky – made from various types of grain such as corn, wheat or rye
Blended whisky – a blend of both malt and grain whiskies
‘Single’ on the label of either malt or grain whisky means that the whisky was distilled at one distillery.
What’s the story with Malt whisky?
Malted barley must be used in the production of malt whisky and it must be distilled using copper potstills. The whisky can either be peated or unpeated, depending on the style of the whisky. Peat refers to vegetation in the ground compounded over thousands of years in certain parts of Scotland, Ireland and other European countries. The peat is used to infuse the barley with a distinctive smokiness and medicinal taste during germination, which is part of the malting process.
The Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt is a fine example of a medium-peated whisky with upfront flavours of fruit cake, shortbread and subtle smoke.
Exploring Grain whisky
Grain whiskies are light-bodied and offer sweet notes rather than smoky. Made from cereals such as wheat, corn or rye, grain whisky is distilled using a column still which produces larger volumes of spirit at a higher alcohol by volume.
Although commonly used to blend with malt whisky, grain whiskies are becoming more popular as a category on their own due to their ease of drinking.
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky with its combination of sweet and spicy aromatics, exceptional smooth finish and lightness has become a firm favourite for those new to whisky as well as more established whisky drinkers.
The wide world of Blended whisky
By far the most consumed category, blended whiskies are a blend of both grain and malt whiskies. The light, sweet aromas of grain whisky soften the flavourful malt whiskies, creating an accessible style that is widely enjoyed.
The percentage of grain to malt used in a blend varies from distiller to distiller and the style they wish to achieve. It is during this blending of two unique whiskies, that the master distiller’s skills turn whisky-making into art.
Try the Three Ships 5-Year-Old with its distinctive aromatic peatiness, ripe pears and shortbread, or the upfront sweet vanilla and caramel, and hints of cinnamon of the Three Ships Bourbon Cask.
YOU KNOW HOW TO DRINK WHISKY, RIGHT?
The debate rages on over which is the correct way to drink whisky, but whisky offers such variation that in the end there is no one ‘correct’ way to enjoy it. It all depends on the style of whisky, the company you are with and the occasion. On a hot day, you might favour your whisky with soda and lots of ice versus a cold stormy night where a whisky neat sipped by the fire sets the tone.
Here are some classic whisky-drinking styles for you to try out.
Neat
Drinking whisky neat means you are tasting it in its most natural form with no interference of water, ice or soda. This method can be rather overpowering if you are not used to drinking whisky but it’s the best way to uncover the aromas, flavours and finish.
Dash of water
By adding only a few drops of water, the flavours of the whisky will be revealed by softening the alcohol. Especially when you are tasting a whisky for the first time, add a dash of water. However, if you know the whisky well then add as much water as you like!
On the rocks
There is something special in the clinking of ice cubes as you enjoy your whisky served on ice. The ice however does mask the flavours and will dilute the whisky. Use large cubes to allow the ice to melt slower or whisky stones, leaving you with the chill rather than a watered-down drink.
Highballing
Odd name for a very simple drink that requires no fancy cocktail syrups and garnishes, Highballing is adding sparkling water, or a mixer such as lemonade or ginger ale to your whisky. Use a tall glass with large ice cubes to limit dilution, and the recommended two-part whisky to three parts mixer for a refreshing sipper.
Cocktails
Cocktails don’t have to be overly complicated. A traditional whisky cocktail with bitters, soda water and a slice of orange tastes impressive. The beauty of cocktails is that you can make a large pitcher for your friends and experiment with a variety of flavours.
Try this Old Fashioned cocktail for a refreshing alternative:
Ingredients
- 37.5ml Three Ships 5-Year-Old
- 20ml Runny Honey
- 20ml Freshly Pressed Lemon Juice
- 2 Slices Fresh Root Ginger
- 2 Dashes Bitters
Method
In a chilled shaker, mix all the ingredients and serve with a Maraschino Cherry